Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Oakland is 195% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,917/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 47%
$97,369/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 38%
$924,700 ↑ 432%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 81%
$2,164/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 54%
438,072
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $900/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $10,800/year.

Median household income is $37,204/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs McAllen — common questions

Is Oakland or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and McAllen?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $900/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or McAllen?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $37,204/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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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More Comparisons

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