Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
El Paso is 23% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $57,955 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while El Paso sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $185,000 in El Paso, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,000 in El Paso.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while El Paso scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than El Paso (89).
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $47,568 in El Paso. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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