City vs city
Columbia, SC vs McAllen, TX
- Rent is 15% lower in McAllen (median $1,049/mo vs $1,204/mo in Columbia).
- Homes cost 39% less in McAllen ($190k vs $264k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $434 more a month after taxes and rent in McAllen.
- McAllen has no state income tax on wages; Columbia does.
- Schools rate higher in McAllen (5/10 vs 1.9/10).
- McAllen has less violent crime (1.3 vs 7.9 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- McAllen has milder winters (63°F vs 47°F average).
| Columbia | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,204/mo | $1,049/mo |
| Median home value | $264k | $190k |
| Median household income | $56k | $62k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,650 | $4,084 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 1.9/10 | 5/10 |
| Violent crime | 2.2× the US rate | 64% below the US rate |
| Summer average | 93°F | 100°F |
| Winter average | 47°F | 63°F |
| Sunny days a year | 222 | 235 |
| Walk score | 40 | 37 |
| Population | 139,643 | 145,385 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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