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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Pittsburgh is 15% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,221/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 17%
$64,137/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 6%
$193,200 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 10%
$1,136/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 12%
303,620
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $3,972/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 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

Pittsburgh vs McAllen — common questions

Is Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh and McAllen?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or McAllen?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $3,972/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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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