Median rent is 37% lower in El Paso ($1,041/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in El Paso, where the median home runs $171,700 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $58,734 a year). Taken together, El Paso is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.1 against 98.8 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
El Paso is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 97.1 in El Paso vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
El Paso, TX
How much would you need to earn in El Paso, TX to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in El Paso, TX
$73,688
You could earn $1,312 less (2% lower) and break even.
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
Austin
Texas
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 $1,655/mo in Austin, a 37% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $171,700 in El Paso — 67% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; El Paso has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
El Paso
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 153.0 AQI (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick El Paso if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,041/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Is Austin cheaper than El Paso?
El Paso is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in El Paso.
How much is rent in Austin vs El Paso?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,041/mo in El Paso, TX. El Paso, TX has the lower rent by about 37%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or El Paso?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $58,734 in El Paso, TX. Austin, TX 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?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 153.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or El Paso?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $98,251 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