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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Houston is 33% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,313/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 23%
$62,894/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 4%
$253,400 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 31%
$1,316/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 24%
2,300,419
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $2,729/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs McAllen — common questions

Is Houston or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and McAllen?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or McAllen?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $2,729/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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