Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Memphis and McAllen have a similar cost of living.

$1,123/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 9%
$51,211/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 17%
$157,100 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 11%
$1,087/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 8%
629,063
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $8,954/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs McAllen — common questions

Is Memphis or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and McAllen?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or McAllen?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $8,954/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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