Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
El Paso is 10% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $67,819 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Rochester (100).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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