Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs McAllen, TX (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

St. Louis and McAllen have a similar cost of living.

$978/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 4%
$55,279/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 9%
$185,100 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 6%
$1,013/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 2%
293,109
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,886/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs McAllen — common questions

Is St. Louis or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and McAllen?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or McAllen?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $4,886/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Texas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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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More Comparisons

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