Cost of Living: El Paso vs Los Angeles (2026)

El Paso vs Los Angeles cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Los Angeles is about 26% more expensive than El Paso overall — $100,000 in El Paso is worth about $126,308 in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is about 26% more expensive than El Paso overall — $100,000 in El Paso is worth about $126,308 in Los Angeles.

El Paso vs Los Angeles: the numbers

MetricEl PasoLos AngelesDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)90114+26%
Median rent$1,041$1,879+80%
Median home value$171,700$879,500+412%
Median household income$58,734$80,366+37%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in El Paso has the same buying power as about $126,308 in Los Angeles. Going the other way, $100,000 in Los Angeles is like $79,172 in El Paso.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between El Paso and Los Angeles.

Compare any salary: El Paso vs Los Angeles

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 114 vs 90 — a 26% difference. Your money goes further in El Paso.

About $126,308 — that's what you'd need in Los Angeles to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in El Paso.