Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

McAllen is 72% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,017/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 170%
$60,165/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 110%
$173,800 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 499%
$996/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 164%
143,789
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,725/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $20,700/year.

Median household income is $66,304/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Cambridge — common questions

Is McAllen or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Cambridge?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,725/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Cambridge?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $66,304/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Cambridge details →

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