Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Lakewood is 114% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,746/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 42%
$85,789/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 30%
$548,200 ↑ 215%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 68%
$1,729/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 42%
156,309
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $25,624/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs McAllen — common questions

Is Lakewood or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and McAllen?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or McAllen?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $25,624/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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