How Much Does it Cost to Live in El Paso, TX?

Planning a move to El Paso? Understanding the overall cost of living and how it breaks down within categories like housing, utilities, goods and services, healthcare, and transportation, as well as asking movers questions before hiring, can help you prepare for a transition to this West Texas city. Check our guide for how much it costs to live in El Paso!

Cost of living data provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).

How Much Does it Cost to Live in El Paso?

The cost of living in El Paso is 11.9% lower than the national average, making it one of the most affordable cities in Texas and a suitable place for people to move to. Housing offers the greatest savings, followed by expenses like healthcare and utilities. Check out these cost comparisons to the national average for a more detailed breakdown!

Cost of Housing in El Paso

Housing in El Paso is very affordable—the average price of purchasing a home is about 32% below the national average, and rental prices are nearly 26% below the national average. Take a look below at the average costs of each option to help you decide whether renting or buying a home in a safe, affordable El Paso neighborhood is right for you.

Cost of Utilities in El Paso (Monthly)

The cost of electricity and natural gas in El Paso is lower than the national average, resulting in energy prices that are 15.3% cheaper. However, phone and internet services typically may cost slightly more depending on your provider. The lower energy costs and higher phone bills balance each other out, helping keep monthly expenses affordable overall.

Cost of Groceries in El Paso

El Paso grocery prices are generally lower than the national average by about 3%, helping reduce overall living costs. Take a look below for cost comparisons of common grocery items.

Cost of Healthcare in El Paso

El Paso healthcare is more affordable than the national average overall, with lower costs for doctors, dentists, and optometrists—but slightly higher average costs for prescription medications. Here's a breakdown of the average costs for each.

Cost of Transportation in El Paso

The cost of gas in El Paso is typically slightly lower than the national average. However, certain automotive services cost a bit more, resulting in moderately higher transportation costs overall. The city has fairly limited public transportation, so most residents rely on cars to get around.

Cost of Goods & Services in El Paso

The overall cost of goods and services in El Paso is fairly comparable to the national average. While most essentials fall under the national average, some services or amenities—like hair care and movie tickets—are slightly above it. Though specifics will vary depending on your lifestyle, refer to the comparison chart below for examples of average pricing on various goods and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Paso an affordable city to live in?

Yes, the cost of living in El Paso is lower than the national average, and the city is more affordable than other major Texas cities like Austin and Dallas. Lower costs in major categories like housing, utilities, and healthcare put the cost of living in El Paso 11.9% below the national average.

What is a livable salary in El Paso, Texas?

In El Paso, a good livable salary for a single adult is around $75,000 per year—that’s enough to cover the essentials, enjoy a few extras, and still have some breathing room in your budget. That said, the median income in El Paso is closer to $59,000, so it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on less, especially when looking at lifestyle and housing costs. Everyone’s situation is different, but overall, El Paso’s lower cost of living helps your money go further.

What is the average cost of groceries in El Paso?

Grocery costs in El Paso tend to be less than the national average, with the average person typically spending between $300 to $500 per month. Keep in mind that your personal grocery expenses may be different depending on where you shop, your dietary needs, and how many people you have in your family.

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