Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Independence, MO (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

McAllen and Independence have a similar cost of living.

$1,017/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 4%
$60,165/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 1%
$173,800 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 4%
$996/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↑ 5%
143,789
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $685/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Independence — common questions

Is McAllen or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Independence?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Independence?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $685/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Missouri?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Independence details →

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