Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
El Paso is 21% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $59,028 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while El Paso sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $185,000 in El Paso, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,000 in El Paso.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while El Paso scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than El Paso (89).
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $47,568 in El Paso. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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