Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

McAllen is 10% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$1,017/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 1%
$60,165/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 19%
$173,800 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 36%
$996/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 4%
143,789
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,629/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is McAllen or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $11,629/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McAllen and Tuscaloosa

McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles