Is El Paso or Albuquerque more affordable?
El Paso has a median rent of $900/month, while Albuquerque is $1,100/month. El Paso is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
El Paso, TX vs Albuquerque, NM
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between El Paso and Albuquerque.
4
El Paso wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
Albuquerque wins
TX
El Paso
vs
NM
Albuquerque
Overview
678,815
Population
564,559
$44,000
Median Income
+18.0%$51,912✓
Cost of Living
$900✓
Median Rent / mo
+22.2%$1,100
$175,000✓
Median Home Price
+45.7%$255,000
25%
Rent-to-Income %
25%
Taxes
None✓
State Income Tax
5.90%
8.25%
Local Tax Rate
7.88%
Climate & Weather
77°F
Avg High Temp
70°F
52°F
Avg Low Temp
46°F
297 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
278 days
10"
Annual Rainfall
10"
Who should choose
El Paso, TX
El Paso is a city in Texas with a population of 678,815.
Read full El Paso guide →Who should choose
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque is a city in New Mexico with a population of 564,559.
Read full Albuquerque guide →El Paso vs Albuquerque — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — El Paso or Albuquerque?
Texas has no state income tax. New Mexico has a 5.90% state income tax. El Paso wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between El Paso and Albuquerque?
El Paso gets 297 sunny days/year. Albuquerque gets 278 sunny days/year. Avg high in El Paso: 77°F. Avg high in Albuquerque: 70°F
Which city is better for families — El Paso or Albuquerque?
El Paso. Albuquerque. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.