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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Vallejo

California
155

McAllen is 57% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,017/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 98%
$60,165/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 49%
$173,800 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 221%
$996/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 107%
143,789
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $996/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $11,952/year.

Median household income is $29,331/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Vallejo — common questions

Is McAllen or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Vallejo?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $996/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Vallejo?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $29,331/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Vallejo details →

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