Is McAllen, TX cheaper than Amarillo, TX?

Based on cost of living data, McAllen, TX is 1.4% cheaper than Amarillo, TX. This translates to saving $107 per month.

What salary do I need in McAllen, TX to live like I do in Amarillo, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Amarillo, TX, you'd need approximately $148,715.702 in McAllen, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Amarillo, TX and McAllen, TX?

Housing in McAllen, TX is 9.3% cheaper than in Amarillo, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,408/month in McAllen, TX compared to $1,264/month in Amarillo, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Amarillo, TX to McAllen, TX?

Moving from Amarillo, TX to McAllen, TX could save you approximately $107 per month, or $1284 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Amarillo, TX vs McAllen, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Amarillo, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $107/month moving to McAllen, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.7K in McAllen, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$107

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Amarillo, TX

Population:202K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$165K

McAllen, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$191K

Amarillo, TX

The Lone Star State

202K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 202K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

McAllen, TX

The Lone Star State

147K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 147K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Amarillo, TX vs McAllen, TX

Category	Amarillo, TX	McAllen, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,114/mo	$1,917/mo	↓ $197less	9.3%
Transportation	$1,348/mo	$1,457/mo	↑ $109more	8.1%
Other	$1,670/mo	$1,767/mo	↑ $96.80more	5.8%
All Utilities	$506/mo	$524/mo	↑ $17.48more	3.5%
Healthcare	$548/mo	$535/mo	↓ $13.78less	2.5%
Groceries	$957/mo	$969/mo	↑ $11.40more	1.2%

Housing

↓ 9.3%

Amarillo, TX

$2,114

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Difference

$197

less

Transportation

↑ 8.1%

Amarillo, TX

$1,348

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Difference

$109

Other

↑ 5.8%

Amarillo, TX

$1,670

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Difference

$96.80

All Utilities

↑ 3.5%

Amarillo, TX

$506

McAllen, TX

$524

Difference

$17.48

Healthcare

↓ 2.5%

Amarillo, TX

$548

McAllen, TX

$535

Difference

$13.78

less

Groceries

↑ 1.2%

Amarillo, TX

$957

McAllen, TX

$969

Difference

$11.40

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$889

To$1,112

↑ $223

1 Bed

From$1,030

To$1,124

↑ $94.00

2 Bed

From$1,264

To$1,408

↑ $144

3 Bed

From$1,719

To$1,827

↑ $108

Amarillo, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $860–$1,110/mo

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,145

Monthly in Amarillo, TX

$7,169

Monthly in McAllen, TX

$24.70

Difference

Home Values

Amarillo

McAllen

$165K

Median Value

$191K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +32.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.3%

$106K - $375K

Price Range

$178K - $260K

Homes in McAllen are 16% more expensive than Amarillo

Calculate payment - Amarillo Calculate payment - McAllen

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Amarillo, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

McAllen, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Amarillo, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

McAllen, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.