Moving from Fort Collins to El Paso (2026)
El Paso has a COL index of 80 vs 99 for Fort Collins (100 = US average). You'd pay about 19% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in El Paso to match your Fort Collins lifestyle
Based on the 19% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Collins | Equivalent in El Paso |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,323 |
| $50K | $40,404 |
| $60K | $48,485 |
| $75K | $60,606 |
| $80K | $64,646 |
| $100K | $80,808 |
| $120K | $96,970 |
| $150K | $121,212 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Collins vs El Paso
| Expense | Fort Collins | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $384 | $346 |
| Transport | $55 | $40 |
| Utilities | $140 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,122 | $3,070 |
Frequently asked questions
Is El Paso cheaper than Fort Collins?
Yes. El Paso has a cost of living index of 80 vs 99 for Fort Collins (100 = US average). That's about 19% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Collins to El Paso?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Collins to El Paso could save roughly $673/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,076/year.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my Fort Collins lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Collins, you'd need roughly $60,606/year in El Paso. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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