Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Springfield, IL (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

McAllen is 8% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,017/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 7%
$60,165/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 9%
$173,800 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 11%
$996/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 2%
143,789
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $5,372/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Springfield — common questions

Is McAllen or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Springfield?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Springfield?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $5,372/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Springfield details →

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