McAllen

The McAllen city area is a thriving metropolitan region in south Texas.
Downtown McAllen has a variety of shops ranging from party supplies to everyday items.
Downtown McAllen has a variety of shops ranging from party supplies to everyday items.
McAllen has plenty of spanish style homes with lush trees near the downtown area.
Walking trails are everywhere in McAllen.

McAllen, TX Area Guide

The City of Palms is a south Texas cultural goldmine.

Nightlife Arts Dining Parks

McAllen, Texas welcomes residents with its rich cultural heritage in the Rio Grande Valley. Home to over 142,000 people, this South Texas city combines contemporary living with traditional charm. Known as the "City of Palms," McAllen offers diverse housing options from apartment communities to single-family homes. Current average rents range from $829 for one-bedroom units to $2,429 for four-bedroom properties. The rental market remains steady, with most properties showing minimal year-over-year changes.

McAllen's appeal extends beyond housing affordability. The Quinta Mazatlan, a historic Spanish colonial mansion and World Birding Center site, draws nature enthusiasts to its walking trails and wildlife viewing areas. The International Museum of Art & Science enriches the community with rotating exhibits and educational programs. The Convention Center District has developed into an entertainment destination, while downtown McAllen features the popular 17th Street Entertainment District. Uptown McAllen puts residents near La Plaza Mall's shopping and dining options. The city's evolution into an international trade center has shaped a welcoming community where residents benefit from a cost of living approximately 16% below the national average.

Explore the City

Walking trails are everywhere in McAllen.

McAllen has plenty of spanish style homes with lush trees near the downtown area.

Downtown McAllen has a variety of shops ranging from party supplies to everyday items.

Rent Trends

As of March 2026, the average apartment rent in McAllen, TX is $870 for a studio, $821 for one bedroom, $991 for two bedrooms, and $1,374 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in McAllen has decreased by -1.2% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$821/month
703 Sq Ft
House
$2,018/month
552 Sq Ft
Condo
$1,067/month
929 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,638/month
812 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in McAllen, TX

Cost of Living

The cost of living in McAllen, TX is 19.1% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in McAllen is 41.0% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $822 - $1,374. You can expect to pay 8.1% less for groceries, 18.7% more for utilities, and 13.7% less for transportation.

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Getting Around

Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly McAllen, TX is for everyday living.

Somewhat Walkable

54 / 100

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

Somewhat Bikeable

47 / 100

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Gonzalez Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

Rayburn Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

Garza Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

Morris Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

Michael E Fossum Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

Rowe High School

Public

Grades 9-12

Memorial High School

Public

Grades 9-12

Mcallen High School

Public

Grades 9-12

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Quinta Mazatlan
  • National Butterfly Center
  • Edinburg Scenic Wetlands
  • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Airports

  • McAllen International

Top Apartments in McAllen

Houses for Rent in McAllen

Property Management Companies in McAllen, TX

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.