Moving from Los Angeles to El Paso (2026)
El Paso has a COL index of 80 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 54% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in El Paso to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 54% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in El Paso |
|---|---|
| $40K | $18,497 |
| $50K | $23,121 |
| $60K | $27,746 |
| $75K | $34,682 |
| $80K | $36,994 |
| $100K | $46,243 |
| $120K | $55,491 |
| $150K | $69,364 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs El Paso
| Expense | Los Angeles | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $410 | $346 |
| Transport | $100 | $40 |
| Utilities | $145 | $175 |
| Internet | $70 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $3,070 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,854 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Los Angeles — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is El Paso cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. El Paso has a cost of living index of 80 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 54% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to El Paso?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to El Paso saves roughly $2,331/month on core expenses. That's ~$27,972/year.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $34,682/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