Is Denton, TX cheaper than McAllen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Denton, TX is 15.2% more expensive than McAllen, TX. This translates to spending an extra $1140 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in McAllen, TX, you'd need approximately $163,680.966 in Denton, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denton, TX is 24.3% more expensive than in McAllen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,567/month in Denton, TX compared to $1,408/month in McAllen, TX.

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

Living in Denton, TX costs approximately $1140 more per month than McAllen, TX, or $13681 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McAllen, TX vs Denton, 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 McAllen, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Denton, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.7K in Denton, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 15.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,140

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$13.7K

Per year

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

McAllen, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$191K

Denton, TX

Population:158K

Cost Index:

115

(15% above avg)

Median Home:$354K

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!

Denton, TX

The Lone Star State

158K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 158K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: McAllen, TX vs Denton, TX

Category	McAllen, TX	Denton, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,917/mo	$2,384/mo	↑ $466more	24.3%
Transportation	$1,457/mo	$1,297/mo	↓ $161less	11.0%
Other	$1,767/mo	$1,924/mo	↑ $156more	8.9%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$632/mo	↑ $97.04more	18.1%
All Utilities	$524/mo	$563/mo	↑ $38.65more	7.4%
Groceries	$969/mo	$979/mo	↑ $10.10more	1.0%

Housing

↑ 24.3%

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Denton, TX

$2,384

Difference

$466

Transportation

↓ 11.0%

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Denton, TX

$1,297

Difference

$161

less

Other

↑ 8.9%

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Denton, TX

$1,924

Difference

$156

Healthcare

↑ 18.1%

McAllen, TX

$535

Denton, TX

$632

Difference

$97.04

All Utilities

↑ 7.4%

McAllen, TX

$524

Denton, TX

$563

Difference

$38.65

Groceries

↑ 1.0%

McAllen, TX

$969

Denton, TX

$979

Difference

$10.10

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,112

To$1,283

↑ $171

1 Bed

From$1,124

To$1,338

↑ $214

2 Bed

From$1,408

To$1,567

↑ $159

3 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,970

↑ $143

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

Denton, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,720/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.

$7,169

Monthly in McAllen, TX

$7,777

Monthly in Denton, TX

$608

Difference

Home Values

McAllen

Denton

$191K

Median Value

$354K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +37.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.4%

$178K - $260K

Price Range

$273K - $402K

Homes in Denton are 85% more expensive than McAllen

Calculate payment - McAllen Calculate payment - Denton

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

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

Denton, 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

McAllen, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Denton, 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.