Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Syracuse is 7% cheaper than McAllen.

$998/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 2%
$45,845/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 31%
$125,100 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 39%
$980/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↑ 2%
146,211
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,320/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs McAllen — common questions

Is Syracuse or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and McAllen?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or McAllen?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $14,320/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $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.
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