Moving from San Antonio to El Paso (2026)
El Paso has a COL index of 80 vs 87 for San Antonio (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in El Paso to match your San Antonio lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Antonio | Equivalent in El Paso |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,782 |
| $50K | $45,977 |
| $60K | $55,172 |
| $75K | $68,966 |
| $80K | $73,563 |
| $100K | $91,954 |
| $120K | $110,345 |
| $150K | $137,931 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Antonio vs El Paso
| Expense | San Antonio | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $353 | $346 |
| Transport | $48 | $40 |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $3,005 | $3,070 |
Frequently asked questions
Is El Paso cheaper than San Antonio?
Yes. El Paso has a cost of living index of 80 vs 87 for San Antonio (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Antonio to El Paso?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Antonio to El Paso could save roughly $65/month on core expenses. That's ~$780/year.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my San Antonio lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Antonio, you'd need roughly $68,966/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