Moving from Fargo to El Paso (2026)
El Paso has a COL index of 80 vs 89 for Fargo (100 = US average). You'd pay about 10% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$218/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8980
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,250$1,050
per month
State tax
2.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,741
per month
Salary needed in El Paso to match your Fargo lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fargo | Equivalent in El Paso |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,955 |
| $50K | $44,944 |
| $60K | $53,933 |
| $75K | $67,416 |
| $80K | $71,910 |
| $100K | $89,888 |
| $120K | $107,865 |
| $150K | $134,831 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fargo vs El Paso
| Expense | Fargo | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $369 | $346 |
| Transport | $50 | $40 |
| Utilities | $155 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,695 | $3,070 |
Frequently asked questions
Is El Paso cheaper than Fargo?
Yes. El Paso has a cost of living index of 80 vs 89 for Fargo (100 = US average). That's about 10% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fargo to El Paso?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fargo to El Paso could save roughly $218/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,616/year.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my Fargo lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fargo, you'd need roughly $67,416/year in El Paso. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from El Paso to FargoFargo vs El Paso — full comparisonFargo cost of livingEl Paso cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only