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Cost of Living in McAllen

Is it better to rent or buy in McAllen? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$64,415
$1,142/mo

Median in area: $1,142

$189,253

Median in area: $189,253

$37,851

If you Rent

🔑
$1,234 /mo
Base Rent$1,142
Est. Utilities$92
% of Income23.0%
Pre-tax Residual$4,134

If you Buy

🏠
$1,581 /mo
P&I (6.928%)$1,000
Taxes & Ins$489
Est. Utilities$92
% of Income29.5%
Pre-tax Residual$3,787

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in McAllen?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in McAllen. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,234, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,581 per month (a difference of $347).

How much do utilities cost in McAllen?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in McAllen is approximately $92. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in McAllen?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in McAllen without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $49,360 per year.