Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
52% cheaper
El Paso is 52% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $35,815 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 Irvine sits at 294 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $1,050,000 in Irvine, a difference of $865,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $3,000 in Irvine.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Irvine scores 108.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Irvine (109).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $108,038 in Irvine. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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