Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

McAllen is 27% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,017/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 24%
$60,165/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 47%
$173,800 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 45%
$996/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 51%
143,789
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $28,151/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Elgin — common questions

Is McAllen or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Elgin?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Elgin?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $28,151/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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