Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Pasadena is 15% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,201/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 15%
$64,270/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 6%
$193,600 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 10%
$1,141/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 13%
149,345
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $4,105/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs McAllen — common questions

Is Pasadena or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and McAllen?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or McAllen?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $4,105/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/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 Pasadena details → View McAllen details →

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