Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
El Paso is 20% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $60,142 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Tempe (95).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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