Moving from Raleigh to McAllen (2026)
McAllen has a COL index of 78 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 23% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$797/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10178
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$950
per month
State tax
4.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,741
per month
Salary needed in McAllen to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 23% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in McAllen |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,891 |
| $50K | $38,614 |
| $60K | $46,337 |
| $75K | $57,921 |
| $80K | $61,782 |
| $100K | $77,228 |
| $120K | $92,673 |
| $150K | $115,842 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs McAllen
| Expense | Raleigh | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $950 |
| Groceries | $365 | $338 |
| Transport | $70 | $35 |
| Utilities | $150 | $165 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $3,193 |
Frequently asked questions
Is McAllen cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. McAllen has a cost of living index of 78 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 23% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to McAllen?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to McAllen could save roughly $797/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,564/year.
What salary do I need in McAllen to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $57,921/year in McAllen. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from McAllen to RaleighRaleigh vs McAllen — full comparisonRaleigh 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