Moving from Houston to McAllen (2026)
McAllen has a COL index of 78 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 18% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in McAllen to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 18% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in McAllen |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,842 |
| $50K | $41,053 |
| $60K | $49,263 |
| $75K | $61,579 |
| $80K | $65,684 |
| $100K | $82,105 |
| $120K | $98,526 |
| $150K | $123,158 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs McAllen
| Expense | Houston | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $950 |
| Groceries | $357 | $338 |
| Transport | $90 | $35 |
| Utilities | $175 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $3,193 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $489 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Houston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is McAllen cheaper than Houston?
Yes. McAllen has a cost of living index of 78 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 18% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Houston to McAllen?
On a $75K salary, moving from Houston to McAllen saves roughly $400/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,800/year.
What salary do I need in McAllen to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $61,579/year in McAllen. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only