Median rent is 14% lower in El Paso ($1,041/mo vs $1,209/mo). Buying is cheaper in El Paso, where the median home runs $171,700 versus $276,500. Households earn more in Pensacola ($72,699 vs $58,734 a year). Taken together, El Paso is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.1 against 97.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Pensacola, FL.
City A
El Paso, TX
City B
Pensacola, FL
How much would you need to earn in Pensacola, FL to maintain your standard of living from El Paso, TX?
Equivalent salary in Pensacola, FL
$75,148
You'd need $148 more (0% 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
Pensacola
Florida
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in El Paso at $1,041/mo compared to $1,209/mo in Pensacola (14% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Pensacola: the median home is $276,500 versus $171,700 in El Paso — 38% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Florida have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Florida; Pensacola has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
El Paso
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Pensacola
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for El Paso (avg AQI 153.0) but not yet for Pensacola.
Pick Pensacola if you prioritize higher median household income ($72,699/yr).
Pick El Paso if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,041/mo median).
Is El Paso cheaper than Pensacola?
El Paso is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.1 versus 97.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in El Paso.
How much is rent in El Paso vs Pensacola?
Median rent is $1,041/mo in El Paso, TX and $1,209/mo in Pensacola, FL. El Paso, TX has the lower rent by about 14%.
Which has higher salaries — El Paso or Pensacola?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso, TX and $72,699 in Pensacola, FL. Pensacola, FL 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — El Paso or Pensacola?
Both Texas and Florida have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Pensacola 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 $100,198 in Pensacola, FL (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