Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Brandon, FL (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

McAllen is 39% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,017/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 66%
$60,165/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 28%
$173,800 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$293,800 ↑ 69%
$996/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 55%
143,789
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $674/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,088/year.

Median household income is $16,903/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Brandon — common questions

Is McAllen or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Brandon?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $674/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Brandon?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $16,903/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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