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cAllen, Texas, has been ranked as the city with the lowest cost of living in America by Realtor.com. The city's affordable housing prices are a major factor in this distinction, with an average home price of just $275,000. This is significantly lower than the national average, making McAllen an attractive option for those looking to relocate.

    According to John Macke, Senior Research Analyst at John Burns Research and Consulting, the home price-to-income ratio in the US is around 5.5 as of August 2024. In contrast, McAllen's low property taxes and lack of income tax contribute to a lower cost of living. As Real Estate Agent Cara Ameer notes, these factors combined make McAllen an attractive choice for those seeking affordability.

    Compared to national averages, everyday expenses are significantly lower in McAllen. For example, what would cost $100 nationally would only cost $86.92 in McAllen. Overall, the city's cost of living is 13 percent lower than the national average.

    McAllen's proximity to the US-Mexico border makes it a popular shopping destination for tourists on day trips. The city's website describes it as a "shopping mecca" that attracts millions of visitors each year. Other cities in the South and Midwest also made Realtor.com's list, including Wichita, Kansas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Toledo, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Akron, Ohio; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Birmingham, Alabama; and El Paso, Texas.