Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

McAllen is 16% cheaper than Dearborn.

$1,017/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 24%
$60,165/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 8%
$173,800 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 18%
$996/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 18%
143,789
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $5,027/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Dearborn — common questions

Is McAllen or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Dearborn?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Dearborn?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $5,027/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Dearborn details →

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