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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Torrance

California
218

McAllen is 152% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,017/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 118%
$60,165/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 88%
$173,800 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 496%
$996/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 130%
143,789
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,197/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $14,364/year.

Median household income is $52,940/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Torrance — common questions

Is McAllen or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Torrance?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $1,197/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Torrance?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $52,940/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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