Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Raleigh is 67% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,468/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 31%
$82,424/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 27%
$377,800 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 54%
$1,487/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 33%
470,763
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $451/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $5,412/year.

Median household income is $22,259/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs McAllen — common questions

Is Raleigh or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and McAllen?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $451/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or McAllen?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $22,259/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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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