Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Tampa is 71% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,567/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 35%
$71,302/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 16%
$375,300 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 54%
$1,553/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 36%
393,389
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $11,137/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs McAllen — common questions

Is Tampa or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and McAllen?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or McAllen?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $11,137/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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