Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Temecula, CA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Temecula

California
179

McAllen is 63% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,017/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 126%
$60,165/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 96%
$173,800 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 268%
$996/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 144%
143,789
Population
110,404

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,280/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $15,360/year.

Median household income is $57,675/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Temecula — common questions

Is McAllen or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Temecula?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $1,280/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Temecula?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $57,675/year higher in Temecula.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Temecula details →

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