Irving, TX vs McAllen, TX

The cost of living difference between Irving, TX and McAllen, TX is dramatic. McAllen is 40.2% cheaper than Irving, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Irving has a cost index of 105 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 Irving is $1,517/month compared to $1,017/month in McAllen — a 49% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McAllen is more affordable at $173,800 median vs $287,300.

Median household income in Irving is $79,641 compared to $60,165 in McAllen (+32.4%). The higher salaries in Irving partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Irving spend roughly 22.9% 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 66.6°F in Irving. Irving receives more rainfall at 37" per year compared to 22.2" in McAllen.