Cost of Living: El Paso vs Phoenix (2026)

El Paso vs Phoenix cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Phoenix is about 15% more expensive than El Paso overall — $100,000 in El Paso is worth about $114,908 in Phoenix.

Phoenix is about 15% more expensive than El Paso overall — $100,000 in El Paso is worth about $114,908 in Phoenix.

El Paso vs Phoenix: the numbers

MetricEl PasoPhoenixDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)90103+15%
Median rent$1,041$1,458+40%
Median home value$171,700$381,900+122%
Median household income$58,734$77,041+31%

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 $114,908 in Phoenix. Going the other way, $100,000 in Phoenix is like $87,026 in El Paso.

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

Compare any salary: El Paso vs Phoenix

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 103 vs 90 — a 15% difference. Your money goes further in El Paso.

About $114,908 — that's what you'd need in Phoenix to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in El Paso.