Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
El Paso is 31% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $51,829 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $395,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Scottsdale (95).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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