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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Lubbock is 14% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,137/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 11%
$60,487/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,165/yr ≈ Same
$197,900 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 12%
$1,179/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 16%
261,078
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $322/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs McAllen — common questions

Is Lubbock 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 Lubbock and McAllen?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or McAllen?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $322/year higher in Lubbock.
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 Lubbock or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View McAllen details →

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