Is Midland, TX cheaper than McAllen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Midland, TX is 1.4% more expensive than McAllen, TX. This translates to spending an extra $104 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in McAllen, TX, you'd need approximately $151,242.066 in Midland, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Midland, TX is 10.2% more expensive than in McAllen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,886/month in Midland, TX compared to $1,408/month in McAllen, TX.

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

Living in Midland, TX costs approximately $104 more per month than McAllen, TX, or $1242 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McAllen, TX vs Midland, 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 $104/month more in Midland, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.2K in Midland, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$104

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.2K

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

Midland, TX

Population:138K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$345K

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!

Midland, TX

The Lone Star State

138K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 138K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: McAllen, TX vs Midland, TX

Category	McAllen, TX	Midland, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,917/mo	$2,112/mo	↑ $195more	10.2%
Transportation	$1,457/mo	$1,347/mo	↓ $110less	7.6%
Other	$1,767/mo	$1,669/mo	↓ $97.92less	5.5%
All Utilities	$524/mo	$506/mo	↓ $17.65less	3.4%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$548/mo	↑ $13.59more	2.5%
Groceries	$969/mo	$957/mo	↓ $11.72less	1.2%

Housing

↑ 10.2%

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Midland, TX

$2,112

Difference

$195

Transportation

↓ 7.6%

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Midland, TX

$1,347

Difference

$110

less

Other

↓ 5.5%

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Midland, TX

$1,669

Difference

$97.92

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.4%

McAllen, TX

$524

Midland, TX

$506

Difference

$17.65

less

Healthcare

↑ 2.5%

McAllen, TX

$535

Midland, TX

$548

Difference

$13.59

Groceries

↓ 1.2%

McAllen, TX

$969

Midland, TX

$957

Difference

$11.72

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,112

To$1,550

↑ $438

1 Bed

From$1,124

To$1,561

↑ $437

2 Bed

From$1,408

To$1,886

↑ $478

3 Bed

From$1,827

To$2,417

↑ $590

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

Midland, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,440–$1,600/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

$7,141

Monthly in Midland, TX

$28.79

Difference

Home Values

McAllen

Midland

$191K

Median Value

$345K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +3.1%

↑ +37.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +14.7%

$178K - $260K

Price Range

$211K - $409K

Homes in Midland are 81% more expensive than McAllen

Calculate payment - McAllen Calculate payment - Midland

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

Midland, 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%

Midland, 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.