McAllen, TX Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for McAllen, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

142,722
Population
$56,326
Median household income
-22% vs tracked median
$158,700
Median home value
-52% vs tracked median
$955/mo
Median rent
-32% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

McAllen, Texas is home to roughly 142,722 residents. The typical household earns $56,326 per year — below the median across cities we track (-22%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $158,700 (below the multi-city median at -52%), while renters pay a median of $955 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in McAllen

Median home value is $158,700 and median gross rent is $955/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for McAllen.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

Moving to McAllen

Planning a move to McAllen? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in McAllen, TX?
In McAllen, the median home value is $158,700 and median rent is $955 per month, against a median household income of $56,326. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in McAllen?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $955/month, that implies an income of about $38,200 to keep housing affordable in McAllen.
Is it better to rent or buy in McAllen?
With a median home value of $158,700 and median rent of $955/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in McAllen depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare McAllen to similar cities