Is Waco, TX cheaper than McAllen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Waco, TX is 1.3% more expensive than McAllen, TX. This translates to spending an extra $100 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in McAllen, TX, you'd need approximately $151,205.578 in Waco, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Waco, TX is 1.7% more expensive than in McAllen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,034/month in Waco, TX compared to $1,408/month in McAllen, TX.

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

Living in Waco, TX costs approximately $100 more per month than McAllen, TX, or $1206 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McAllen, TX vs Waco, 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 $100/month more in Waco, TX

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

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$100

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

Waco, TX

Population:145K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$241K

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!

Waco, TX

The Lone Star State

145K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 145K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: McAllen, TX vs Waco, TX

Category	McAllen, TX	Waco, TX	Difference	Change
Other	$1,767/mo	$1,576/mo	↓ $191less	10.8%
Transportation	$1,457/mo	$1,273/mo	↓ $185less	12.7%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$626/mo	↑ $91.18more	17.1%
All Utilities	$524/mo	$557/mo	↑ $33.43more	6.4%
Housing	$1,917/mo	$1,950/mo	↑ $32.45more	1.7%
Groceries	$969/mo	$970/mo	↑ $1.02more	0.1%

Other

↓ 10.8%

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Waco, TX

$1,576

Difference

$191

less

Transportation

↓ 12.7%

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Waco, TX

$1,273

Difference

$185

less

Healthcare

↑ 17.1%

McAllen, TX

$535

Waco, TX

$626

Difference

$91.18

All Utilities

↑ 6.4%

McAllen, TX

$524

Waco, TX

$557

Difference

$33.43

Housing

↑ 1.7%

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Waco, TX

$1,950

Difference

$32.45

Groceries

↑ 0.1%

McAllen, TX

$969

Waco, TX

$970

Difference

$1.02

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,112

To$709

↓ $403

1 Bed

From$1,124

To$834

↓ $290

2 Bed

From$1,408

To$1,034

↓ $374

3 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,334

↓ $493

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/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

$6,952

Monthly in Waco, TX

$218

Difference

Home Values

McAllen

Waco

$191K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +37.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.7%

$178K - $260K

Price Range

$137K - $296K

Homes in Waco are 26% more expensive than McAllen

Calculate payment - McAllen Calculate payment - Waco

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

Waco, 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%

Waco, 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.