Is El Paso or Tucson more affordable?
El Paso has a median rent of $900/month, while Tucson is $1,000/month. El Paso is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
El Paso, TX vs Tucson, AZ
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between El Paso and Tucson.
5
El Paso wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
0
Tucson wins
TX
El Paso
vs
AZ
Tucson
Overview
678,815
Population
546,574
$44,000✓
Median Income
-3.0%$42,672
Cost of Living
$900✓
Median Rent / mo
+11.1%$1,000
$175,000✓
Median Home Price
+42.9%$250,000
25%
Rent-to-Income %
28%
Taxes
None✓
State Income Tax
2.50%
8.25%
Local Tax Rate
8.70%
Climate & Weather
77°F
Avg High Temp
80°F
52°F
Avg Low Temp
53°F
297 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
286 days
10"
Annual Rainfall
12"
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
Tucson, AZ
Tucson is a city in Arizona with a population of 546,574.
Read full Tucson guide →El Paso vs Tucson — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — El Paso or Tucson?
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 Tucson?
El Paso gets 297 sunny days/year. Tucson gets 286 sunny days/year. Avg high in El Paso: 77°F. Avg high in Tucson: 80°F
Which city is better for families — El Paso or Tucson?
El Paso. Tucson. 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.