McAllen vs Amarillo for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | McAllen Texas | Amarillo Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $750Better | $750 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,250Better | $1,250 |
| Median home price | $185KBetter | $200K |
| Median household income | $42K | $50KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,014Better | $1,040 |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3%Better | 8.3% |
| Monthly utilities | $165Better | $170 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 89Better | 91 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — McAllen or Amarillo?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, McAllen scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,250/mo in Amarillo vs $1,250/mo. McAllen is approximately 3% 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 McAllen vs Amarillo?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,250/month in McAllen and $1,250/month in Amarillo. Amarillo is 0% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in McAllen or Amarillo?
The price-to-income ratio in McAllen is 4.4× ($185K median home, $42K median income). In Amarillo it's 4.0× ($200K home, $50K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Amarillo is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in McAllen vs Amarillo?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,014/month in McAllen and $1,040/month in Amarillo, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$312/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
McAllen (Texas) has no state income tax vs Amarillo has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $0/month in take-home pay.
$100K in McAllen has the same purchasing power as $103K in Amarillo
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026