Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Arvada, CO (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

McAllen is 57% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,017/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 77%
$60,165/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 88%
$173,800 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 246%
$996/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 96%
143,789
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $785/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,420/year.

Median household income is $53,231/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Arvada — common questions

Is McAllen or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Arvada?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $785/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Arvada?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $53,231/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Arvada details →

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