Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Lansing, MI (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

McAllen is 14% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,017/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 4%
$60,165/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 13%
$173,800 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 31%
$996/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 2%
143,789
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,995/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Lansing — common questions

Is McAllen or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Lansing?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Lansing?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $7,995/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Lansing details →

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