Moving from Portland to McAllen (2026)
McAllen has a COL index of 78 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 38% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in McAllen to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 38% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in McAllen |
|---|---|
| $40K | $24,960 |
| $50K | $31,200 |
| $60K | $37,440 |
| $75K | $46,800 |
| $80K | $49,920 |
| $100K | $62,400 |
| $120K | $74,880 |
| $150K | $93,600 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs McAllen
| Expense | Portland | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $950 |
| Groceries | $407 | $338 |
| Transport | $100 | $35 |
| Utilities | $130 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $3,193 |
Frequently asked questions
Is McAllen cheaper than Portland?
Yes. McAllen has a cost of living index of 78 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 38% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to McAllen?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to McAllen could save roughly $1,054/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,648/year.
What salary do I need in McAllen to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $46,800/year in McAllen. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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