Cost of Living: Laredo, TX vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Laredo

Texas
67
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Laredo and McAllen have a similar cost of living.

$1,001/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 2%
$63,264/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 5%
$182,400 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 5%
$1,066/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 7%
255,949
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Laredo, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,099/year higher in Laredo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Laredo is $182,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Laredo vs McAllen — common questions

Is Laredo or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Laredo and McAllen?
Median rent in Laredo is $1,001/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Laredo or McAllen?
Median household income is $63,264 in Laredo and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $3,099/year higher in Laredo.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Laredo or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Laredo has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,001/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.
View Laredo details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Laredo and McAllen

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