Moving from Wichita to McAllen (2026)
McAllen has a COL index of 78 vs 82 for Wichita (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$57/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8278
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,000$950
per month
State tax
5.7%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,384$4,741
per month
Salary needed in McAllen to match your Wichita lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Wichita | Equivalent in McAllen |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,049 |
| $50K | $47,561 |
| $60K | $57,073 |
| $75K | $71,341 |
| $80K | $76,098 |
| $100K | $95,122 |
| $120K | $114,146 |
| $150K | $142,683 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Wichita vs McAllen
| Expense | Wichita | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,384 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,000 | $950 |
| Groceries | $350 | $338 |
| Transport | $42 | $35 |
| Utilities | $155 | $165 |
| Internet | $58 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,779 | $3,193 |
Frequently asked questions
Is McAllen cheaper than Wichita?
Yes. McAllen has a cost of living index of 78 vs 82 for Wichita (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Wichita to McAllen?
On a $75K salary, moving from Wichita to McAllen could save roughly $57/month on core expenses. That's ~$684/year.
What salary do I need in McAllen to match my Wichita lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Wichita, you'd need roughly $71,341/year in McAllen. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from McAllen to WichitaWichita vs McAllen — full comparisonWichita 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