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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Pasadena

California
220

McAllen is 70% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,017/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 118%
$60,165/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 72%
$173,800 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 501%
$996/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 135%
143,789
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,201/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $14,412/year.

Median household income is $43,613/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Pasadena — common questions

Is McAllen or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Pasadena?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,201/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Pasadena?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $43,613/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Pasadena details →

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