Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Orlando is 74% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,650/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 38%
$69,268/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 13%
$359,000 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 52%
$1,621/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 39%
311,732
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $633/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,596/year.

Median household income is $9,103/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs McAllen — common questions

Is Orlando or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and McAllen?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $633/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or McAllen?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $9,103/year higher in Orlando.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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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