Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

McAllen is 27% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,017/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 46%
$60,165/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 12%
$173,800 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 43%
$996/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 21%
143,789
Population
125,273

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $7,356/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is McAllen or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Palm Bay?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $7,356/year higher in Palm Bay.
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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Palm Bay details →

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