Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Elk Grove is 155% more expensive than McAllen.

$2,180/mo ↑ 114%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 53%
$122,229/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 51%
$603,400 ↑ 247%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 71%
$2,227/mo ↑ 124%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 55%
177,221
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,163/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $13,956/year.

Median household income is $62,064/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs McAllen — common questions

Is Elk Grove or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and McAllen?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $1,163/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or McAllen?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $62,064/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and McAllen

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance