Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
El Paso is 4% more affordable than Detroit. A $75,000 salary in Detroit is equivalent to $71,629 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. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while El Paso sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $185,000 in El Paso, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,000 in El Paso.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while El Paso scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than El Paso (89).
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $47,568 in El Paso. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
Amazon affiliate links