Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Lincoln is 17% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,045/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 3%
$69,991/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 14%
$248,200 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 30%
$1,140/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 13%
291,932
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,826/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs McAllen — common questions

Is Lincoln or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and McAllen?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or McAllen?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $9,826/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Texas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and McAllen

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance