Cost of Living in El Paso, TX
2026 data for El Paso, TX • Population: 678,815
12% less expensive than the US average (100)
1-Bedroom Rent
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment
2-Bedroom Rent
Average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment
Median Income
Median household income in El Paso
Population
Estimated population of El Paso
How Far Does Your Salary Go?
A salary in El Paso has different purchasing power than the national average. Use the equivalence below to understand what your salary is worth compared to the US average.
Formula: Your salary in El Paso ÷ COL index × 100 = equivalent national salary. A $56,818 national salary gives you the same purchasing power as $50,000 in El Paso.
Housing Affordability Analysis
Rent as % of Income
For a 1-bedroom apartment at median income. Experts suggest under 30% is affordable.
Monthly Rent to Income
Ratio of monthly income to monthly 1-bedroom rent.
What is a Cost of Living Index?
A cost of living index measures the relative cost of goods and services in a city compared to a national baseline (set at 100). An index of 150 means the city is 50% more expensive than average. An index of 80 means it's 20% cheaper than average.
The index typically includes housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare—the major expense categories for households.
Compare with Other Cities
See how El Paso's cost of living stacks up against nearby and similar cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to plan your finances based on El Paso's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting vs buying in your city.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and city.
Mortgage Calculator
Calculate monthly mortgage payments and total interest.
Cost of Living Guide for El Paso, TX
Overview
El Paso has a cost of living index of 88, making it 12% less expensive than the national average. With a population of 678,815 and a median household income of $48,365, understanding the true cost of living here is essential for financial planning.
Housing Market
The housing market in El Paso reflects its cost of living index. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,050 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,350 per month. For renters, this typically consumes 26.1% of the median household income—within the recommended 30% threshold.
Income and Affordability
With a median household income of $48,365, El Paso residents earn slightly below the national median. When factoring in the local cost of living, a salary of $85,227in El Paso provides the same purchasing power as $75,000 nationally.
Moving to El Paso
Whether you're relocating for work or considering a move, understanding the cost of living in El Paso is crucial. Use our calculators to determine if your salary can support your desired lifestyle here. Consider not just rent, but also food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare when budgeting.
Saving and Investing
Once you understand your cost of living in El Paso, you can better plan your savings and investment strategy. Our financial tools help you determine how much you can realistically save each month and optimize your financial goals.