Cost of Living: El Paso, TX vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

El Paso is 45% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,041/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 49%
$58,734/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 38%
$171,700 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 153%
$1,044/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 57%
678,147
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $511/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $6,132/year.

Median household income is $22,355/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Texas has no state income tax, giving El Paso residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is El Paso or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $511/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $22,355/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to El Paso or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View El Paso details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for El Paso and Ann Arbor

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