Moving from Houston to El Paso (2026)
El Paso has a COL index of 80 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 16% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in El Paso to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 16% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in El Paso |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,684 |
| $50K | $42,105 |
| $60K | $50,526 |
| $75K | $63,158 |
| $80K | $67,368 |
| $100K | $84,211 |
| $120K | $101,053 |
| $150K | $126,316 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs El Paso
| Expense | Houston | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $357 | $346 |
| Transport | $90 | $40 |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $3,070 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $366 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Houston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is El Paso cheaper than Houston?
Yes. El Paso has a cost of living index of 80 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 16% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Houston to El Paso?
On a $75K salary, moving from Houston to El Paso saves roughly $300/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,600/year.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $63,158/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