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

Shreveport

Louisiana
65
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Shreveport and McAllen have a similar cost of living.

$980/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 4%
$48,465/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 24%
$178,100 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 2%
$984/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↑ 1%
183,483
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Shreveport, LA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,700/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Shreveport is $178,100 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

Shreveport vs McAllen — common questions

Is Shreveport or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Shreveport and McAllen?
Median rent in Shreveport is $980/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Shreveport or McAllen?
Median household income is $48,465 in Shreveport and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $11,700/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 Shreveport or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $980/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 Shreveport details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Shreveport and McAllen

Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance