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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Irving is 55% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,517/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 33%
$79,641/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 24%
$287,300 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 40%
$1,521/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 35%
255,036
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $19,476/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs McAllen — common questions

Is Irving 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 Irving and McAllen?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or McAllen?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $19,476/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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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