Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs McAllen, TX (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

St. Paul is 38% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,248/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 19%
$73,055/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 18%
$280,300 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 38%
$1,390/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 28%
307,762
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $12,890/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs McAllen — common questions

Is St. Paul or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and McAllen?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or McAllen?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $12,890/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Texas?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and McAllen

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance