Is College Station, TX cheaper than McAllen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, College Station, TX is 3.7% cheaper than McAllen, TX. This translates to saving $278 per month.

What salary do I need in College Station, TX to live like I do in McAllen, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in McAllen, TX, you'd need approximately $146,664.058 in College Station, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between McAllen, TX and College Station, TX?

Housing in College Station, TX is 5.7% cheaper than in McAllen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $975/month in College Station, TX compared to $1,408/month in McAllen, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from McAllen, TX to College Station, TX?

Moving from McAllen, TX to College Station, TX could save you approximately $278 per month, or $3336 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McAllen, TX vs College Station, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in McAllen, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $278/month moving to College Station, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.7K in College Station, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$278

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

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

McAllen, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$191K

College Station, TX

Population:125K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$319K

McAllen, TX

The Lone Star State

147K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

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

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

College Station, TX

The Lone Star State

125K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 125K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: McAllen, TX vs College Station, TX

Category	McAllen, TX	College Station, TX	Difference	Change
Other	$1,767/mo	$1,622/mo	↓ $145less	8.2%
Transportation	$1,457/mo	$1,330/mo	↓ $128less	8.8%
Housing	$1,917/mo	$1,809/mo	↓ $108less	5.7%
Groceries	$969/mo	$873/mo	↓ $95.90less	9.9%
All Utilities	$524/mo	$529/mo	↑ $5.20more	1.0%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$538/mo	↑ $3.58more	0.7%

Other

↓ 8.2%

McAllen, TX

$1,767

College Station, TX

$1,622

Difference

$145

less

Transportation

↓ 8.8%

McAllen, TX

$1,457

College Station, TX

$1,330

Difference

$128

less

Housing

↓ 5.7%

McAllen, TX

$1,917

College Station, TX

$1,809

Difference

$108

less

Groceries

↓ 9.9%

McAllen, TX

$969

College Station, TX

$873

Difference

$95.90

less

All Utilities

↑ 1.0%

McAllen, TX

$524

College Station, TX

$529

Difference

$5.20

Healthcare

↑ 0.7%

McAllen, TX

$535

College Station, TX

$538

Difference

$3.58

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,112

To$842

↓ $270

1 Bed

From$1,124

To$889

↓ $235

2 Bed

From$1,408

To$975

↓ $433

3 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,357

↓ $470

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

College Station, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,090–$1,190/mo

💡 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.

$7,169

Monthly in McAllen, TX

$6,701

Monthly in College Station, TX

$469

Difference

Home Values

McAllen

College Station

$191K

Median Value

$319K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.8%

↑ +37.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.6%

$178K - $260K

Price Range

$281K - $358K

Homes in College Station are 67% more expensive than McAllen

Calculate payment - McAllen Calculate payment - College Station

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

McAllen, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

College Station, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

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

McAllen, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

College Station, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.