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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Richmond

California
161

McAllen is 59% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,017/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 86%
$60,165/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 50%
$173,800 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 274%
$996/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 102%
143,789
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $878/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $10,536/year.

Median household income is $29,873/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Richmond — common questions

Is McAllen or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Richmond?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $878/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Richmond?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $29,873/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McAllen and Richmond

McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell