Alamo vs Pharr: which is better to live in?
Alamo gets C- overall and Pharr gets B-. Pharr comes out ahead on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
Alamo wins on jobs and income, errands and things to do, getting around, education levels, health, home ownership and internet access. Pharr wins on cost of living, schools and safety.
Alamo suits young professionals better, while Pharr suits families, retirees and people on a budget better.
Side by side
| Alamo | Pharr | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | C- | B- |
| Population | 20,625 | 80,830 |
| Growth since 2020 | +5.7% | +1.4% |
| Median rent | $811 | $1,037 |
| Median home value | $145,100 | $121,900 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $1,001 | $879 |
| Median household income | $57,096 | $52,814 |
| Property tax per year | $2,481 | $2,537 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 654 | 214 |
| Property crime per 100k | 2,929 | 1,086 |
| Schools rated A or B | 92% | 88% |
| Average commute | 24 min | 21 min |
| Work from home | 6.7% | 6.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 19% | 19% |
| Median age | 29.2 years | 29.7 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 170 | 177 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Low | Low |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Alamo | Pharr | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B+ (79) | A+ (99) |
| Jobs and income | F (6) | F (4) |
| Schools | B+ (75) | A- (85) |
| Safety | F (4) | B- (62) |
| Errands and things to do | A- (87) | B+ (73) |
| Getting around | C (45) | C- (36) |
| Education levels | F (7) | F (4) |
| Health | F (5) | F (2) |
| Home ownership | D+ (30) | D+ (28) |
| Internet access | D (18) | D- (14) |
Cost of living
Overall costs are close between the two.
Rent is lower in Alamo: a median of $811 a month, 22% lower than Pharr's $1,037.
The median home is worth $145,100 in Alamo and $121,900 in Pharr. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $1,001 a month against $879, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 2.5 times income in Alamo and 2.3 times in Pharr.
Commute and location
Commutes average 24 minutes in Alamo and 21 in Pharr.
The two are about 5 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Pharr has less violent crime. Alamo reported 654 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Pharr reported 214 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 92% of Alamo's 13 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 88% of Pharr's 32.
Common questions
Is Alamo or Pharr better to live in?
Pharr grades higher overall (C- vs B-). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Alamo cheaper than Pharr?
They cost about the same to live in.
Which is safer, Alamo or Pharr?
Pharr, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.