Cost of Living in McAllen, TX
Population 143,789 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
McAllen lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $174,000 — 43% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Texas. Around 20% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in McAllen
The median home value in McAllen is $173,800 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,017/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,165/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 87.3°F and lows of 67.4°F. Overall, McAllen has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 73 | 77 | 83 | 88 | 93 | 97 | 99 | 100 | 94 | 89 | 80 | 74 |
| Low °F | 53 | 57 | 63 | 68 | 74 | 78 | 79 | 79 | 76 | 69 | 60 | 54 |
| Precip" | 0.77 | 0.72 | 1.38 | 1.43 | 2.03 | 3.05 | 2.03 | 1.81 | 4.61 | 2.10 | 1.17 | 1.06 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in McAllen, TX?
McAllen has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in McAllen, TX?
The median gross rent in McAllen is $1,017 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in McAllen?
The median home value in McAllen is $173,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in McAllen?
The median household income in McAllen is $60,165 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in McAllen, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in McAllen is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is McAllen, TX affordable?
Yes, McAllen is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in McAllen?
McAllen has average high temperatures of 87.3°F and average lows of 67.4°F. Annual precipitation is 22.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
McAllen at a Glance
- Population
- 143,789
- Median Income
- $60,165
- Home Value
- $173,800
- Median Rent
- $1,017/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 87.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs