Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Miami is 95% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,657/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 39%
$59,390/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 1%
$475,200 ↑ 173%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 63%
$1,666/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 40%
446,663
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $775/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs McAllen — common questions

Is Miami or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and McAllen?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or McAllen?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $775/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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.
View Miami details → View McAllen details →

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