McAllen, TX vs Rowlett, TX

The cost of living difference between McAllen, TX and Rowlett, TX is dramatic. McAllen is 39.1% cheaper than Rowlett, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McAllen has a cost index of 75 while Rowlett sits at 124, 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 $1,964/month in Rowlett — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McAllen is more affordable at $173,800 median vs $342,400.

Median household income in McAllen is $60,165 compared to $113,600 in Rowlett (-47%). While Rowlett 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, less than the 20.7% in Rowlett.

Climate-wise, McAllen is notably warmer with an average of 77.4°F compared to 68°F in Rowlett. Rowlett receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 22.2" in McAllen.