47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
McAllen wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
McAllen wins 1–2 overall (70/100)
💰 McAllen is more affordable
💼 McAllen has lower unemployment
🛡️ McAllen has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs McAllen — The Verdict
McAllen scores 70/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, McAllen has a clear edge with home prices 81% lower. McAllen has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. For safety-conscious movers, McAllen has a notably lower disaster history with 34 fewer declarations in 20 years. McAllen may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in McAllen are 81% lower — a difference of $663,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in McAllen saves you $836/month — that's $10,032 per year.
💵
Households in Los Angeles earn $19,918 more per year (35% higher median income).
📊
McAllen has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
McAllen has experienced 34 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$158,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$955
Median Income
$76,244
$56,326
The affordability gap is significant — McAllen offers home prices 81% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $663,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
4.3%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with McAllen having a slight edge at 4.3% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
20
McAllen has a markedly lower disaster history — 34 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to McAllen: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or McAllen cheaper to live in?
McAllen is more affordable overall. Home prices are $663,900 lower in McAllen. Monthly rent is $955 in McAllen vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or McAllen have better weather?
Los Angeles scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Los Angeles or McAllen better for finding a job?
McAllen currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 4.3% in McAllen. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $56,326 in McAllen.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or McAllen?
In terms of natural disaster risk, McAllen is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 20 in McAllen. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for McAllen.
Should I move from Los Angeles to McAllen?
Based on our data, McAllen scores 70.0/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — McAllen is more affordable, while Los Angeles has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.