Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Montgomery and McAllen have a similar cost of living.

$1,059/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 4%
$55,687/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 8%
$148,500 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 17%
$1,023/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 3%
198,440
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,478/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs McAllen — common questions

Is Montgomery or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and McAllen?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or McAllen?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $4,478/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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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