Idaho Falls vs McAllen for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Idaho Falls Idaho | McAllen Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $900 | $750Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,450 | $1,250Better |
| Median home price | $310K | $185KBetter |
| Median household income | $56KBetter | $42K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,131 | $1,014Better |
| State income tax | 5.8% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6%Better | 8.3% |
| Monthly utilities | $142Better | $165 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 96 | 89Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Idaho Falls or McAllen?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, McAllen scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,250/mo in McAllen vs $1,450/mo. McAllen is approximately 10% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Idaho Falls vs McAllen?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,450/month in Idaho Falls and $1,250/month in McAllen. McAllen is 14% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Idaho Falls or McAllen?
The price-to-income ratio in Idaho Falls is 5.5× ($310K median home, $56K median income). In McAllen it's 4.4× ($185K home, $42K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — McAllen is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Idaho Falls vs McAllen?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,131/month in Idaho Falls and $1,014/month in McAllen, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$1,404/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Idaho Falls has a 5.8% state income tax rate vs McAllen has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $580/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Idaho Falls has the same purchasing power as $90K in McAllen
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026