Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Billings, MT (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Billings

Montana
86

McAllen is 23% cheaper than Billings.

$1,017/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 8%
$60,165/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 19%
$173,800 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 79%
$996/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 18%
143,789
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $11,690/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Billings — common questions

Is McAllen or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Billings?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Billings?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $11,690/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Montana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Billings details →

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