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.
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 |
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 |
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 could save roughly $1,854/month on core expenses. That's ~$22,248/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 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