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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Allen

Texas
137

McAllen is 52% cheaper than Allen.

$1,017/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 85%
$60,165/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 115%
$173,800 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 147%
$996/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 109%
143,789
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $860/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $10,320/year.

Median household income is $68,965/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Allen — common questions

Is McAllen or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Allen?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $860/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Allen?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $68,965/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McAllen and Allen

McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago