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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

McAllen is 43% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,017/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 68%
$60,165/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↑ 1%
$173,800 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 94%
$996/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 65%
143,789
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $692/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,304/year.

Median household income is $814/year higher in Miami Gardens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is McAllen or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $692/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $814/year higher in Miami Gardens.
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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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