Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Median Income: $46,871
Population: 678,815
Median Income: $56,019
Population: 2,304,580
When comparing El Paso and Houston, the overall cost of living differs by 12.5%. Houston carries a cost index of 90 compared to El Paso's 80, meaning your dollar stretches 11% further in El Paso.
Housing is where the most significant gap appears between these two cities. El Paso has a housing index of 72 compared to Houston's 82. This 10-point difference translates to substantial monthly savings on rent or mortgage payments in El Paso.
El Paso is more affordable for: Housing, Food & Groceries, Transportation, Healthcare, Utilities, Entertainment, Taxes.
If you earn $60,000 in El Paso, you would need $67,500 in Houston to maintain the same standard of living. For a $100,000 salary, the equivalent would be $112,500.
The median household income in El Paso is $46,871 compared to $56,019 in Houston. Houston has higher incomes, though the higher cost of living may offset this advantage.
Safety: El Paso scores 7/10 while Houston scores 5/10 in our safety assessment.
Weather: El Paso has an edge in climate with a 7/10 weather score compared to Houston's 5/10.
Job Market: Houston has the stronger job market (7/10) compared to El Paso (5/10).
El Paso is the more affordable option overall, but cost is just one factor in deciding where to live. Consider your career opportunities, family needs, and lifestyle preferences alongside the financial comparison. Houston may justify its higher costs with unique cultural amenities that many residents find worthwhile.
