$120K in Buffalo = $104,000 in McAllen
Your $120K salary in Buffalo (COL 90) has the same purchasing power as $104,000 in McAllen (COL 78). McAllen is cheaper — your money goes 13% further there.
Budget breakdown — $120K in both cities
What $120K actually buys you in each city after taxes and core expenses.
| Expense | Buffalo $120K | McAllen $120K (same salary) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $6,465 | $7,155 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $950 |
| Groceries | $384 | $338 |
| Transport | $72 | $35 |
| Utilities | $185 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $4,509/month | $5,607/month |
Frequently asked questions
What is $120K in Buffalo equivalent to in McAllen?
$120K in Buffalo (COL index 90) has the same purchasing power as $104,000 in McAllen (COL index 78). That's 13% less than your current salary.
If I move from Buffalo to McAllen keeping my $120K salary, will I be better off?
Yes. If you keep earning $120K after moving to McAllen, you'd have $1,098 more per month after core expenses — because McAllen is cheaper than Buffalo.
How is the salary equivalent calculated?
The equivalent salary is calculated by multiplying your current salary by the ratio of the two cities' overall cost of living indices: $120K × (78 ÷ 90) = $104,000. This adjusts for differences in housing, food, transport, and general cost of living.
Other salary amounts — Buffalo to McAllen
Equivalency uses overall COL index ratio. Take-home uses simplified federal/state brackets. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only