Median rent is 24% lower in El Paso ($1,041/mo vs $1,365/mo). Buying is cheaper in El Paso, where the median home runs $171,700 versus $327,600. Households earn more in Concord ($84,752 vs $58,734 a year). Taken together, Concord is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.8 against 97.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Concord, NC.
City A
Concord, NC
City B
El Paso, TX
How much would you need to earn in El Paso, TX to maintain your standard of living from Concord, NC?
Equivalent salary in El Paso, TX
$75,229
You'd need $229 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Concord
North Carolina
El Paso
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in El Paso — median rent of $1,041/mo versus $1,365/mo in Concord, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Concord: the median home is $327,600 versus $171,700 in El Paso — 48% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while North Carolina tops out at 4.50% — giving El Paso a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 6.25% in Texas; Concord has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Concord
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
El Paso
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for El Paso (avg AQI 153.0) but not yet for Concord.
Pick Concord if you prioritize higher median household income ($84,752/yr).
Pick El Paso if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,041/mo median).
Pick El Paso if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Concord cheaper than El Paso?
Concord is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.8 versus 97.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Concord.
How much is rent in Concord vs El Paso?
Median rent is $1,365/mo in Concord, NC and $1,041/mo in El Paso, TX. El Paso, TX has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Concord or El Paso?
Median household income is $84,752 in Concord, NC and $58,734 in El Paso, TX. Concord, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Concord or El Paso?
Texas has no state income tax. North Carolina has a top rate of 4.50%.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my Concord income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Concord, NC is equivalent to roughly $100,305 in El Paso, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology