Median rent is 41% lower in El Paso ($1,041/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in El Paso, where the median home runs $171,700 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $58,734 a year). Taken together, El Paso is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.1 against 113.0 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
El Paso is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 97.1 in El Paso vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
El Paso, TX
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from El Paso, TX?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$87,287
You'd need $12,287 more (16% higher).
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
El Paso
Texas
New York
New York
👥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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $171,700 in El Paso — 77% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving El Paso a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
El Paso
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
New York has cleaner air on average: 61.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 153.0 AQI (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick El Paso if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 97.1 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick El Paso if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,041/mo median).
Pick New York if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 61.0).
Is El Paso cheaper than New York?
El Paso is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.1 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in El Paso.
How much is rent in El Paso vs New York?
Median rent is $1,041/mo in El Paso, TX and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. El Paso, TX has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — El Paso or New York?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso, TX and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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?
New York, NY has better air quality on average: 61.0 AQI versus 153.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — El Paso or New York?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in New York to match my El Paso income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in El Paso, TX is equivalent to roughly $116,383 in New York, NY (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