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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Surprise is 91% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,917/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 47%
$93,371/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 36%
$396,000 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 56%
$1,587/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 37%
149,519
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $900/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $10,800/year.

Median household income is $33,206/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 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

Surprise vs McAllen — common questions

Is Surprise or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and McAllen?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $900/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or McAllen?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $33,206/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and McAllen

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance