Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
35% cheaper
El Paso is 35% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $49,038 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $295,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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