Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Philadelphia is 29% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,323/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 23%
$60,698/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,165/yr ≈ Same
$232,400 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 25%
$1,233/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 19%
1,582,432
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $533/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs McAllen — common questions

Is Philadelphia or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and McAllen?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or McAllen?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $533/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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