Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
El Paso is 25% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $55,921 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while El Paso sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $185,000 in El Paso, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,000 in El Paso.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while El Paso scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than El Paso (89).
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $47,568 in El Paso. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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