Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Norfolk is 35% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,246/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 18%
$64,017/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 6%
$271,900 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 36%
$1,366/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 27%
235,037
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $3,852/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs McAllen — common questions

Is Norfolk or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and McAllen?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or McAllen?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $3,852/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View McAllen details →

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