Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs College Station, TX (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

College Station

Texas
91

McAllen is 27% cheaper than College Station.

$1,017/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 15%
$60,165/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 14%
$173,800 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 88%
$996/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 26%
143,789
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $8,389/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs College Station — common questions

Is McAllen or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and College Station?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or College Station?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $8,389/year higher in McAllen.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View College Station details →

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