Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Salt Lake City is 77% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,343/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 24%
$74,925/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 20%
$495,700 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 65%
$1,394/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 29%
203,888
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $14,760/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs McAllen — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and McAllen?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or McAllen?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $14,760/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Texas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View McAllen details →

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