Yes, El Paso is a great place to live in the U.S. People in El Paso love its low cost of living and cultural diversity—though residents dislike some things about living in El Paso, including limited public transportation and its hot, dry weather. Explore these pros and cons to decide if living in El Paso is right for you!
Quick Facts About El Paso
| Population | 679,879 |
| Average Home Price | $348,519 |
| Average Monthly Rent | $1,156 |
| Average Commute Time | 23 minutes |
| Average Annual Days of Sunshine | 297 |
Statistics from AreaVibes, Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), & Best Places
Pros of Living in El Paso
There are many benefits of living in El Paso, including access to delicious Tex-Mex, outdoor activities, and rich cultural experiences. Learn more about the pros of moving to El Paso below.
Pro: Low Cost of Living in El Paso
El Paso is not only one of the most affordable places to live in Texas, but one of the most affordable large cities in the U.S. The cost of living in El Paso is nearly 12% lower than the national average, and much of this affordability comes from El Paso’s housing—with costs that are 30% lower than the U.S. average. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly living or for an investment, El Paso neighborhoods for any demographic, including families, singles and young professionals, and anyone seeking affordable living without sacrificing safety. El Paso residents will also find lower-than-average costs for utilities, healthcare, groceries, and various goods and services. Plus, there’s no income tax in the State of Texas, which helps your dollar go even further here!
Pro: Rich El Paso History
El Paso’s history is shaped by its borderland location at the crossroads of Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. cultures—which you can learn more about at various sites throughout the city! Visit these spots to explore the history of El Paso:
- Discover the tribal history of El Paso through Tigua artifacts, pottery, photographs, and more at the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center.
- Learn how the 100-year boundary dispute between the U.S. and Mexico was resolved at the Chamizal National Memorial.
- Experience one of the only interactive digital walls in the world and admire community-curated exhibits at the El Paso Museum of History.
- Travel decades back in time by exploring the museums, historic landmarks, and art galleries along the Mission Trail.
Pro: Proximity to Mexico
Because El Paso is right next to the Mexican border, taking a weekend road trip could involve an international destination if you have valid travel documents! Lots of El Paso residents enjoy visiting Mexico—and specifically, Ciudad Juarez—to explore its variety of entertainment options, authentic Mexican cuisine, and more. This easy access to another country enriches El Paso’s culture and opens up a broader range of opportunities for residents. Just keep in mind that while El Paso may be right across the border from Juarez, you’ll need to go through one of the six international ports of entry, such as the El Paso International Bridges.
Pro: Bilingual Community
One of the best reasons to move to El Paso is for its unique blend of cultures—which includes a large bilingual population! In fact, El Paso is the most bilingual city in the U.S., with nearly 40% of residents speaking a second language, and 67% speaking Spanish. Considering its location near the Mexican border, El Paso’s vibrant Spanish-speaking community welcomes newcomers from all backgrounds. Whether you speak only Spanish, only English, both, or another language entirely, you’ll find a community ready to connect with you here!
Pro: Outdoor Adventures in Sun City
Why move to El Paso? With warm, sunny weather all year ’round, it’s easy for El Paso residents to enjoy the area’s various outdoor recreation activities!
- Traverse the trails, go camping, and more at Franklin Mountains State Park.
- Birdwatch, stargaze, or take a hike at Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site.
- Try rock climbing or go for a bike ride at McKelligon Canyon.
- Go fishing, play a round of golf, or get out on the water by kayak or boat at the largest recreational park in El Paso, Ascarate Park.
- Mountain bike, go on a scenic walk, or simply relax in nature at Arroyo Park.
Pro: Family-Friendly Activities in El Paso
If you’re thinking about moving to El Paso with kids, you’ll have all kinds of fun activities to explore! For kid-friendly fun in El Paso, check out these top family-friendly activities:
- Get the whole family together for go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, arcade games, laser tag, and more at Bob-O’s Family Fun Center.
- Discover interactive exhibits for kids of all ages at La Nube STEAM Discovery Center.
- Get up close to animals from all over the world—including lions, orangutans, and more—or watch a sea lion show at the El Paso Zoo.
- Explore the botanical garden, see a huge collection of rocks and minerals, and more at the Centennial Museum & Chihuahuan Desert Gardens.
- Beat the heat and splash around at the Lost Kingdom Water Park.
Pro: Interesting El Paso Art Scene
The art scene in El Paso caters to fans of live performances, art galleries, artsy festivals, and more! Check out these El Paso art hot spots:
- El Paso Arts District for everything from symphony performances & arts festivals to local art exhibits
- El Paso Museum of Art to explore art from Texas & New Mexico
- Creative Kids, an agency providing artistic projects & programs for children throughout the city
- Plaza Theatre, where you can attend the annual Plaza Classic Film Festival
- Paradox Immersive Art for art installations & photo-worthy projections
Pro: Great El Paso Fiestas
With everything from local food vendors to lively cultural celebrations and dancing, festivals in El Paso are vibrant and abundant. Some local favorites include:
- Beer tasting and an outdoor beer bash at the Sun City Craft Beer Fest.
- Dancing, different food trucks, & community get-togethers to honor those who have passed on at the Dia de los Muertos Desfile & Festival.
- Marching bands & dance groups as dozens of floats make their way down Montana Avenue at the Sun Bowl Parade.
- Celebrating the LGBTQ community of El Paso at the Sun City Pride Parade.
- Joining other wine lovers for tastings, live music, and more at El Paso Wine Fest.
Pro: Delicious Tex-Mex in El Paso
El Paso is known for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine—offering a unique fusion of Mexican and Southern flavors. Here are some local favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in El Paso to check out:
- Kiki’s Restaurant for a Tex-Mex spin on a classic American cheeseburger
- Andale Mexican Restaurant & Cantina to listen to live music while enjoying popular dishes like Tacos Andale
- Chico’s Tacos for comfort foods, like rolled tacos smothered in tomato sauce and cheese
- Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey’s for a lively spot with classic Mexican dishes like Chile con Queso and Tacos al Carbon
- L & J Cafe, one of El Paso’s oldest and most beloved restaurants, with options like Chicken Enchiladas, Chile Rellenos, or Picadillo
Pro: El Paso Margaritas
Many historians and local enthusiasts credit a border-area bartender, Pancho Morales, with inventing the margarita in 1942 at a bar near El Paso, making the region a key part of the drink’s early story. The city’s proximity to this legendary origin has helped cement the cocktail as a staple of its local food and drink culture, embraced by bars and Tex-Mex restaurants throughout El Paso. The drink is also celebrated with dedicated events like the annual Margarita Shakeoff, which draws crowds to sample and compete for the best margarita, reflecting both traditional and creative, modern takes on the classic drink.
Get Everything You Need For An Easier Move to El Paso
Cons of Living in El Paso
Downsides of living in El Paso include its desert weather, limited job opportunities, and more. Here are some disadvantages of living in El Paso.
Con: Limited Job Market in El Paso
From struggling with career progression to low pay in certain industries, some El Paso residents find that the city has limited opportunities for jobs in specialized fields. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still great options for people seeking careers in El Paso—especially in top industries like manufacturing, automotive services, consumer electronics, and more. Consider working for these El Paso employers:
- Fort Bliss offers jobs for people wanting to go into the armed forces.
- El Paso ISD and Socorro ISD provide quality teaching and administrative positions.
- Excel Manufacturing has jobs in apparel manufacturing for companies like Levi Strauss and Tommy Hilfiger.
- Viva Auto Group is perfect for those seeking a hands-on job in the automotive industry.
- AVX Tech Warehouse is a great place to work for top consumer electronics brands.
Con: El Paso Is an Isolated City
El Paso’s geographic location as a remote, desert city can cause residents to feel physically—and culturally—distant from other metro areas. Major U.S. cities like Albuquerque, San Antonio, and Tucson are all four or more hours away by car, which can make weekend trips and access to big-city amenities more challenging. On the other hand, some residents feel El Paso’s remoteness brings people together and adds to the city’s charm. Plus, many feel that El Paso’s unique culture as a big city with a laid-back, small-town feel is worth sacrificing quick access to other metro areas.
Con: Getting Around Can Be Difficult
El Paso public transportation isn’t quite up to par with other large cities. The Sun City has a transit score of 28, which means owning a car is somewhat of a necessity here. Additionally, locals complain that ongoing road construction and poor drivers can make commuting unpleasant. The good news is that the city has several walkable—and somewhat bikeable—neighborhoods, including Virginia, El Paso High, and Sunset Heights. And while public transportation options are not as extensive as those in other major metros, Sun Metro bus routes and El Paso Streetcars are available for residents—along with the El Paso International Airport for further travel!
Con: Poor Infrastructure
Despite the city receiving little rain, El Paso still experiences persistent flooding issues due to infrastructural challenges. Much of the city lacks the necessary drainage systems to prevent water buildup, and as a result, many streets flood and develop potholes following even small amounts of precipitation. To help address these issues, the city has invested millions of dollars into its Capital Improvement Plan, which includes a focus on upgrading El Paso’s drainage systems.
Con: Hot & Dry Weather in El Paso
Despite the perk of experiencing mild winters, the desert weather in El Paso gets extremely dry and hot, which can result in droughts and make outdoor activities uncomfortable for some residents. Thankfully, from El Paso Water Parks and spray parks to museums and other indoor activities throughout the city, El Paso offers plenty of ways to stay cool! If you’ll be outdoors for an extended period of time during extreme heat, you can also prioritize your safety by wearing loose, lightweight clothing and staying hydrated.
Con: Air Quality Concerns
El Paso is ranked among the most polluted major U.S. cities due to its poor air quality conditions and extreme ozone pollution. The air quality in El Paso usually ranges from moderate to unhealthy, which can be hazardous to sensitive groups. To address these issues, the city created the El Paso Regional Climate Action Plan, which aims to increase the amount of native trees and vegetation in order to absorb air pollution and improve air quality. Other ways to protect yourself include limiting outdoor exposure, closing windows while inside, wearing masks outside, and investing in an air purifier.
Con: Lack of Professional Sports in El Paso
Despite being a major U.S. city, El Paso lacks major-league professional sports teams. However, El Paso is still home to a few smaller-level sports teams to cheer on—and local fans certainly bring the passion! Join the crowd and support the following El Paso sports teams:
- El Paso Rhinos (NAHL) at El Paso County Coliseum
- El Paso Chihuahuas (MiLB) and El Paso Locomotive FC (USL) at Southwest University Park
- UTEP Miners (NCAA FBS) football game at the Sun Bowl—or rally behind other University of Texas at El Paso teams!
Con: Limited Nightlife in El Paso
Compared to major hubs like Austin and Dallas, nightlife in El Paso is very low-key. While the area doesn’t have parties and nightclubs on every corner, there are still a few great places to visit when the sun goes down, such as:
- Later, Later for themed events, dancing, & unique cocktails
- Touch Bar, an LGBTQ-friendly spot with drag performances & great food
- Tequilas Discoteque for a lively atmosphere with regional music & dancing
- Speaking Rock to jam out to DJ sets, mariachi music, & live bands
- Funkmeyers Rec Room for old-school music & arcade games
Should You Move to El Paso?
Yes, you should move to El Paso if you want to live in a diverse, affordable city with safe streets, delicious food, and a variety of fun activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts! That said, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, weather preferences, and transportation needs, as El Paso is hot, dry, and fairly car-dependent. If you’re not sure whether moving to El Paso is right for you, here are some scenarios to take into account.
El Paso may be the right fit for you if…
- You’re seeking an affordable city with budget-friendly housing.
- You love getting active outdoors and soaking up the sun.
- You’re seeking a family-friendly environment with rich entertainment options.
- You appreciate cultural diversity and Tex-Mex cuisine.
- You’re fluent in Spanish or want to be surrounded by bilingual people.
You may want to consider moving to another city if…
- You have asthma or other health concerns that could be complicated by poor air quality.
- You’re not a fan of hot desert weather.
- You’ll rely heavily on public transportation to get around.
- You don’t work in major industries like manufacturing, automotive services, or consumer electronics.
- You want to live closer to other major cities.
El Paso Compared to Nearby Cities
Wondering if El Paso is better than Tucson, San Antonio, or Houston? Compare these Southwestern cities below to determine which city is the best fit for you!
| Factor | El Paso, TX | Tucson, AZ | San Antonio, TX | Houston, TX |
| Average Rent | $1,156 | $1,535 | $1,524 | $1,329 |
| Average Home Price | $348,519 | $515,550 | $359,091 | $397,435 |
| Average Commute Time | 23 minutes | 22 minutes | 24 minutes | 27 minutes |
| Walk Score | 40/100 | 43/100 | 37/100 | 47/100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% | 4.6% | 3.8% | 4.2% |
| Major Industries | Manufacturing, automotive services, consumer electronics | Aerospace, education, tourism, manufacturing, healthcare | Bioscience, financial services, manufacturing | Energy, aeronautics, business, biotechnology |
Statistics from Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Best Places, Walk Score, & AreaVibes
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to El Paso
What salary lets you live comfortably in El Paso?
A comfortable salary in El Paso for a single person with no children is around $38,565, while a family of two working adults with two children generally requires an annual income of $88,566. Keep in mind that salary needs will ultimately vary based on factors such as your home’s size and lifestyle preferences.
Is El Paso safe?
Yes, El Paso is considered one of the safest large cities in the U.S. It is 39% safer than both Texas and the U.S. at large, with crime rates 16% below the national average. El Paso is known for its family-oriented, social community, which fosters an added sense of safety among its residents.
Does it snow in El Paso?
It rarely snows in El Paso. In any given year, you’re likely to see around three inches of snow—which is very low compared to the U.S. average of 28 inches per year. When snow does fall, it’s usually during December. But even during the winter, temperatures in El Paso can still reach the mid-60s, meaning snowfall typically doesn’t stay for long.
What state is El Paso in?
El Paso is located in the far western corner of Texas. This large, Southwestern city borders both New Mexico and the country of Mexico. El Paso is a four-hour drive from Albuquerque, five hours from Tucson, and approximately eight hours from San Antonio.
Is El Paso a good place to live for families?
El Paso is a great place for families to live. There are a variety of close-knit neighborhoods within reach of top El Paso schools and fun, kid-friendly things to do. Plus, El Paso is known for its safety and affordable cost of living, making it a great place for growing families.
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