Cost of Living: New York, NY vs McAllen, TX (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

New York is 152% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,779/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 43%
$79,713/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 25%
$751,700 ↑ 333%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 77%
$1,837/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 46%
8,516,202
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $762/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,144/year.

Median household income is $19,548/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs McAllen — common questions

Is New York or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and McAllen?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $762/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or McAllen?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $19,548/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to New York or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View McAllen details →

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