Alvin, TX vs Harlingen, TX

The cost of living difference between Alvin, TX and Harlingen, TX is dramatic. Harlingen is 30.1% cheaper than Alvin, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alvin has a cost index of 88 while Harlingen sits at 67, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Alvin is $1,164/month compared to $893/month in Harlingen — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Harlingen is more affordable at $125,700 median vs $212,500.

Median household income in Alvin is $68,769 compared to $55,891 in Harlingen (+23%). The higher salaries in Alvin partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Alvin spend roughly 20.3% of their income on rent, more than the 19.2% in Harlingen.