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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

McAllen is 31% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$1,017/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 47%
$60,165/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↑ 4%
$173,800 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$263,200 ↑ 51%
$996/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↑ 34%
143,789
Population
127,391

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
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $2,165/year higher in Lehigh Acres. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is McAllen or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $2,165/year higher in Lehigh Acres.
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 Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Lehigh Acres details →

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