Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Tulsa and McAllen have a similar cost of living.

$998/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 2%
$58,407/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 3%
$189,600 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 8%
$1,027/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 3%
412,322
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,758/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs McAllen — common questions

Is Tulsa or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and McAllen?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or McAllen?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $1,758/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Texas?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 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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