Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Louisville is 12% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,069/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 5%
$64,731/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 7%
$221,500 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 22%
$1,118/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 11%
627,210
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $4,566/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs McAllen — common questions

Is Louisville 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 Louisville and McAllen?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or McAllen?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $4,566/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Texas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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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