Best Cities for Project Managers in Texas
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $95,000 salary
Texas has 15 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For project managers earning around $95,000 annually, Eagle Pass stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 48.4 and $70,583 left after taxes and rent. 15 cities in Texas sit below the national average cost of living, giving project managers more purchasing power per dollar earned. San Angelo is the priciest metro at 79.1 on the index, 31 points above Eagle Pass.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eagle Pass | 48.4 | $973 |
| 2 | Brownsville-Harlingen | 55.7 | $1,047 |
| 3 | McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 57.0 | $1,060 |
| 4 | Laredo | 64.3 | $1,161 |
| 5 | Wichita Falls | 65.9 | $1,136 |
| 6 | Longview | 66.0 | $1,199 |
| 7 | Abilene | 73.6 | $1,276 |
| 8 | Lubbock | 75.0 | $1,175 |
| 9 | El Paso | 75.5 | $1,191 |
| 10 | Beaumont-Port Arthur | 76.1 | $1,103 |
| 11 | Victoria | 76.6 | $1,442 |
| 12 | Waco | 77.3 | $1,240 |
| 13 | Amarillo | 77.4 | $1,106 |
| 14 | College Station-Bryan | 77.6 | $1,186 |
| 15 | San Angelo | 79.1 | $1,339 |
Net income = $95,000 salary − federal & Texas state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $95,000 salary for project managers who coordinate teams and deliver projects on time, after applying 2026 federal and Texas state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Texas for project managers?
Eagle Pass is the most affordable city in Texas for project managers, with a cost-of-living index of 48.4 (national average = 100). On a $95,000 salary, you'd have approximately $70,583 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do project managers earn in Texas?
Project Managers in Texas earn around $95,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $14,112 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Texas cities?
Across 15 metro areas in Texas, the average cost-of-living index is 70 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Eagle Pass at 48.4, while San Angelo is the most expensive at 79.1—a difference of 31 index points.
Other Rankings in Texas
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