Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
El Paso is 21% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $59,579 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Fresno (100).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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