Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Springfield is 20% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,114/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 9%
$51,339/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 17%
$222,700 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 22%
$1,276/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 22%
154,751
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $8,826/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs McAllen — common questions

Is Springfield or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and McAllen?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or McAllen?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $8,826/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View McAllen details →

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