Cost of Living in El Paso, TX [2025]

El Paso is one of the most affordable cities in the U.S., with a cost of living nearly 20% below the national average. Residents enjoy lower housing, grocery, and transportation expenses than in most American cities. Add in close to 300 days of sunshine a year, picturesque desert landscapes, and family-friendly amenities, and you’ll see why more people are getting drawn to this West Texas border city.

Compared to high-cost metros like Boston, New York, and Chicago, El Paso offers some savings without sacrificing opportunity. Median home prices here are 17.4% below the national average, and average rents sit well below those in Austin or Dallas. For families, child care and groceries are far more affordable, while outdoor recreation—from the imposing Franklin Mountains to the Hueco Tanks—comes free of charge.

While healthcare access can sometimes mean longer wait times, ongoing investments from Texas Tech University and the University Medical Center of El Paso are strengthening local health services. Job seekers will also find a diverse and growing economy in logistics and defense, as well as an emerging cybersecurity sector. Altogether, El Paso is an up-and-coming city where the cost of living is lower and lifestyle stretches beyond the basics.

We’ve gathered the latest data as of September 2025 to help you decide whether moving to El Paso makes financial sense for you.

Cost of Living in El Paso, TX

What Is the Cost of Living in El Paso, TX?

The cost of living in El Paso is 18.1% less than the average U.S. city. That means single residents spend around $36,000 a year to live in the city. For families, the cost rises moderately to $37,440.

These figures only provide an average across the city, but with housing costs nearly half the national average, this makes El Paso one of the more affordable cities in the U.S to live in. Still, the cost of living can vary drastically depending on what El Paso neighborhood you call home and the type of lifestyle you lead.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in El Paso, TX?

One of the areas in El Paso with the highest cost of living is Kern Place, where rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,236.

Where Is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in El Paso?

One of the more budget-friendly neighborhoods is El Paso’s Central Downtown, where rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at $625, which is lower than the city’s overall one-bedroom average of $1,000.

What Is the Average Rent in El Paso?

It’s essential to budget accordingly when moving to El Paso. As of September 2025, the average rent in El Paso is $1,427, which is lower than the national average rent price of $2,102 and cheaper than Austin ($1,701) and Dallas ($1,907).

For context, El Paso’s rent growth is up 0.1% month over month but down 0.1% year over year, with nearby cities like Baton Rouge ($1,288) and Tucson ($1,273) offering slightly more affordability.

For city only:

For state only:

|City|Average One-Bedroom Rent| Average Two-Bedroom| |El Paso|$1,052 | $1,345 | |Dallas|$1,540 | $2,233 | |Austin|$1,519 |$1,914|

How Much Is Rent for a One-Bedroom Apartment in El Paso, TX?

**Based on our internal data, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in El Paso as of September 2025 is $1,052.

How Much Is Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment in El Paso, TX?

A two-bedroom apartment in El Paso has an average price of $1,345 as of September 2025.

How Much Is Housing in El Paso?

Housing in El Paso is relatively affordable. Renters and buyers alike will find prices well below both the Texas and national averages, plus they’ll get more space for the money compared to most U.S. metros. \ \ This combination of affordability and space makes El Paso one of the most budget-friendly large cities to call home. Although there are luxury condominiums and multimillion-dollar homes, the median home price is $195,600, which is 42.1% less expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 34.3% less expensive than the average Texas home at $297,600. The city’s home pricing index also makes it easier for renters to transition into homeownership.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in El Paso, TX?

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for El Paso residents is $57,317, which is significantly lower than the national median household income of $80,610.

Based on an estimate from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the living wage is $18.55 per hour for a full-time employed single individual without children. However, it should be noted that these numbers aren’t necessarily the ideal targets for living comfortably in El Paso.

The living wage is defined as the minimum amount of money needed to live above the poverty threshold. It excludes expenses for restaurants, entertainment, and vacations, and it also doesn't allow for savings.

The standard 30% rule advises that you should not spend more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. Curious what that is? Use the handy Apartment List rent calculator to draw up a budget.

Adhering to this guideline means affording all your bills and having money left for entertainment and savings. For example, you’d have to earn a salary of $42,080 to comfortably afford the average one-bedroom apartment in El Paso, which costs $1,052 monthly.

How Much Is Transportation in El Paso?

Unlike U.S. metros like New York and Chicago, El Paso is a car-dependent city with a walk score of 40, where most residents rely on driving to get around. The region’s vast road network and lower-than-average gas ($2.76 per gallon) and auto insurance costs make commuting more affordable than in many larger cities.

Public transportation is available through Sun Metro, which operates a system of buses and express routes across the city, including a streetcar service that travels through El Paso’s uptown and downtown areas. While the public transit network is not as extensive as in busy hubs like Boston or New York, it provides a budget-friendly option for those commuting within El Paso. Riders can choose from single fares ($1.50), day passes ($3.50), weekly ($12), and monthly ($48) passes, with reduced prices available. There are also special services for quick trips across the border to Juárez, Mexico.

Because of the city’s size and layout, many households factor in the cost of owning at least one car. Transportation costs in El Paso for a single adult without children average $9,294 annually, and for a family of four with two working adults and two children, it will cost approximately $15,590.

How Much Are Groceries in El Paso?

Food costs in El Paso are noticeably more affordable than in many other U.S. cities. Single adults without children can expect to pay $3,777 annually on food, while families of four with two adults and two children spend approximately $11,071 on annual grocery bills.

Dining out is also easier on the wallet. Numbeo data shows that a meal at a budget-friendly restaurant in El Paso averages around $25.10 per person. For a three-course meal for two at a midrange restaurant, expect to pay about $70. In short, both groceries and dining out are relatively affordable, and you’ll also enjoy some of the nation’s best Tex-Mex grub.

How Much Is Child Care in El Paso, TX?

Child care in El Paso is much more affordable when compared to cities like Boston or Chicago. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, annual costs average about $6,614 for one child and $13,057 for two, less than one-third of what families pay in Boston and well below Chicago’s averages.

While it is still a significant household expense in proportion to the median household income, families in El Paso utilize everything from established daycare centers to bilingual preschools, and some parents lean on extended family networks, after-school care, flexible work arrangements, or shared care groups to help balance costs.

How Much Is Healthcare in El Paso, TX?

While healthcare costs are generally lower in El Paso, residents face an ongoing issue of limited provider availability. On average, a single person will spend $3,007 annually on healthcare, while a family of four will average close to $10,000 in medical costs per year.

On the upside, the city is investing in its medical infrastructure, with projects like the new Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center cancer center and the ongoing expansion of the University Medical Center of El Paso. However, accessing certain specialists may require travel or advance planning. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates 20.5% of El Paso’s population goes without health coverage.

How Much Are Utilities in El Paso, TX?

Rent in El Paso may be affordable, and the cost of utilities in El Paso also tends to be slightly below the national average, with residents paying just over $200 a month for electricity, gas, and water. For a 915-square-foot apartment, Numbeo estimates a monthly utility bill of $182.86.

While electricity cost is cheaper than the national norm, essential summer cooling drives bills higher in part due to peak-demand pricing (weekdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., June through September). Gas and water costs, meanwhile, are higher than in Austin but still remain modest compared to national averages.

A few factors influence what you’ll ultimately pay.

• Climate: El Paso’s sweltering summers often push residents to rely on air conditioning, raising electricity bills, while mild winters keep heating costs relatively low.
• Apartment age: Newer apartments are typically more energy efficient, helping to keep cooling costs in check.
• Apartment size: Larger spaces require more energy to cool, which can make a noticeable difference in the utility bills during peak summer months.
• Roommates: Sharing utilities can reduce your monthly personal costs, but usage habits vary, and it’s arguable whether having a roommate would drive bills up or down.
• All-inclusive rentals: Though not as common, some landlords roll utilities into rent, so your monthly output is fixed.

Additionally, a standard internet package will increase the total monthly cost of utilities by approximately $69.17, while a phone plan with unlimited calling and 10 gigabytes of data will add $64.25. Together, the average monthly utility bill totals $342.29.

El Paso, TX, Fitness and Entertainment

El Paso’s outdoor spaces make staying active year-round both possible and affordable. The city has over 300 municipal parks and a trail network that links neighborhoods, schools, and open spaces. For weekend adventures, the towering Franklin Mountains State Park is a popular spot for hiking, biking, climbing, and picnicking. Also, the Hueco Tanks State Park is perfect for bouldering and stargazing.

When it comes to fitness costs, a standard gym membership in El Paso runs around $26.80 per month for one adult. For movie tickets, El Paso prices tend to be a reasonable $12.75 per ticket, leaving you a little extra for popcorn and snacks. El Paso also has many free attractions, like the Centennial Museum, as well as the El Paso Museum of Art and the El Paso Museum of History.

How Much Are Taxes in El Paso, TX?

Texas is one of the few states with no state income tax, meaning even six-figure earners in El Paso do not pay individual tax on wages. While this helps keep take-home pay higher, there is a sales tax rate of 7.25% (Texas: 6.25%, El Paso County: 0.5%, El Paso County Emergency Services No. 2: 0.5%), and property taxes are above the national average, which offsets some of the savings. Overall, the absence of income tax and moderate sales tax keeps El Paso’s cost of living lower than that of many other cities.

How Do You Budget for El Paso, TX?

El Paso may be one of the more affordable places to live in the U.S., but creating an accurate and detailed budget is still important. The golden rule of budgeting is to overestimate when you're unsure of something's actual cost. This way, you'll end up with extra money, rather than underfunded and scrambling to make up the difference.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Monthly budgeting template (via Google Sheets).
• Free reactive budgeting apps like Mint.
• Subscription-based proactive budgeting apps like YNAB and EveryDollar.

The difference between proactive and reactive budgeting apps is the methodology behind them. Reactive apps make it easy for you to see where your money has gone. Proactive apps make it easy for you to plan where your money will go. What’s right for you depends on your personal preference.

What’s El Paso’s Job Market Like?

El Paso may not be home to any Fortune 500 companies, but its close ties with Fort Bliss, Union Pacific, and global contractors like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin make it a major trade, logistics, and defense hub. On the up is the cybersecurity sector, which is one of the fastest-growing industries in El Paso, with strong backing from the military, universities, and local employers.

Find Your Next Apartment in El Paso, TX

El Paso’s affordability, thriving job market, and unique border culture make it an increasingly attractive place to live, work, and play. Beyond work, residents enjoy year-round recreation, from hiking in the Franklin Mountains to exploring a vibrant dining and nightlife scene that reflects the city’s rich cultural mix.

Ready to pack up and move to El Paso? Apartment List can help you find an apartment that meets your needs, whether you’re moving out of state or across town. Get started on your El Paso apartment search with the Apartment List quiz. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs: What to Know About the Cost of Living in El Paso 2025

How expensive is an apartment in El Paso?

As of September 2025, the average rent in El Paso is $1,412, well below the national average of $2,102. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,052, while a two-bedroom runs about $1,345.

What is the cheapest rent in El Paso?

The most budget-friendly areas of El Paso include Central Downtown, where one-bedroom apartments average $725. Pico Norte is another affordable option with average rents in a similar price range, both significantly below the citywide average rent price of $1,052 for one-bedroom apartments.

How expensive is it to live in El Paso?

Living in El Paso is more affordable than in most U.S. cities. On top of cheaper housing costs, residents spend less than the national average for food, healthcare, child care and transportation. Combined with a median housing cost that’s 42.1% less expensive than the U.S. median, El Paso offers an affordability advantage that stretches across major categories.

What is the population of El Paso?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, El Paso’s population is about 678,815, making it the sixth-largest city in Texas. For context, the state of Texas is home to more than 29 million people.

What is a good salary in El Paso?

The median household income in El Paso is about $57,317, compared to the national median of $83,730. The living wage for a single adult without children is estimated at $18.55 per hour, while families need more to cover housing and child care. Following the 30% rent rule, you’d need to earn at least $42,080 annually to comfortably afford the average one-bedroom apartment of $1,052 in the city.