Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Tacoma is 91% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,597/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 36%
$83,857/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 28%
$454,600 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 62%
$1,747/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 43%
220,482
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $580/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $6,960/year.

Median household income is $23,692/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs McAllen — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and McAllen?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $580/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or McAllen?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $23,692/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View McAllen details →

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