Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Washington is 159% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,900/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 46%
$106,287/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 43%
$724,600 ↑ 317%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 76%
$2,103/mo ↑ 111%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 53%
672,079
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $883/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $10,596/year.

Median household income is $46,122/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs McAllen — common questions

Is Washington or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and McAllen?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $883/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or McAllen?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $46,122/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Texas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and McAllen

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance