Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Scottsdale is 150% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,910/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 47%
$107,372/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 44%
$709,900 ↑ 308%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 76%
$1,824/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 45%
242,169
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $893/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $10,716/year.

Median household income is $47,207/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs McAllen — common questions

Is Scottsdale or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and McAllen?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $893/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or McAllen?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $47,207/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View McAllen details →

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