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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Tucson is 15% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,079/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 6%
$54,546/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 10%
$242,200 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 28%
$1,076/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 7%
543,348
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $5,619/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 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

Tucson vs McAllen — common questions

Is Tucson or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and McAllen?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or McAllen?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $5,619/year higher in McAllen.
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 Tucson or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View McAllen details →

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