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
| Category | El Paso | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 82 | 103 | +26% |
| Housing | 70 | 128 | +83% |
| Groceries | 99 | 104 | +5% |
| Transport | 99 | 107 | +8% |
| Healthcare | 99 | 103 | +4% |
| Utilities | 106 | 110 | +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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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.