Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Seattle is 197% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,998/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 49%
$121,984/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 51%
$912,100 ↑ 425%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 81%
$2,220/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 55%
741,440
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $981/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $11,772/year.

Median household income is $61,819/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs McAllen — common questions

Is Seattle or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and McAllen?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $981/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or McAllen?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $61,819/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and McAllen

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