Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

McAllen is 13% cheaper than Waterbury.

$1,017/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 16%
$60,165/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 14%
$173,800 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 7%
$996/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 28%
143,789
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $8,523/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Waterbury — common questions

Is McAllen or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Waterbury?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Waterbury?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $8,523/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Connecticut?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Waterbury details →

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