Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Portland is 109% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,596/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 36%
$88,792/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 32%
$557,600 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 69%
$1,771/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 44%
642,715
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $579/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $6,948/year.

Median household income is $28,627/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs McAllen — common questions

Is Portland or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and McAllen?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $579/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or McAllen?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $28,627/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Texas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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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