Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Lexington is 24% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,101/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 8%
$67,631/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 11%
$272,100 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 36%
$1,160/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 14%
321,122
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $7,466/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs McAllen — common questions

Is Lexington or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and McAllen?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or McAllen?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $7,466/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Texas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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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