Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Downey, CA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Downey

California
169

McAllen is 61% cheaper than Downey.

$1,017/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 86%
$60,165/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 45%
$173,800 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 319%
$996/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 101%
143,789
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $875/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $10,500/year.

Median household income is $27,235/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Downey — common questions

Is McAllen or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Downey?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $875/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Downey?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $27,235/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McAllen and Downey

McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens