Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Fort Lauderdale is 100% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,776/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 43%
$79,935/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 25%
$455,600 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 62%
$1,778/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 44%
183,032
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $19,770/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs McAllen — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and McAllen?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or McAllen?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $19,770/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Fort Lauderdale details → View McAllen details →

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