Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Columbia, MO (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

McAllen is 18% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,017/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 5%
$60,165/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 7%
$173,800 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 54%
$996/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 12%
143,789
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $4,323/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Columbia — common questions

Is McAllen or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Columbia?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Columbia?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $4,323/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Missouri?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Columbia details →

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