Garland, TX vs McAllen, TX

The cost of living difference between Garland, TX and McAllen, TX is dramatic. McAllen is 36.3% cheaper than Garland, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Garland has a cost index of 103 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 Garland is $1,525/month compared to $1,017/month in McAllen — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McAllen is more affordable at $173,800 median vs $248,900.

Median household income in Garland is $74,717 compared to $60,165 in McAllen (+24.2%). The higher salaries in Garland partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Garland spend roughly 24.5% 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 68°F in Garland. Garland receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 22.2" in McAllen.