Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Orange, CA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Orange

California
206

McAllen is 68% cheaper than Orange.

$1,017/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 121%
$60,165/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 94%
$173,800 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 418%
$996/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 140%
143,789
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,235/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $14,820/year.

Median household income is $56,780/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Orange — common questions

Is McAllen or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Orange?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,235/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Orange?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $56,780/year higher in Orange.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Orange?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Orange details →

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