Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Peoria, IL (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

McAllen is 8% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,017/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 6%
$60,165/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 2%
$173,800 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 14%
$996/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↑ 1%
143,789
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $1,449/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Peoria — common questions

Is McAllen or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Peoria?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Peoria?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $1,449/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Peoria details →

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