El Paso, TX vs Tempe, AZ: 67 vs 120

$1,041/mo ↓ 36%

Median Rent

$1,623/mo ↑ 56%

$58,734/yr ↓ 24%

Median Income

$77,643/yr ↑ 32%

$171,700 ↓ 59%

Home Value

$421,900 ↑ 146%

$1,044/mo ↓ 33%

Owner Costs

$1,554/mo ↑ 49%

678,147

Population

186,419

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $18,909/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Texas has no state income tax, giving El Paso residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Tempe — common questions

Is El Paso or Tempe cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 120 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Tempe?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $582/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Tempe?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $18,909/year higher in Tempe.

How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.

Should I move to El Paso or Tempe?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

El Paso

Tempe

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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