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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

New Orleans is 36% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,211/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 16%
$55,339/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 9%
$296,400 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 41%
$1,274/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 22%
376,035
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $4,826/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs McAllen — common questions

Is New Orleans or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and McAllen?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or McAllen?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $4,826/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans and McAllen

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