Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

McAllen is 45% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,017/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 68%
$60,165/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 15%
$173,800 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 113%
$996/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 67%
143,789
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $692/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,304/year.

Median household income is $9,096/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is McAllen or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $692/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $9,096/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View West Palm Beach details →

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