salaryEl Paso is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in El Paso to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,246
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,088
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$64,435
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$184,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
89.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$3,760
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$113
👥 People living there
2,711,226
680,130
Commute to work
33.1 min
23.4 min
College degree
44.3%
28.1%
Own their home
46%
60.8%
Below poverty line
16.8%
18.4%
Unemployment
8%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick El Paso for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | El Paso | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $48,140 | -53% in El Paso |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $53,560 | -48% in El Paso |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $42,430 | -47% in El Paso |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $47,270 | -39% in El Paso |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $50,300 | -39% in El Paso |
| Market Research Analyst | $80,400 | $50,680 | -37% in El Paso |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $21,870 | -30% in El Paso |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $76,400 | -29% in El Paso |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or El Paso cheaper to live in?
El Paso is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,246 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $52,075 a year gives the same standard of living in El Paso.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or El Paso?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $64,435 in El Paso, 30% more in Chicago.