Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs El Paso, TX (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

El Paso

Texas
67

Austin is 100% more expensive than El Paso.

$1,655/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,041/mo ↓ 37%
$91,461/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$58,734/yr ↓ 36%
$512,700 ↑ 199%
Home Value
$171,700 ↓ 67%
$1,747/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,044/mo ↓ 40%
967,862
Population
678,147

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and El Paso, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $614/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $7,368/year.

Median household income is $32,727/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $171,700 in El Paso.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs El Paso — common questions

Is Austin or El Paso cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and El Paso?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in El Paso it's $1,041/month — a difference of $614/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or El Paso?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $58,734 in El Paso. Median household income is $32,727/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or El Paso?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while El Paso has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,041/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View El Paso details →

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