Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Kansas City and McAllen have a similar cost of living.

$1,073/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 5%
$59,183/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 2%
$147,100 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 18%
$1,054/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 6%
154,776
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $982/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas City's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs McAllen — common questions

Is Kansas City or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and McAllen?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or McAllen?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $982/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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