Phoenix vs El Paso
Cost of Living (2026)
El Paso is 18% more affordable than Phoenix. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Arizona's 2.5%.
Enter your salary → get exact comparisonAt a glance
Phoenix, AZ
COL index100
State income tax2.5%
Avg 1BR rent$1,450/mo
Median home price$395K
VS
El Paso, TX
COL index82 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$850/mo ✓
Median home price$190K ✓
Cost breakdown by category
Salary equivalency: Phoenix → El Paso
What salary in El Paso gives you the same purchasing power as your Phoenix salary?
Phoenix vs El Paso: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
When comparing the cost of living between Phoenix, AZ and El Paso, TX, El Paso comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 82 versus 100 for Phoenix — a difference of approximately 18%.
State income tax impact
Texas has no state income tax, giving El Paso workers an immediate 2.5% take-home pay advantage over Phoenix workers who pay Arizona's 2.5% state income tax.
Housing costs
The median home price in Phoenix is $395,000, compared to $190,000 in El Paso. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,450/month in Phoenix versus $850/month in El Paso.