Uprootmap
McAllen vs Austin
McAllen and Austin
Photo: Quintin Soloviev / Wikimedia, CC BY 4.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Austin are under the US rate in this release, 3.7 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at McAllen to Austin
In 2022-2023, 680 households filed a move from McAllen to Austin (about 983 people, average adjusted gross income $52,599). 455 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $863 in McAllen and $1,221 in Austin. McAllen has no state tax on wages. Austin has no state tax on wages. Local pay in Austin is 104% of the national level for the same work, against 80% in McAllen.
Austin averages 228 sunny days, with July highs around 97°F and January nights around 43°F. McAllen is 237 sunny days, 97°F in July, 55°F in January. Commutes average 27 minutes in Austin and 23 in McAllen.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 680 households moved McAllen → Austin (about 983 people, average AGI $52,599). 455 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between McAllen and Austin changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 322 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,900–$3,550
- Container or pod
- $1,300–$2,400
- Rent a truck
- $550–$1,000
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Dig into Austin
Questions
Is Austin cheaper than McAllen after tax and rent?
No. Austin leaves about $527 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $863 in McAllen and $1,221 in Austin.
Does Austin have state income tax?
Austin is in Texas, which has no state income tax.
Did people actually move from McAllen to Austin?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.