Data last updated: August 2026

Houston, TXEl Paso, TX

You would need around 24.3% less money in El Paso, TX to maintain the same standard of living you have in Houston, TX.

Overall Cost of Living

24.3%

El Paso, TX is cheaper than Houston, TX

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,664 USD
City B1,138 USD
Difference-31.6%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A250 USD
City B262 USD
Difference+4.8%

Average Net Salary

City A4,689 USD
City B3,286 USD
Difference-29.9%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Houston, TX to El Paso, TX? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in El Paso, TX is 24.3% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in El Paso, TX's center costs around 1,138 USD, which is a staggering 31.6% less than in Houston, TX. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Houston, TX and El Paso, TX is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in El Paso, TX to maintain your current lifestyle in Houston, TX.

USD

You need in El Paso, TX

3,549 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Houston, TX to El Paso, TX and investing the 24% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 3.6 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Houston, TX budget to local El Paso, TX prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1138 USD
Groceries262 USD
Utilities & Internet268 USD

Investment Planner

You save 526 USD every month on rent alone by moving to El Paso, TX.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~88,368 USD in 10 years.