Moving from Tempe to McAllen (2026)
McAllen has a COL index of 78 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). You'd pay about 24% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$759/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10378
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$950
per month
State tax
2.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,741
per month
Salary needed in McAllen to match your Tempe lifestyle
Based on the 24% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tempe | Equivalent in McAllen |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,291 |
| $50K | $37,864 |
| $60K | $45,437 |
| $75K | $56,796 |
| $80K | $60,583 |
| $100K | $75,728 |
| $120K | $90,874 |
| $150K | $113,592 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tempe vs McAllen
| Expense | Tempe | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $950 |
| Groceries | $380 | $338 |
| Transport | $55 | $35 |
| Utilities | $210 | $165 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,277 | $3,193 |
Frequently asked questions
Is McAllen cheaper than Tempe?
Yes. McAllen has a cost of living index of 78 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). That's about 24% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tempe to McAllen?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tempe to McAllen could save roughly $759/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,108/year.
What salary do I need in McAllen to match my Tempe lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tempe, you'd need roughly $56,796/year in McAllen. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from McAllen to TempeTempe vs McAllen — full comparisonTempe 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