Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
El Paso is 21% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $59,579 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: El Paso scores 95 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Salt Lake City (97).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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