Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Virginia Beach is 77% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,649/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 38%
$90,685/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 34%
$366,300 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 53%
$1,704/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 42%
457,066
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $632/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,584/year.

Median household income is $30,520/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs McAllen — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and McAllen?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $632/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or McAllen?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $30,520/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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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