Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
El Paso is 34% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $49,805 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $315,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Riverside (102).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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