Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

McAllen and Las Cruces have a similar cost of living.

$1,017/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 7%
$60,165/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 8%
$173,800 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 25%
$996/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 2%
143,789
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $71/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $852/year.

Median household income is $4,989/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is McAllen or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Las Cruces?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $71/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $4,989/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Las Cruces details →

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