Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Provo, UT (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Provo

Utah
102

McAllen is 35% cheaper than Provo.

$1,017/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↑ 13%
$60,165/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↑ 4%
$173,800 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 151%
$996/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 22%
143,789
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $2,635/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Provo — common questions

Is McAllen or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Provo?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Provo?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $2,635/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Utah?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Provo details →

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