Retire Modestly in McAllen, TX (2026)
Small apartment, cook at home, public transit, minimal travel. In McAllen (COL 78), this costs $2,080/month — a $7K less than the US average.
Monthly budget breakdown
Estimated monthly expenses for a modest retirement in McAllen (COL-adjusted from national baseline).
| Category | Monthly | Annual | % of budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $686 | $8,232 | 33% |
| Food | $312 | $3,744 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $291 | $3,492 | 14% |
| Transport | $250 | $3,000 | 12% |
| Leisure | $291 | $3,492 | 14% |
| Misc | $250 | $3,000 | 12% |
| Total | $2,080 | $24,960 | 100% |
How long to save $624K?
Time to reach your nest egg target investing at 7% annual return (S&P 500 historical avg).
| Monthly savings | Years to retire | Retirement age (start 30) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000/mo | 22 yrs | Age 52 |
| $2,000/mo | 15 yrs | Age 45 |
| $3,000/mo | 12 yrs | Age 42 |
| $5,000/mo | 8 yrs | Age 38 |
| $8,000/mo | 6 yrs | Age 36 |
McAllen vs US average — Modest retirement
Other retirement tiers in McAllen
Frequently asked questions
How much does a modest retirement cost in McAllen?
A modest retirement in McAllen costs approximately $24,960/year or $2,080/month — based on a 78 cost-of-living index (US avg = 100). Using the 4% safe withdrawal rule, you need a nest egg of about $624K.
How long will it take to save $624K for retirement in McAllen?
Saving $2,000/month at a 7% average annual return would take roughly 15 years to accumulate $624K. At $3,000/month, it would take about 12 years. These estimates assume consistent investing in a diversified portfolio.
What is the biggest expense in a modest retirement in McAllen?
Housing is the largest expense at roughly 33% of the budget ($686/month). Healthcare ($291/month) is the second-largest category. TX has no state income tax, which reduces your overall tax burden in retirement.
4% safe withdrawal rule · 7% annualized return assumption · COL-adjusted from BLS data · Q1 2026 estimates