El Paso, Texas has an overall cost of living index of 97.1, which is 2.9 points below the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,041 per month, while the typical home is valued around $171,700. Households earn a median of $58,734 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is elevated, with an average AQI of 153. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$58,734
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,041
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$171,700
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
97.1
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$821
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,013
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,191
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,633
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
97.1
Goods
95.6
Rents / Housing
95.3
Services
83.7
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
None
No state income tax on wages
State Sales Tax
6.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $141,390 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $83,060 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $55,010 |
| ⚡Electrician | $59,560 |
| 📊Accountant | $93,760 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
678,147
Latest estimate
Median Age
34.1 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
153.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for El Paso?
El Paso has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 97.1. The US national average is 100, so El Paso is 2.9 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in El Paso?
The median gross rent in El Paso is $1,041 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in El Paso?
The median household income in El Paso is $58,734 per year.
What is the median home value in El Paso?
The median home value in El Paso is $171,700 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in El Paso?
El Paso has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 153.0, which is rated "Unhealthy" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in El Paso?
Texas has no state income tax on wages and a statewide sales tax of 6.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology