Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

McAllen is 51% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,017/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 41%
$60,165/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 14%
$173,800 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 253%
$996/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 46%
143,789
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $8,213/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is McAllen or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $8,213/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View East Los Angeles details →

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