Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Richardson, TX (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

McAllen is 48% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,017/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 79%
$60,165/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 60%
$173,800 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 133%
$996/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 80%
143,789
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $808/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,696/year.

Median household income is $36,092/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Richardson — common questions

Is McAllen or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Richardson?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $808/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Richardson?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $36,092/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater