Moving from Raleigh to El Paso (2026)
El Paso has a COL index of 80 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 21% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$674/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10180
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$1,050
per month
State tax
4.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,741
per month
Salary needed in El Paso to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 21% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in El Paso |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,683 |
| $50K | $39,604 |
| $60K | $47,525 |
| $75K | $59,406 |
| $80K | $63,366 |
| $100K | $79,208 |
| $120K | $95,050 |
| $150K | $118,812 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs El Paso
| Expense | Raleigh | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $365 | $346 |
| Transport | $70 | $40 |
| Utilities | $150 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $3,070 |
Frequently asked questions
Is El Paso cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. El Paso has a cost of living index of 80 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 21% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to El Paso?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to El Paso could save roughly $674/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,088/year.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $59,406/year in El Paso. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from El Paso to RaleighRaleigh vs El Paso — full comparisonRaleigh cost of livingEl Paso cost of living
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