Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Norman, OK (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

McAllen is 13% cheaper than Norman.

$1,017/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↑ 5%
$60,165/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 8%
$173,800 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 38%
$996/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 13%
143,789
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,895/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Norman — common questions

Is McAllen or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Norman?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Norman?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $4,895/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oklahoma?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Norman details →

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