Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Little Rock is 12% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,067/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 5%
$60,583/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,165/yr ≈ Same
$221,200 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 21%
$1,099/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 9%
202,739
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $418/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Arkansas's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs McAllen — common questions

Is Little Rock or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and McAllen?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or McAllen?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $418/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Texas?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View McAllen details →

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