Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Lancaster is 88% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,696/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 40%
$76,083/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 21%
$409,100 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 58%
$1,746/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 43%
170,013
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $15,918/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs McAllen — common questions

Is Lancaster or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and McAllen?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or McAllen?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $15,918/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and McAllen

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