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

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

El Paso is 19% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,041/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 27%
$58,734/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 24%
$171,700 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 21%
$1,044/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 20%
678,147
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $14,296/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Odessa — common questions

Is El Paso or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and Odessa?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or Odessa?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $14,296/year higher in Odessa.
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 El Paso or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View El Paso details → View Odessa details →

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