El Paso, TX vs Palmdale, CA: 67 vs 130

$1,041/mo ↓ 40%

Median Rent

$1,736/mo ↑ 67%

$58,734/yr ↓ 28%

Median Income

$81,151/yr ↑ 38%

$171,700 ↓ 61%

Home Value

$435,300 ↑ 154%

$1,044/mo ↓ 43%

Owner Costs

$1,831/mo ↑ 75%

678,147

Population

165,487

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $695/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $8,340/year.

Median household income is $22,417/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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 Palmdale — common questions

Is El Paso or Palmdale cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 130 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Palmdale?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $695/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Palmdale?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $22,417/year higher in Palmdale.

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 Palmdale?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

El Paso

Palmdale

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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