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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Killeen is 14% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,147/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 11%
$58,339/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 3%
$196,000 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 11%
$1,176/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 15%
156,144
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $1,826/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs McAllen — common questions

Is Killeen or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and McAllen?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or McAllen?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $1,826/year higher in McAllen.
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 Killeen or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and McAllen

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance