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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Fort Worth is 47% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,412/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 28%
$76,602/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 21%
$277,300 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 37%
$1,489/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 33%
941,311
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $16,437/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs McAllen — common questions

Is Fort Worth or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and McAllen?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or McAllen?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $16,437/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Worth details → View McAllen details →

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