Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Worcester is 58% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,415/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 28%
$67,544/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 11%
$339,500 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 49%
$1,521/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 35%
205,501
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $7,379/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs McAllen — common questions

Is Worcester or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and McAllen?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or McAllen?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $7,379/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and McAllen

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance