Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Kent, WA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Kent

Washington
145

McAllen is 54% cheaper than Kent.

$1,017/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 80%
$60,165/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 50%
$173,800 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 209%
$996/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 92%
143,789
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $816/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,792/year.

Median household income is $30,251/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Kent — common questions

Is McAllen or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Kent?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $816/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Kent?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $30,251/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Washington?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Kent details →

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