Galveston, TX vs McAllen, TX

The cost of living difference between Galveston, TX and McAllen, TX is dramatic. McAllen is 30% cheaper than Galveston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Galveston has a cost index of 98 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 Galveston is $1,278/month compared to $1,017/month in McAllen — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McAllen is more affordable at $173,800 median vs $294,300.

Median household income in Galveston is $57,216 compared to $60,165 in McAllen (-4.9%). McAllen offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Galveston spend roughly 26.8% of their income on rent, more than the 20.3% in McAllen.

Climate-wise, McAllen is notably warmer with an average of 77.4°F compared to 72.3°F in Galveston. Galveston receives more rainfall at 47.2" per year compared to 22.2" in McAllen.