Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

McAllen is 20% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,017/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 28%
$60,165/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 1%
$173,800 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 32%
$996/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 15%
143,789
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $782/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Lakeland — common questions

Is McAllen or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Lakeland?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Lakeland?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $782/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Lakeland details →

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