Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Sacramento is 100% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,694/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 40%
$83,753/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 28%
$484,600 ↑ 179%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 64%
$1,752/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 43%
524,802
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $677/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,124/year.

Median household income is $23,588/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs McAllen — common questions

Is Sacramento or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and McAllen?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $677/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or McAllen?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $23,588/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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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