Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

McAllen and Cedar Rapids have a similar cost of living.

$1,017/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 9%
$60,165/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 13%
$173,800 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 2%
$996/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 9%
143,789
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $7,694/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is McAllen or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $7,694/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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