Moving from Waco to McAllen (2026)
McAllen has a COL index of 78 vs 83 for Waco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$50/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
83 → 78
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,000 → $950
per month
State tax
None → None
income tax
COL difference
83 → 78
6% cheaper
Salary needed in McAllen to match your Waco lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Waco | 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 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$72/moon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Waco vs McAllen
| Expense | Waco | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,000 | $950 |
| Groceries | $350 | $338 |
| Transport | $38 | $35 |
| Utilities | $172 | $165 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $3,121 | $3,193 |
Frequently asked questions
Is McAllen cheaper than Waco?
Yes. McAllen has a cost of living index of 78 vs 83 for Waco (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Waco to McAllen?
On a $75K salary, moving from Waco to McAllen saves roughly $50/month on core expenses. That's ~$600/year.
What salary do I need in McAllen to match my Waco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Waco, you'd need roughly $70,482/year in McAllen. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from McAllen to WacoWaco vs McAllen — full comparisonWaco cost of livingMcAllen cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only