Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Garland is 45% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,525/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 33%
$74,717/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 19%
$248,900 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 30%
$1,445/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 31%
245,298
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $14,552/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs McAllen — common questions

Is Garland or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and McAllen?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or McAllen?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $14,552/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and McAllen

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance