Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Rochester, MN (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

McAllen is 29% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,017/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 29%
$60,165/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 46%
$173,800 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 65%
$996/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 34%
143,789
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $27,602/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Rochester — common questions

Is McAllen or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Rochester?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Rochester?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $27,602/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Rochester details →

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