Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
El Paso is 13% more affordable than Spokane. A $75,000 salary in Spokane is equivalent to $65,051 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $125,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: El Paso scores 95 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Spokane (102).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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