Phoenix, AZ vs El Paso, TX: 109 vs 67

$1,458/mo ↑ 40%

Median Rent

$1,041/mo ↓ 29%

$77,041/yr ↑ 31%

Median Income

$58,734/yr ↓ 24%

$381,900 ↑ 122%

Home Value

$171,700 ↓ 55%

$1,430/mo ↑ 37%

Owner Costs

$1,044/mo ↓ 27%

1,624,832

Population

678,147

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and El Paso, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $18,307/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $171,700 in El Paso.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs El Paso — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Phoenix and El Paso?

Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in El Paso it's $1,041/month — a difference of $417/month.

Which city has higher income, Phoenix or El Paso?

Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $58,734 in El Paso. Median household income is $18,307/year higher in Phoenix.

How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?

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

Should I move to Phoenix or El Paso?

It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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.

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

Phoenix

El Paso

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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