Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Hampton, VA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

McAllen is 25% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,017/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 32%
$60,165/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 13%
$173,800 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 35%
$996/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 35%
143,789
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $329/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,948/year.

Median household income is $7,593/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Hampton — common questions

Is McAllen or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Hampton?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $329/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Hampton?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $7,593/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Hampton details →

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