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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

McAllen is 37% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,017/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 51%
$60,165/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 7%
$173,800 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 88%
$996/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 42%
143,789
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $4,275/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Clearwater — common questions

Is McAllen or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Clearwater?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Clearwater?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $4,275/year higher in Clearwater.
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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Clearwater details →

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