Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Athens, GA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

McAllen is 20% cheaper than Athens.

$1,017/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 14%
$60,165/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 14%
$173,800 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 56%
$996/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 17%
143,789
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $8,510/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Athens — common questions

Is McAllen or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Athens?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Athens?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $8,510/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Athens details →

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