Is El Paso or Phoenix more affordable?
El Paso has a median rent of $900/month, while Phoenix is $1,650/month. El Paso is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
El Paso, TX vs Phoenix, AZ
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between El Paso and Phoenix.
3
El Paso wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Phoenix wins
TX
El Paso
vs
AZ
Phoenix
Overview
678,815
Population
1,608,139
$44,000
Median Income
+40.9%$62,000✓
Cost of Living
$900✓
Median Rent / mo
+83.3%$1,650
$175,000✓
Median Home Price
+140.0%$420,000
25%
Rent-to-Income %
32%
Taxes
None✓
State Income Tax
2.50%
8.25%
Local Tax Rate
8.60%
Climate & Weather
77°F
Avg High Temp
86°F
52°F
Avg Low Temp
63°F
297 days
Sunny Days / Year
299 days✓
10"
Annual Rainfall
8"
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
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix is a city in Arizona with a population of 1,608,139.
Read full Phoenix guide →El Paso vs Phoenix — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — El Paso or Phoenix?
Texas has no state income tax. Arizona has a 2.50% state income tax. El Paso wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between El Paso and Phoenix?
El Paso gets 297 sunny days/year. Phoenix gets 299 sunny days/year. Avg high in El Paso: 77°F. Avg high in Phoenix: 86°F
Which city is better for families — El Paso or Phoenix?
El Paso. Phoenix. 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.