Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Gilbert is 124% more expensive than McAllen.

$2,028/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 50%
$121,351/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 50%
$518,600 ↑ 198%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 66%
$1,908/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 48%
271,118
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,011/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $12,132/year.

Median household income is $61,186/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs McAllen — common questions

Is Gilbert or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and McAllen?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $1,011/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or McAllen?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $61,186/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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.
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More Comparisons

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