Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Rochester is 8% cheaper than McAllen.

$1,039/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 2%
$46,628/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 29%
$120,600 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 44%
$1,009/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 1%
209,720
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,537/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs McAllen — common questions

Is Rochester or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and McAllen?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or McAllen?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $13,537/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and McAllen

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance