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

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Vancouver is 86% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,632/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 38%
$78,156/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 23%
$440,300 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 61%
$1,607/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 38%
192,696
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $615/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,380/year.

Median household income is $17,991/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs McAllen — common questions

Is Vancouver or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and McAllen?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $615/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or McAllen?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $17,991/year higher in Vancouver.
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 Vancouver or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View McAllen details →

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