Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
48% cheaper
El Paso is 48% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $38,636 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 Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $595,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
Amazon affiliate links