Cost of Living in El Paso County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How El Paso County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
El Paso County ranks #3,111 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in El Paso County, Texas
El Paso housing costs squeeze incomes
Renters in El Paso County spend 21.3% of their income on housing while earning $58,859—notably below the national median of $74,755—creating a double squeeze. The $1,045 monthly rent demands a significant share of modest household earnings.
Above Texas average affordability strain
El Paso County's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, and its $1,045 rent sits 8% above the state median of $963. This positions El Paso as one of Texas's less affordable rental markets.
Urban center costs amid rural peers
El Paso County's $1,045 rent reflects its status as a major metropolitan area, placing it far above rural neighbors like Donley ($686) and Duval ($737). Median home values of $167,300 align with this urban pricing structure.
Both rent and ownership expensive
Renters spend $1,045/month and homeowners pay $1,000/month against the $58,859 income, with housing consuming roughly 21% of earnings. El Paso residents face substantial costs whether renting or buying, with owner expenses nearly matching rent.
Urban living at Southwest prices
El Paso offers city amenities with lower costs than Houston or Dallas, but remains pricier than rural Texas. If you need urban services and can tolerate 21% of income going to housing, El Paso delivers competitive value.
Cost of Living Advisory: El Paso County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in El Paso County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,045/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in El Paso County pay $1,045/month on average, compared to $1,000/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,857/year. With a median household income of $58,859, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in El Paso County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Fannin County where rent averages $994/month, El Paso County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in El Paso County
Rent Burden
21.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,373
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in El Paso County
Median home value is $167,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,336 vs. your max of $1,373.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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