Moving from Las Cruces to El Paso (2026)
El Paso has a COL index of 80 vs 82 for Las Cruces (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in El Paso to match your Las Cruces lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Las Cruces | Equivalent in El Paso |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,024 |
| $50K | $48,780 |
| $60K | $58,537 |
| $75K | $73,171 |
| $80K | $78,049 |
| $100K | $97,561 |
| $120K | $117,073 |
| $150K | $146,341 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Las Cruces vs El Paso
| Expense | Las Cruces | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,000 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $350 | $346 |
| Transport | $38 | $40 |
| Utilities | $152 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,834 | $3,070 |
Frequently asked questions
Is El Paso cheaper than Las Cruces?
Yes. El Paso has a cost of living index of 80 vs 82 for Las Cruces (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Las Cruces to El Paso?
On a $75K salary, moving from Las Cruces to El Paso saves roughly $256/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,072/year.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my Las Cruces lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Las Cruces, you'd need roughly $73,171/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