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El Paso vs Phoenix

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Phoenix is 26% more expensive than El Paso overall.El Paso has a cost of living index of 82 vs Phoenix at 103 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Phoenix costs 83% less.

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El Paso
TX
82
COLI index
VS
Phoenix
AZ
103
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryEl PasoPhoenixDifference
Overall COLI82103+26%
Housing70128+83%
Groceries99104+5%
Transport99107+8%
Healthcare99103+4%
Utilities106110+4%

Median 1BR Rent

El Paso
$950/mo
Phoenix
$1,600/mo

Median Home Price

El Paso
$185,000
Phoenix
$385,000

Median Household Income

El Paso
$47,568
Phoenix
$64,882

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Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso is cheaper to live in overall. El Paso has a cost of living index of 82 while Phoenix has an index of 103, where 100 represents the US national average. Phoenix is 26% more expensive than El Paso overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in El Paso is $950 per month compared to $1,600 in Phoenix. The median home price in El Paso is $185,000 versus $385,000 in Phoenix. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

El Paso has a cost of living index of 82 and Phoenix has an index of 103, 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 El Paso, multiply by 1.26. For example a $75,000 salary in El Paso is equivalent to approximately $94,207 in Phoenix.

El Paso has a median household income of $47,568 per year versus $64,882 in Phoenix. 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 El Paso to Phoenix is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Phoenix is 26% more expensive 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.