Is McAllen, TX cheaper than Killeen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, McAllen, TX is 4.5% cheaper than Killeen, TX. This translates to saving $338 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Killeen, TX, you'd need approximately $145,945.522 in McAllen, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in McAllen, TX is 21.0% cheaper than in Killeen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,408/month in McAllen, TX compared to $898/month in Killeen, TX.

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

Moving from Killeen, TX to McAllen, TX could save you approximately $338 per month, or $4054 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Killeen, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $338/month moving to McAllen, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.9K in McAllen, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$338

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.1K

Per year

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

Killeen, TX

Population:160K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$118K

McAllen, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$191K

Killeen, TX

The Lone Star State

160K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 160K 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: Killeen, TX vs McAllen, TX

Category	Killeen, TX	McAllen, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,427/mo	$1,917/mo	↓ $509less	21.0%
Transportation	$1,200/mo	$1,457/mo	↑ $257more	21.4%
Other	$1,627/mo	$1,767/mo	↑ $140more	8.6%
Groceries	$927/mo	$969/mo	↑ $41.33more	4.5%
Healthcare	$569/mo	$535/mo	↓ $34.39less	6.0%
All Utilities	$523/mo	$524/mo	↑ $0.93more	0.2%

Housing

↓ 21.0%

Killeen, TX

$2,427

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Difference

$509

less

Transportation

↑ 21.4%

Killeen, TX

$1,200

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Difference

$257

Other

↑ 8.6%

Killeen, TX

$1,627

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Difference

$140

Groceries

↑ 4.5%

Killeen, TX

$927

McAllen, TX

$969

Difference

$41.33

Healthcare

↓ 6.0%

Killeen, TX

$569

McAllen, TX

$535

Difference

$34.39

less

All Utilities

↑ 0.2%

Killeen, TX

$523

McAllen, TX

$524

Difference

$0.93

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$715

To$1,112

↑ $397

1 Bed

From$723

To$1,124

↑ $401

2 Bed

From$898

To$1,408

↑ $510

3 Bed

From$1,247

To$1,827

↑ $580

Killeen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/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.

$7,274

Monthly in Killeen, TX

$7,169

Monthly in McAllen, TX

$105

Difference

Home Values

Killeen

McAllen

$118K

Median Value

$191K

↓ -4.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +31.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.3%

$118K

Price Range

$178K - $260K

Homes in McAllen are 61% more expensive than Killeen

Calculate payment - Killeen 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

Killeen, 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

Killeen, 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.