Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

McAllen is 53% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,017/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 76%
$60,165/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 135%
$173,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 176%
$996/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 101%
143,789
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $775/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,300/year.

Median household income is $81,188/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is McAllen or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and The Woodlands?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $775/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $81,188/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McAllen and The Woodlands

McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan