Is McAllen, TX cheaper than Waco, TX?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in Waco, TX, you'd need approximately $148,810.358 in McAllen, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

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

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

Moving from Waco, TX to McAllen, TX could save you approximately $99 per month, or $1190 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Waco, 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 Waco, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $99.14/month moving to McAllen, TX

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

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$99.14

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Waco, TX

Population:145K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$241K

McAllen, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$191K

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!

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: Waco, TX vs McAllen, TX

Category	Waco, TX	McAllen, TX	Difference	Change
Other	$1,576/mo	$1,767/mo	↑ $191more	12.1%
Transportation	$1,273/mo	$1,457/mo	↑ $185more	14.5%
Healthcare	$626/mo	$535/mo	↓ $91.18less	14.6%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$524/mo	↓ $33.43less	6.0%
Housing	$1,950/mo	$1,917/mo	↓ $32.45less	1.7%
Groceries	$970/mo	$969/mo	↓ $1.02less	0.1%

Other

↑ 12.1%

Waco, TX

$1,576

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Difference

$191

Transportation

↑ 14.5%

Waco, TX

$1,273

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Difference

$185

Healthcare

↓ 14.6%

Waco, TX

$626

McAllen, TX

$535

Difference

$91.18

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.0%

Waco, TX

$557

McAllen, TX

$524

Difference

$33.43

less

Housing

↓ 1.7%

Waco, TX

$1,950

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Difference

$32.45

less

Groceries

↓ 0.1%

Waco, TX

$970

McAllen, TX

$969

Difference

$1.02

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$709

To$1,112

↑ $403

1 Bed

From$834

To$1,124

↑ $290

2 Bed

From$1,034

To$1,408

↑ $374

3 Bed

From$1,334

To$1,827

↑ $493

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/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.

$6,952

Monthly in Waco, TX

$7,169

Monthly in McAllen, TX

$218

Difference

Home Values

Waco

McAllen

$241K

Median Value

$191K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +32.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.3%

$137K - $296K

Price Range

$178K - $260K

Homes in McAllen are 21% less expensive than Waco

Calculate payment - Waco 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

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

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

Waco, 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.