Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

McAllen is 51% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,017/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 91%
$60,165/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 129%
$173,800 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 134%
$996/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 98%
143,789
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $922/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $11,064/year.

Median household income is $77,346/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is McAllen or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Sugar Land?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $922/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $77,346/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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