Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
El Paso is 9% more affordable than Columbus. A $75,000 salary in Columbus is equivalent to $68,548 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while El Paso sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $185,000 in El Paso, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,000 in El Paso.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while El Paso scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are higher than El Paso (89).
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $47,568 in El Paso. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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