Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
El Paso is 23% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $57,432 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $265,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Reno (96).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
Amazon affiliate links