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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Glendale is 55% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,397/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 27%
$70,139/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 14%
$347,000 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 50%
$1,356/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 27%
250,193
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $9,974/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 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

Glendale vs McAllen — common questions

Is Glendale or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and McAllen?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or McAllen?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $9,974/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View McAllen details →

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