Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Sparks, NV (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

McAllen is 48% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,017/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 62%
$60,165/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 45%
$173,800 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 162%
$996/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 62%
143,789
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $26,814/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Sparks — common questions

Is McAllen or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Sparks?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Sparks?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $26,814/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Nevada?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Sparks details →

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