Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
El Paso is 16% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $63,119 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. Durham has a housing index of 104 while El Paso sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $185,000 in El Paso, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,000 in El Paso.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Durham scores 100 while El Paso scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than El Paso (89).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $47,568 in El Paso. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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