Moving from Austin to McAllen (2026)
McAllen has a COL index of 78 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 36% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$909/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12278
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$950
per month
State tax
NoneNone
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,741
per month
Salary needed in McAllen to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 36% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in McAllen |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,574 |
| $50K | $31,967 |
| $60K | $38,361 |
| $75K | $47,951 |
| $80K | $51,148 |
| $100K | $63,934 |
| $120K | $76,721 |
| $150K | $95,902 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs McAllen
| Expense | Austin | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $950 |
| Groceries | $372 | $338 |
| Transport | $50 | $35 |
| Utilities | $170 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $3,193 |
Frequently asked questions
Is McAllen cheaper than Austin?
Yes. McAllen has a cost of living index of 78 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 36% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to McAllen?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to McAllen could save roughly $909/month on core expenses. That's ~$10,908/year.
What salary do I need in McAllen to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $47,951/year in McAllen. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from McAllen to AustinAustin vs McAllen — full comparisonAustin cost of livingMcAllen cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only