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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

McAllen is 7% cheaper than Abilene.

$1,017/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 9%
$60,165/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 4%
$173,800 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 3%
$996/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 12%
143,789
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $2,555/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Abilene — common questions

Is McAllen or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Abilene?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Abilene?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $2,555/year higher in Abilene.
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 McAllen or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Abilene details →

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