El Paso, TX vs Oakland, CA: 67 vs 195

$1,041/mo ↓ 46%

Median Rent

$1,917/mo ↑ 84%

$58,734/yr ↓ 40%

Median Income

$97,369/yr ↑ 66%

$171,700 ↓ 81%

Home Value

$924,700 ↑ 439%

$1,044/mo ↓ 52%

Owner Costs

$2,164/mo ↑ 107%

678,147

Population

438,072

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $876/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $10,512/year.

Median household income is $38,635/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving El Paso residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Oakland — common questions

Is El Paso or Oakland cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 195 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Oakland?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $876/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Oakland?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $38,635/year higher in Oakland.

How do taxes compare between Texas and California?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to El Paso or Oakland?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

El Paso

Oakland

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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