Moving from Austin to El Paso (2026)
El Paso has a COL index of 80 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 34% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in El Paso to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 34% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in El Paso |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,230 |
| $50K | $32,787 |
| $60K | $39,344 |
| $75K | $49,180 |
| $80K | $52,459 |
| $100K | $65,574 |
| $120K | $78,689 |
| $150K | $98,361 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs El Paso
| Expense | Austin | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $372 | $346 |
| Transport | $50 | $40 |
| Utilities | $170 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $3,070 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $786 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Austin — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is El Paso cheaper than Austin?
Yes. El Paso has a cost of living index of 80 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 34% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to El Paso?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to El Paso saves roughly $750/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,000/year.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $49,180/year in El Paso. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only