Is Killeen, TX cheaper than McAllen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Killeen, TX is 4.7% more expensive than McAllen, TX. This translates to spending an extra $354 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in McAllen, TX, you'd need approximately $154,245.748 in Killeen, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Killeen, TX is 26.6% more expensive than in McAllen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $898/month in Killeen, TX compared to $1,408/month in McAllen, TX.

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

Living in Killeen, TX costs approximately $354 more per month than McAllen, TX, or $4246 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McAllen, TX vs Killeen, 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 $354/month more in Killeen, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.2K in Killeen, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$354

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.2K

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

Killeen, TX

Population:160K

Cost Index:

105

(5% above avg)

Median Home:$118K

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!

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: McAllen, TX vs Killeen, TX

Category	McAllen, TX	Killeen, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,917/mo	$2,427/mo	↑ $509more	26.6%
Transportation	$1,457/mo	$1,200/mo	↓ $257less	17.6%
Other	$1,767/mo	$1,627/mo	↓ $140less	7.9%
Groceries	$969/mo	$927/mo	↓ $41.33less	4.3%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$569/mo	↑ $34.39more	6.4%
All Utilities	$524/mo	$523/mo	↓ $0.93less	0.2%

Housing

↑ 26.6%

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Killeen, TX

$2,427

Difference

$509

Transportation

↓ 17.6%

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Killeen, TX

$1,200

Difference

$257

less

Other

↓ 7.9%

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Killeen, TX

$1,627

Difference

$140

less

Groceries

↓ 4.3%

McAllen, TX

$969

Killeen, TX

$927

Difference

$41.33

less

Healthcare

↑ 6.4%

McAllen, TX

$535

Killeen, TX

$569

Difference

$34.39

All Utilities

↓ 0.2%

McAllen, TX

$524

Killeen, TX

$523

Difference

$0.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,112

To$715

↓ $397

1 Bed

From$1,124

To$723

↓ $401

2 Bed

From$1,408

To$898

↓ $510

3 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,247

↓ $580

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

Killeen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/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

$7,274

Monthly in Killeen, TX

$105

Difference

Home Values

McAllen

Killeen

$191K

Median Value

$118K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.5%

↑ +37.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +31.2%

$178K - $260K

Price Range

$118K

Homes in Killeen are 38% less expensive than McAllen

Calculate payment - McAllen Calculate payment - Killeen

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

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

Additional Tax Information

McAllen, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Killeen, 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.