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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

El Paso

Texas
67

Seattle is 193% more expensive than El Paso.

$1,998/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$1,041/mo ↓ 48%
$121,984/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$58,734/yr ↓ 52%
$912,100 ↑ 431%
Home Value
$171,700 ↓ 81%
$2,220/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$1,044/mo ↓ 53%
741,440
Population
678,147

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and El Paso, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $957/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $11,484/year.

Median household income is $63,250/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $171,700 in El Paso.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs El Paso — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and El Paso?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in El Paso it's $1,041/month — a difference of $957/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or El Paso?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $58,734 in El Paso. Median household income is $63,250/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or El Paso?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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.
View Seattle details → View El Paso details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and El Paso

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville El Paso vs. Nashville El Paso vs. Washington El Paso vs. Oklahoma City El Paso vs. Boston El Paso vs. Denver El Paso vs. Las Vegas