Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Odessa, TX (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

McAllen is 20% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,017/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 30%
$60,165/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 21%
$173,800 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 20%
$996/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 26%
143,789
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $12,865/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Odessa — common questions

Is McAllen or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Odessa?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Odessa?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $12,865/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Odessa details →

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