Is Pasadena, TX cheaper than McAllen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Pasadena, TX is 1.3% cheaper than McAllen, TX. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in McAllen, TX, you'd need approximately $148,811.897 in Pasadena, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Pasadena, TX is 3.3% cheaper than in McAllen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,103/month in Pasadena, TX compared to $1,408/month in McAllen, TX.

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

Moving from McAllen, TX to Pasadena, TX could save you approximately $99 per month, or $1188 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McAllen, TX vs Pasadena, 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 McAllen, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $99.01/month moving to Pasadena, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.8K in Pasadena, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$99.01

Savings

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

Pasadena, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$203K

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!

Pasadena, 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: McAllen, TX vs Pasadena, TX

Category	McAllen, TX	Pasadena, TX	Difference	Change
Other	$1,767/mo	$1,662/mo	↓ $105less	5.9%
Transportation	$1,457/mo	$1,363/mo	↓ $94.86less	6.5%
Groceries	$969/mo	$884/mo	↓ $85.15less	8.8%
Housing	$1,917/mo	$1,854/mo	↓ $63.63less	3.3%
All Utilities	$524/mo	$536/mo	↑ $11.71more	2.2%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$545/mo	↑ $10.21more	1.9%

Other

↓ 5.9%

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Pasadena, TX

$1,662

Difference

$105

less

Transportation

↓ 6.5%

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Pasadena, TX

$1,363

Difference

$94.86

less

Groceries

↓ 8.8%

McAllen, TX

$969

Pasadena, TX

$884

Difference

$85.15

less

Housing

↓ 3.3%

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Pasadena, TX

$1,854

Difference

$63.63

less

All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

McAllen, TX

$524

Pasadena, TX

$536

Difference

$11.71

Healthcare

↑ 1.9%

McAllen, TX

$535

Pasadena, TX

$545

Difference

$10.21

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,112

To$895

↓ $217

1 Bed

From$1,124

To$927

↓ $197

2 Bed

From$1,408

To$1,103

↓ $305

3 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,482

↓ $345

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

Pasadena, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,650/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

$6,843

Monthly in Pasadena, TX

$327

Difference

Home Values

McAllen

Pasadena

$191K

Median Value

$203K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.9%

↑ +37.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +21.9%

$178K - $260K

Price Range

$159K - $307K

Homes in Pasadena are 6% more expensive than McAllen

Calculate payment - McAllen Calculate payment - Pasadena

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

Pasadena, 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%

Pasadena, 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.