McAllen, TX vs Plano, TX

The cost of living difference between McAllen, TX and Plano, TX is dramatic. McAllen is 40.5% cheaper than Plano, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McAllen has a cost index of 75 while Plano sits at 126, 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 McAllen is $1,017/month compared to $1,792/month in Plano — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McAllen is more affordable at $173,800 median vs $440,600.

Median household income in McAllen is $60,165 compared to $108,649 in Plano (-44.6%). While Plano is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of McAllen spend roughly 20.3% of their income on rent, more than the 19.8% in Plano.

Climate-wise, McAllen is notably warmer with an average of 77.4°F compared to 65°F in Plano. Plano receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 22.2" in McAllen.