McAllen, TX vs San Marcos, TX

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. McAllen is 21.6% cheaper than San Marcos. With a cost index of 75 vs 96, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from McAllen to San Marcos should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month compared to $1,299/month in San Marcos — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McAllen is more affordable at $173,800 median vs $269,700.

Median household income in McAllen is $60,165 compared to $51,030 in San Marcos (+17.9%). 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 McAllen spend roughly 20.3% of their income on rent, less than the 30.5% in San Marcos. The McAllen ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, McAllen is notably warmer with an average of 77.4°F compared to 69.6°F in San Marcos. San Marcos receives more rainfall at 31.3" per year compared to 22.2" in McAllen.