Cost of Living Comparison for El Paso, TX
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
El Paso's cost of living index is 84 — 16% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with El Paso local data
How El Paso Compares to the National Average
Understanding how El Paso stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | El Paso, TX | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $195,000 | $420,800 | -53.7% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $745 | $1,713 | -56.5% |
| Median Household Income | $48,000 | $74,580 | -35.6% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.80% | 1.10% | +63.6% |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 100 | -16.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
El Paso Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 870,000
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg Commute
- 24 min
- Median Age
- 32.1
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 21.8x
- Annual Property Tax
- $3,510
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Texas Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — El Paso
What is the median home price in El Paso, TX?
The median home price in El Paso is $195,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in El Paso?
Median monthly rent in El Paso is $745. That works out to $8,940/year, or 19% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is El Paso affordable?
El Paso's cost of living index is 84 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $48,000/year and a median home price of $195,000, the price-to-income ratio is 4.1x. El Paso falls in the middle of the affordability spectrum for US cities.
What is the property tax rate in El Paso?
The effective property tax rate in El Paso is 1.80% of assessed value. On the median home of $195,000, that's roughly $3,510/year ($292/month).