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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

McAllen is 14% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,017/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 5%
$60,165/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 2%
$173,800 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 45%
$996/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 6%
143,789
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,289/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Lafayette — common questions

Is McAllen or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Lafayette?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Lafayette?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $1,289/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Lafayette details →

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