Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
El Paso is 21% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $59,579 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while El Paso sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $185,000 in El Paso, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,000 in El Paso.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while El Paso scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than El Paso (89).
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $47,568 in El Paso. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
Amazon affiliate links