Bedford, TX vs McAllen, TX

The cost of living difference between Bedford, TX and McAllen, TX is dramatic. McAllen is 40.4% cheaper than Bedford, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bedford has a cost index of 106 while McAllen sits at 75, 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 Bedford is $1,429/month compared to $1,017/month in McAllen — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McAllen is more affordable at $173,800 median vs $322,300.

Median household income in Bedford is $81,393 compared to $60,165 in McAllen (+35.3%). The higher salaries in Bedford partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bedford spend roughly 21.1% of their income on rent, more than the 20.3% in McAllen.