Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
El Paso is 15% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $63,750 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. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while El Paso sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $185,000 in El Paso, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,000 in El Paso.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while El Paso scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than El Paso (89).
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $47,568 in El Paso. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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