Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than McAllen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.5% more expensive than McAllen, TX. This translates to spending an extra $413 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in McAllen, TX, you'd need approximately $154,950.654 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between McAllen, TX and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 28.8% more expensive than in McAllen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,408/month in McAllen, TX.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $413 more per month than McAllen, TX, or $4951 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McAllen, TX vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 McAllen, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Laredo, TX area

Current salary in McAllen, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $413/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.0K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$413

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.0K

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

Median Home:$191K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$512K

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!

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: McAllen, TX vs Raleigh, NC

Category	McAllen, TX	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,917/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $551more	28.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,457/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $173less	11.9%
🏥Healthcare	$535/mo	$601/mo	↑ $66.31more	12.4%
📦Other	$1,767/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $59.66less	3.4%
⚡All Utilities	$524/mo	$546/mo	↑ $22.48more	4.3%
🛒Groceries	$969/mo	$959/mo	↓ $9.51less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 28.8%

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$551

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.9%

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$173

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.4%

McAllen, TX

$535

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$66.31

📦Other

↓ 3.4%

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$59.66

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.3%

McAllen, TX

$524

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$22.48

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

McAllen, TX

$969

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$9.51

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,112

To$1,570

↑ $458

1 Bed

From$1,124

To$1,640

↑ $516

2 Bed

From$1,408

To$1,800

↑ $392

3 Bed

From$1,827

To$2,255

↑ $428

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$398

Difference

Home Values

McAllen

Raleigh

$191K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +37.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$178K - $260K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 168% more expensive than McAllen

Calculate payment - McAllen Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

McAllen, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.