Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Los Angeles is 183% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,879/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 46%
$80,366/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 25%
$879,500 ↑ 406%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 80%
$2,055/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 52%
3,857,897
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $862/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $10,344/year.

Median household income is $20,201/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs McAllen — common questions

Is Los Angeles or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and McAllen?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $862/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or McAllen?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $20,201/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and McAllen

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