Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
El Paso is 15% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $63,750 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: El Paso scores 95 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Phoenix (95).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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