Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
55% cheaper
El Paso is 55% more affordable than San Francisco. A $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to $33,553 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 Francisco sits at 327 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $1,200,000 in San Francisco, a difference of $1,015,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $3,400 in San Francisco.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while San Francisco scores 112.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than San Francisco (113).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $119,136 in San Francisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
Amazon affiliate links