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Detroit vs El Paso

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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El Paso is 7% cheaper than Detroit overall.Detroit has a cost of living index of 88 vs El Paso at 82 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Detroit costs 18% more.

Pierre
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Detroit
MI
88
COLI index
VS
El Paso
TX
82
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryDetroitEl PasoDifference
Overall COLI8882-7%
Housing8570-18%
Groceries10199-2%
Transport10199-2%
Healthcare10299-3%
Utilities112106-5%

Median 1BR Rent

Detroit
$1,100/mo
El Paso
$950/mo

Median Home Price

Detroit
$90,000
El Paso
$185,000

Median Household Income

Detroit
$34,762
El Paso
$47,568

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Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso is cheaper to live in overall. Detroit has a cost of living index of 88 while El Paso has an index of 82, where 100 represents the US national average. El Paso is 7% cheaper than Detroit overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Detroit is $1,100 per month compared to $950 in El Paso. The median home price in Detroit is $90,000 versus $185,000 in El Paso. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Detroit has a cost of living index of 88 and El Paso has an index of 82, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Detroit, multiply by 0.93. For example a $75,000 salary in Detroit is equivalent to approximately $69,886 in El Paso.

Detroit has a median household income of $34,762 per year versus $47,568 in El Paso. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Detroit to El Paso is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. El Paso is 7% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.