Moving from Columbus to McAllen (2026)
McAllen has a COL index of 78 vs 83 for Columbus (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$163/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8378
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,100$950
per month
State tax
5.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,397$4,741
per month
Salary needed in McAllen to match your Columbus lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Columbus | Equivalent in McAllen |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,590 |
| $50K | $46,988 |
| $60K | $56,386 |
| $75K | $70,482 |
| $80K | $75,181 |
| $100K | $93,976 |
| $120K | $112,771 |
| $150K | $140,964 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Columbus vs McAllen
| Expense | Columbus | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,397 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $950 |
| Groceries | $353 | $338 |
| Transport | $40 | $35 |
| Utilities | $160 | $165 |
| Internet | $58 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,686 | $3,193 |
Frequently asked questions
Is McAllen cheaper than Columbus?
Yes. McAllen has a cost of living index of 78 vs 83 for Columbus (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Columbus to McAllen?
On a $75K salary, moving from Columbus to McAllen could save roughly $163/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,956/year.
What salary do I need in McAllen to match my Columbus lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Columbus, you'd need roughly $70,482/year in McAllen. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from McAllen to ColumbusColumbus vs McAllen — full comparisonColumbus 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