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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $518/month more in McAllen, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.2K in McAllen, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 6.9%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$518
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$6.2K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Lubbock, TX

Population:259K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$149K

McAllen, TX

Population:147K
Cost Index:
107
(7% above avg)
Median Home:$191K

Lubbock, TX

The Lone Star State

259K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 259K residents.

๐Ÿ’ก Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

McAllen, TX

The Lone Star State

147K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 147K residents.

๐Ÿ’ก Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lubbock, TX vs McAllen, TX

Other
โ†‘ 14.7%
Lubbock, TX
$1,540
McAllen, TX
$1,767
Difference
$227
more
Transportation
โ†‘ 17.3%
Lubbock, TX
$1,243
McAllen, TX
$1,457
Difference
$214
more
Groceries
โ†‘ 5.4%
Lubbock, TX
$919
McAllen, TX
$969
Difference
$49.48
more
All Utilities
โ†‘ 7.7%
Lubbock, TX
$486
McAllen, TX
$524
Difference
$37.63
more
Housing
โ†“ 1.6%
Lubbock, TX
$1,949
McAllen, TX
$1,917
Difference
$31.68
less
Healthcare
โ†‘ 1.5%
Lubbock, TX
$527
McAllen, TX
$535
Difference
$8.04
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$815
To$1,112
โ†‘ $297
1 Bed
From$990
To$1,124
โ†‘ $134
2 Bed
From$1,175
To$1,408
โ†‘ $233
3 Bed
From$1,630
To$1,827
โ†‘ $197
Lubbock, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $910โ€“$1,170/mo

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930โ€“$1,050/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,664
Monthly in Lubbock, TX
$7,169
Monthly in McAllen, TX
$505
Difference

Home Values

Lubbock
McAllen
$149K
Median Value
$191K
โ†“ -1.9%
YoY Change
โ†“ -2.1%
โ†‘ +20.4%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +37.3%
$95K - $292K
Price Range
$178K - $260K

Homes in McAllen are 28% more expensive than Lubbock

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†’ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Lubbock, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

McAllen, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Lubbock, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

McAllen, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Lubbock
McAllen
23 Good
Air Quality
45 Good
92.2%
Good Air Days
57.7%
96 High
Climate Risk
89 Moderate
โ˜€๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒก
โ–ฒ+3.2ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
78 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
151 days
โ–ฒ+3.2ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
78 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
151 days

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