Cost of living in McAllen, Texas
Hidalgo County, TX
Part of the McAllen Metro Area
Population 880,921 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in McAllen
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in McAllen
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in McAllen
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in McAllen
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in McAllen
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in McAllen
State and local tax rates for Texas.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in McAllen
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for McAllen
What it costs to live in McAllen each month.
- Rent $798
- Energy $199
- Water $55
- Groceries $334
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $310
- State tax $0
- Rent $992
- Energy $239
- Water $65
- Groceries $553
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $526
- State tax $0
- Rent $1,290
- Energy $298
- Water $75
- Groceries $840
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $526
- State tax $0
Frequently asked questions about McAllen
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in McAllen?
In McAllen, Texas, a one-bedroom apartment averages $798 per month, a two-bedroom averages $992 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,290 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in McAllen?
In McAllen, Texas, the average household income is $52,281 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $29,040 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in McAllen?
The estimated cost of living in McAllen, Texas is approximately $2,496 per month for a single person, $3,659 for a couple, $6,099 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in McAllen?
The combined sales tax rate in McAllen, Texas is 8.19%, which includes the Texas state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 1.94%.
Is McAllen an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in McAllen, Texas would need approximately $2,496 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $52,281 per year ($4,357 per month). McAllen has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in McAllen?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in McAllen, Texas is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 29.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in McAllen?
The average home value in McAllen, Texas is $124,000, with average annual property taxes of $2,187, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does McAllen compare to other areas?
You can compare McAllen, Texas with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. McAllen is in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX metro area.
Other counties in Texas
Browse the full list of counties in Texas, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in TexasCompare McAllen with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP