Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Allentown, PA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

McAllen is 16% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,017/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 25%
$60,165/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 11%
$173,800 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 9%
$996/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 25%
143,789
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $6,762/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Allentown — common questions

Is McAllen or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Allentown?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Allentown?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $6,762/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Pennsylvania?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Allentown details →

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