McAllen, TX vs San Antonio, TX: Cost of Living Comparison
McAllen has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | McAllen | San Antonio | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 72 | 79 | McAllen |
| Housing | 50 ($712) | 63 ($881) | McAllen |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 81 ($332) | 84 ($344) | McAllen |
| Utilities | 75 ($90) | 82 ($113) | McAllen |
| Healthcare | 75 ($65) | 82 ($82) | McAllen |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,620) | 100 ($48,620) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McAllen, TX or San Antonio, TX cheaper to live in?
McAllen, TX is cheaper overall by about 7 index points (McAllen, TX: 72, San Antonio, TX: 79; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in McAllen, TX vs San Antonio, TX?
A single adult needs roughly $25,200/year in McAllen, TX and $27,650/year in San Antonio, TX to cover basic living costs.