Is Odessa, TX cheaper than McAllen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Odessa, TX is 1.5% cheaper than McAllen, TX. This translates to saving $112 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in McAllen, TX, you'd need approximately $148,661.878 in Odessa, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between McAllen, TX and Odessa, TX?

Housing in Odessa, TX is 7.1% more expensive than in McAllen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,706/month in Odessa, TX compared to $1,408/month in McAllen, TX.

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

Moving from McAllen, TX to Odessa, TX could save you approximately $112 per month, or $1338 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McAllen, TX vs Odessa, 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 $112/month moving to Odessa, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.7K in Odessa, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$112

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.3K

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

Odessa, TX

Population:116K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$238K

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!

Odessa, TX

The Lone Star State

116K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 116K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: McAllen, TX vs Odessa, TX

Category	McAllen, TX	Odessa, TX	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,457/mo	$1,309/mo	↓ $148less	10.2%
Other	$1,767/mo	$1,622/mo	↓ $145less	8.2%
Housing	$1,917/mo	$2,053/mo	↑ $135more	7.1%
Groceries	$969/mo	$943/mo	↓ $25.35less	2.6%
All Utilities	$524/mo	$499/mo	↓ $24.86less	4.7%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$540/mo	↑ $5.79more	1.1%

Transportation

↓ 10.2%

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Odessa, TX

$1,309

Difference

$148

less

Other

↓ 8.2%

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Odessa, TX

$1,622

Difference

$145

less

Housing

↑ 7.1%

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Odessa, TX

$2,053

Difference

$135

Groceries

↓ 2.6%

McAllen, TX

$969

Odessa, TX

$943

Difference

$25.35

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.7%

McAllen, TX

$524

Odessa, TX

$499

Difference

$24.86

less

Healthcare

↑ 1.1%

McAllen, TX

$535

Odessa, TX

$540

Difference

$5.79

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,112

To$1,332

↑ $220

1 Bed

From$1,124

To$1,359

↑ $235

2 Bed

From$1,408

To$1,706

↑ $298

3 Bed

From$1,827

To$2,043

↑ $216

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

Odessa, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,170–$1,530/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

$6,967

Monthly in Odessa, TX

$202

Difference

Home Values

McAllen

Odessa

$191K

Median Value

$238K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +4%

↑ +37.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +8%

$178K - $260K

Price Range

$204K - $331K

Homes in Odessa are 25% more expensive than McAllen

Calculate payment - McAllen Calculate payment - Odessa

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

Odessa, 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%

Odessa, 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.