Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

McAllen is 41% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,017/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 44%
$60,165/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 6%
$173,800 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 126%
$996/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 55%
143,789
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $3,709/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is McAllen or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Elizabeth?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $3,709/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Jersey?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McAllen and Elizabeth

McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland