Is McAllen, TX cheaper than Pasadena, TX?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in Pasadena, TX, you'd need approximately $151,203.997 in McAllen, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in McAllen, TX is 3.4% more expensive than in Pasadena, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,408/month in McAllen, TX compared to $1,103/month in Pasadena, TX.

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

Living in McAllen, TX costs approximately $100 more per month than Pasadena, TX, or $1204 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Pasadena, TX vs McAllen, 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 Pasadena, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $100/month more in McAllen, TX

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

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, 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.

Pasadena, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$203K

McAllen, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$191K

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!

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Pasadena, TX vs McAllen, TX

Category	Pasadena, TX	McAllen, TX	Difference	Change
Other	$1,662/mo	$1,767/mo	↑ $105more	6.3%
Transportation	$1,363/mo	$1,457/mo	↑ $94.86more	7.0%
Groceries	$884/mo	$969/mo	↑ $85.15more	9.6%
Housing	$1,854/mo	$1,917/mo	↑ $63.63more	3.4%
All Utilities	$536/mo	$524/mo	↓ $11.71less	2.2%
Healthcare	$545/mo	$535/mo	↓ $10.21less	1.9%

Other

↑ 6.3%

Pasadena, TX

$1,662

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Difference

$105

Transportation

↑ 7.0%

Pasadena, TX

$1,363

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Difference

$94.86

Groceries

↑ 9.6%

Pasadena, TX

$884

McAllen, TX

$969

Difference

$85.15

Housing

↑ 3.4%

Pasadena, TX

$1,854

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Difference

$63.63

All Utilities

↓ 2.2%

Pasadena, TX

$536

McAllen, TX

$524

Difference

$11.71

less

Healthcare

↓ 1.9%

Pasadena, TX

$545

McAllen, TX

$535

Difference

$10.21

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$895

To$1,112

↑ $217

1 Bed

From$927

To$1,124

↑ $197

2 Bed

From$1,103

To$1,408

↑ $305

3 Bed

From$1,482

To$1,827

↑ $345

Pasadena, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,650/mo

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/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.

$6,843

Monthly in Pasadena, TX

$7,169

Monthly in McAllen, TX

$327

Difference

Home Values

Pasadena

McAllen

$203K

Median Value

$191K

↓ -4.9%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +21.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.3%

$159K - $307K

Price Range

$178K - $260K

Homes in McAllen are 6% less expensive than Pasadena

Calculate payment - Pasadena Calculate payment - McAllen

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Pasadena, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

McAllen, 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.