Edinburg vs McAllen: which is better to live in?
Edinburg gets C+ overall and McAllen gets B+. McAllen comes out ahead on our index.
Edinburg wins on cost of living and getting around. McAllen wins on jobs and income, schools, safety, errands and things to do, education levels, health, home ownership and internet access.
Edinburg suits people on a budget better, while McAllen suits families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers better.
Side by side
| Edinburg | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | C+ | B+ |
| Population | 110,700 | 150,640 |
| Growth since 2020 | +10.3% | +5.9% |
| Median rent | $996 | $1,049 |
| Median home value | $189,600 | $190,400 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $1,338 | $1,316 |
| Median household income | $59,466 | $61,579 |
| Property tax per year | $3,601 | $3,287 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 213 | 126 |
| Property crime per 100k | 1,487 | 1,422 |
| Schools rated A or B | 83% | 98% |
| Average commute | 22 min | 22 min |
| Work from home | 11% | 12% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 28% | 32% |
| Median age | 30.2 years | 33.5 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 167 | 167 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Low |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Edinburg | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | A (95) | A- (88) |
| Jobs and income | D- (12) | D (17) |
| Schools | B+ (78) | A (90) |
| Safety | C+ (53) | B (71) |
| Errands and things to do | C- (33) | A- (83) |
| Getting around | C+ (55) | C (40) |
| Education levels | D (18) | D (23) |
| Health | F (7) | D (19) |
| Home ownership | D (24) | D+ (29) |
| Internet access | D (18) | C (45) |
Cost of living
Overall costs are close between the two.
Rent is lower in Edinburg: a median of $996 a month, 5% lower than McAllen's $1,049.
The median home is worth $189,600 in Edinburg and $190,400 in McAllen. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $1,338 a month against $1,316, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.2 times income in Edinburg and 3.1 times in McAllen.
Commute and location
Commutes average 22 minutes in Edinburg and 22 in McAllen.
The two are about 7 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
McAllen has less violent crime. Edinburg reported 213 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and McAllen reported 126 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 83% of Edinburg's 36 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 98% of McAllen's 46.
Common questions
Is Edinburg or McAllen better to live in?
McAllen grades higher overall (C+ vs B+). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Edinburg cheaper than McAllen?
They cost about the same to live in.
Which is safer, Edinburg or McAllen?
McAllen, 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.