El Paso, TX, US
Sun City on the border with the most affordable housing in Texas and stunning desert views.
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
El Paso vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 8.2%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $48,000
- Unemployment: 4.2%
- Population: 678,815
Climate
- Sunny Days: 297/year
- Summer High: 95°F
- Winter Low: 33°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $185,000
- 1BR Rent: $850/mo
Cost of Living
El Paso's cost of living index is 88.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | El Paso | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88.5 | 100 | -11.5% |
| Housing | 76.8 | 100 | -23.2% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $185,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $850/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,063/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $123 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in El Paso:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $110 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $60 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $21 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $341 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
El Paso scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
El Paso has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 53°F | 33°F | 2.5" |
| April | 80°F | 48°F | 2.8" |
| July | 95°F | 70°F | 1.5" |
| October | 75°F | 51°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
El Paso faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Arid desert environment.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Gulf Coast frequently affected by hurricanes.
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Coastal flooding and flash floods.
Dust storms in desert regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 8.25%
- Property Tax: ~2.58% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in El Paso per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in El Paso, TX, US?
The cost of living index in El Paso is 88.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in El Paso?
The median home price in El Paso is $185,000. The housing index is 76.8.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in El Paso is approximately $850/mo.
Does El Paso, TX have income tax?
El Paso is in TX, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in El Paso?
El Paso enjoys approximately 297 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 33°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.