Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

McAllen is 43% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,017/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 65%
$60,165/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 65%
$173,800 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 103%
$996/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 70%
143,789
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $38,950/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Carrollton — common questions

Is McAllen or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Carrollton?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Carrollton?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $38,950/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Carrollton details →

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