Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Newark is 52% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,330/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 24%
$48,416/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 24%
$337,800 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 49%
$1,419/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 30%
307,188
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $11,749/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs McAllen — common questions

Is Newark or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and McAllen?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or McAllen?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $11,749/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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