Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Huntsville is 18% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,078/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 6%
$70,778/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 15%
$263,100 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 34%
$1,046/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 5%
218,814
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $10,613/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs McAllen — common questions

Is Huntsville or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and McAllen?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or McAllen?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $10,613/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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