Cost of Living in El Paso, TX
Population 678,147 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
El Paso is among the largest cities in Texas by population, with the kind of employment diversity and housing variation that comes with a major regional hub. At 6.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in El Paso
The median home value in El Paso is $171,700 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,041/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,734/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 78.6°F and lows of 53.8°F, with about 2.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, El Paso has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 64 | 72 | 80 | 89 | 97 | 96 | 94 | 88 | 79 | 67 | 58 |
| Low °F | 35 | 39 | 46 | 53 | 62 | 71 | 73 | 72 | 65 | 54 | 42 | 34 |
| Precip" | 0.39 | 0.40 | 0.24 | 0.17 | 0.43 | 0.73 | 1.58 | 1.67 | 1.52 | 0.59 | 0.43 | 0.63 |
| Snow" | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.3 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in El Paso, TX?
El Paso has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in El Paso, TX?
The median gross rent in El Paso is $1,041 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in El Paso?
The median home value in El Paso is $171,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in El Paso?
The median household income in El Paso is $58,734 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in El Paso, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in El Paso is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is El Paso, TX affordable?
Yes, El Paso is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in El Paso?
El Paso has average high temperatures of 78.6°F and average lows of 53.8°F. Annual precipitation is 8.8". Average annual snowfall is 2.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
El Paso at a Glance
- Population
- 678,147
- Median Income
- $58,734
- Home Value
- $171,700
- Median Rent
- $1,041/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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