Cost of Living: El Paso, TX vs McAllen, TX (2026)

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

El Paso and McAllen have a similar cost of living.

$1,041/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 2%
$58,734/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 2%
$171,700 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 1%
$1,044/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 5%
678,147
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,431/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs McAllen — common questions

Is El Paso or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and McAllen?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or McAllen?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $1,431/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to El Paso or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View El Paso details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for El Paso and McAllen

El Paso vs. Nashville El Paso vs. Washington El Paso vs. Oklahoma City El Paso vs. Boston El Paso vs. Denver El Paso vs. Las Vegas McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance