Is El Paso or Houston more affordable?
El Paso has a median rent of $900/month, while Houston is $1,250/month. El Paso is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
El Paso, TX vs Houston, TX
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between El Paso and Houston.
3
El Paso wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
Houston wins
TX
El Paso
vs
TX
Houston
Overview
678,815
Population
2,304,580
$44,000
Median Income
+18.9%$52,338✓
Cost of Living
$900✓
Median Rent / mo
+38.9%$1,250
$175,000✓
Median Home Price
+51.4%$265,000
25%
Rent-to-Income %
29%
Taxes
None
State Income Tax
None
8.25%
Local Tax Rate
8.25%
Climate & Weather
77°F
Avg High Temp
77°F
52°F
Avg Low Temp
57°F
297 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
204 days
10"
Annual Rainfall
50"
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
Houston, TX
Houston is a city in Texas with a population of 2,304,580.
Read full Houston guide →El Paso vs Houston — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — El Paso or Houston?
Texas has no state income tax. Texas has no state income tax. Both have the same state income tax rate.
What is the weather difference between El Paso and Houston?
El Paso gets 297 sunny days/year. Houston gets 204 sunny days/year. Avg high in El Paso: 77°F. Avg high in Houston: 77°F
Which city is better for families — El Paso or Houston?
El Paso. Houston. 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.