Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Baton Rouge is 11% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,044/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 3%
$49,944/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 20%
$224,500 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 23%
$1,043/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 5%
223,699
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,221/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs McAllen — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and McAllen?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or McAllen?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $10,221/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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