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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

El Paso

Texas
67

Dallas is 45% more expensive than El Paso.

$1,403/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,041/mo ↓ 26%
$67,760/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$58,734/yr ↓ 13%
$295,300 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$171,700 ↓ 42%
$1,409/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,044/mo ↓ 26%
1,299,553
Population
678,147

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and El Paso, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $9,026/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $171,700 in El Paso.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs El Paso — common questions

Is Dallas 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 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and El Paso?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in El Paso it's $1,041/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or El Paso?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $58,734 in El Paso. Median household income is $9,026/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or El Paso?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View El Paso details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and El Paso

Dallas vs. San Diego Dallas vs. San Jose Dallas vs. San Antonio Dallas vs. Austin Dallas vs. Philadelphia Dallas vs. Jacksonville El Paso vs. Nashville El Paso vs. Washington El Paso vs. Oklahoma City El Paso vs. Boston El Paso vs. Denver El Paso vs. Las Vegas