Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Round Rock, TX (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

McAllen is 46% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,017/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 68%
$60,165/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 62%
$173,800 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 121%
$996/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 79%
143,789
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $37,022/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Round Rock — common questions

Is McAllen or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Round Rock?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Round Rock?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $37,022/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Round Rock details →

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