Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
47% cheaper
El Paso is 47% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $39,844 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $615,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than San Diego (107).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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