Complete Guide to Moving to El Paso, Texas (2026)
Everything you need to know about relocating to El Paso - neighborhoods, cost of living, schools, and what makes the Sun City special.
Moving to El Paso means joining a city of nearly 680,000 residents where the cost of living runs 12% below the national average, the sun shines 297 days per year, and the median home price sits around $255,000 - roughly half the U.S. average. El Paso consistently ranks among the safest large cities in America, with crime rates 14% lower than the national average, and Fort Bliss anchors the local economy with a $27.9 billion annual impact. Whether you're relocating for work, military orders, or retirement, this guide covers everything you need to know before making the move.
What Makes El Paso Different from Other Texas Cities?
El Paso sits at the far western tip of Texas, closer to Phoenix than to Houston, at 3,740 feet elevation in the Chihuahuan Desert. That geographic distinction shapes everything about life here. The city shares a border with Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, making it the largest bilingual, binational metro area in the Western Hemisphere with a combined population exceeding 2.5 million.
Unlike the explosive growth corridors of Dallas-Fort Worth or Austin, El Paso grows at a steady, manageable pace of roughly 0.1% to 0.5% annually. That slower growth means less traffic congestion, more affordable housing, and a community that still feels connected. The median age of 34.1 years gives the city a youthful energy, and the bilingual workforce creates unique advantages for international business and logistics.
From our experience helping hundreds of families relocate through Peña El Paso Realty Group, the people who thrive here are drawn to El Paso's blend of affordability, outdoor lifestyle, and tight-knit community feel - qualities that larger Texas metros have largely outgrown.
"My wife and I were living in Alexandria, VA at the time and it was time to start looking for our retirement home. Alex eased that concern and completely removed it with professional, well informed, and knowledgeable walk-through videos of the homes. If you want a professional, dedicated and most importantly knowledgeable real estate team, Peña El Paso IS the only one."
- Rob A., relocated to El Paso from Virginia, Google Review, 2025
Cost of Living: How Far Does Your Money Go?
El Paso's cost of living is 12% lower than the national average, with the biggest savings showing up in housing and healthcare. Here's how the numbers break down compared to national averages:
Housing costs are 32% below the national average. The median home price in El Paso is approximately $255,000, compared to the U.S. median of over $400,000. Condos start around $155,000, and single-family homes average $259,000. Renters save too - the median rent of $1,189 per month falls 13% below the national median of $1,367.
Healthcare runs 5% below the national average, and groceries come in 2% lower. Utilities are 10% cheaper than most American cities. The one category where El Paso tracks slightly higher is transportation, at about 2% above national averages, largely driven by gas prices and the car-dependent layout of the city.
Texas charges no state income tax, which means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket. However, El Paso's property tax rate is among the highest in Texas - the city rate is approximately $0.76 per $100 of valuation for fiscal year 2026. On a $255,000 home, expect to pay roughly $4,800 to $5,500 annually in total property taxes across city, county, and school district levies. Homestead exemptions can reduce that burden significantly.
Climate and Weather: 297 Days of Sunshine
El Paso averages 297 sunny days per year - nearly 100 more than the U.S. average of 205. The city receives about 8.8 inches of rain annually and just 3 inches of snow, making it one of the driest and sunniest metro areas in the country.
Summers are hot but dry. June is the warmest month, with highs regularly reaching the mid-90s. Roughly 27 days per year exceed 100°F, but the low humidity means shade and air conditioning are genuinely effective. Winters are mild - December averages around 44°F, with about 42 frosty nights spread across the cooler months. Snow is rare and melts quickly.
The transition months are spectacular. Spring (February through April) and fall (October through November) bring comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making them the best seasons for outdoor activities. Dust storms occasionally roll through, typically between March and June, but they're brief and manageable.
If you're coming from a humid climate - Houston, the Southeast, or the Midwest - the dry desert air takes some adjustment. Most newcomers find they prefer it within a few months. For a month-by-month guide, read our Pros and Cons of Living in El Paso, which covers climate in detail.
Economy and Employment: Who's Hiring?
El Paso's economy is anchored by three major pillars: the military, international trade, and healthcare.
Fort Bliss is the region's largest employer, supporting approximately 127,000 jobs and contributing $27.9 billion annually to the Texas economy, according to the Texas Comptroller. The base is home to over 28,000 active-duty service members and 41,000 direct employees. Fort Bliss creates a recession-resistant economic floor - during national downturns, El Paso's economy historically remains more stable than peer cities.
International trade and logistics benefit from El Paso's position on the U.S.-Mexico border. The city is a major port of entry handling billions in cross-border commerce annually. This drives demand for warehousing, distribution, customs brokerage, and bilingual professionals.
Healthcare and education round out the employment landscape. University Medical Center, The Hospitals of Providence, and Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare are major employers. The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and El Paso Community College anchor the education sector.
The median household income is approximately $59,745, and the unemployment rate consistently tracks near national averages. For specific job market data and major employers, see our Pros and Cons of Living in El Paso for more on the local economy.
Where to Live: El Paso's Neighborhoods at a Glance
El Paso stretches across a vast geographic area, and where you live shapes your daily experience significantly. Here's a quick orientation:
West Side neighborhoods like the Upper Valley, Kern Place, and The Willows tend to be more established and upscale, with mountain views, mature landscaping, and proximity to UTEP and downtown. Home prices run higher here, but the character and walkability appeal to many buyers.
East Side neighborhoods like Cielo Vista, Album Park, and Montwood are generally more affordable and family-oriented, with newer construction, good schools in the Ysleta and Socorro ISDs, and quick access to I-10. The far east side continues to see significant new development.
Northeast areas near Fort Bliss - including Castner Heights and the Northeast corridor - are popular with military families for their short commute to the installation and proximity to base amenities.
We cover each area in depth on our YouTube channel, Living in El Paso Texas, where we've produced neighborhood tours and local guides for people considering the move. For a side-by-side analysis, check out our interactive Neighborhood Guide for a side-by-side comparison.
"We moved from out of state so we knew very little of the area. My wife loved that they were very forth coming with there thoughts on the homes good points and concerns. It truly felt like they had our best interest."
- Darren M., Out-of-State Buyer, Google Review
Schools and Education
El Paso is served by multiple independent school districts, each with distinct strengths. The three largest are El Paso Independent School District (EPISD), Ysleta Independent School District (YISD), and Socorro Independent School District (SISD). Canutillo ISD and Clint ISD serve smaller areas on the west and far east sides respectively.
School quality varies significantly by neighborhood, which is why we created a dedicated resource: El Paso Neighborhood Guide, which includes school scores for every area. When choosing where to live, we always recommend starting with the school district that fits your family's needs and then narrowing to neighborhoods within that zone.
Moving to El Paso for the Military?
If you're PCSing to Fort Bliss, El Paso offers a welcoming and experienced military community. The 2025 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents is approximately $1,773 per month, which goes further here than at many other duty stations thanks to El Paso's affordable housing market.
Our team at Peña El Paso Realty Group has guided dozens of military families through PCS moves. For a complete breakdown of housing options, BAH rates by rank, and neighborhood recommendations near Fort Bliss, visit our Complete PCS Guide to Fort Bliss.
What to Know Before You Move
Driver's license and vehicle registration: Texas requires new residents to obtain a Texas driver's license and register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. Visit the El Paso County Tax Office for vehicle registration and a DPS office for your license.
Voter registration: You can register to vote online through the Texas Secretary of State website or at the El Paso County Elections Department. Registration must be completed at least 30 days before an election.
Internet and utilities: El Paso Electric is the primary electricity provider, and the city's water utility is El Paso Water. Unlike much of deregulated Texas, El Paso Electric operates as the sole electricity provider, so there's no shopping for electric rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to El Paso
Is El Paso a good place to live in 2026?
El Paso ranks among the safest large cities in the U.S., with crime rates 14% lower than the national average. The cost of living is 12% below the national average, the city enjoys 297 sunny days per year, and the median home price of $255,000 makes homeownership accessible. The $27.9 billion economic anchor of Fort Bliss provides stability that many comparable cities lack.
How much does it cost to live in El Paso, Texas?
A single adult can live comfortably in El Paso on approximately $55,000 to $65,000 per year. Housing costs run 32% below the national average, with median home prices around $255,000 and median rent at $1,189 per month. Texas has no state income tax, though property taxes are higher than some states - expect roughly $4,800 to $5,500 annually on a median-priced home.
What is the weather like in El Paso?
El Paso has a desert climate with 297 sunny days per year and only 8.8 inches of annual rainfall. Summers are hot and dry, with highs in the mid-90s and about 27 days above 100°F. Winters are mild, with December averaging 44°F and roughly 3 inches of snow per year. The low humidity makes extreme temperatures more comfortable than in humid climates.
Is El Paso safe?
El Paso is safer than 40% of U.S. cities according to NeighborhoodScout crime data, with crime rates averaging 14% below the national rate. Despite being a border city, El Paso has consistently ranked among the safest large cities in America for over two decades. Neighborhoods vary, so check our El Paso Neighborhood Guide for specific data by area.
What are the best neighborhoods in El Paso?
The best neighborhood depends on your priorities. The West Side (Upper Valley, Kern Place, The Willows) offers established character and mountain views at higher price points. The East Side (Cielo Vista, Album Park, Montwood) provides affordable, family-friendly options with newer construction. Northeast El Paso is ideal for military families stationed at Fort Bliss. See our full El Paso Neighborhood Guide for detailed comparisons.
How is the job market in El Paso?
El Paso's economy is anchored by Fort Bliss (127,000 jobs, $27.9 billion economic impact), international trade and logistics, and the healthcare sector. The median household income is approximately $59,745. Growth sectors include advanced manufacturing, logistics, and professional services that leverage the city's border location and bilingual workforce.
Should I live on the east or west side of El Paso?
The West Side offers mountain views, proximity to UTEP and downtown, established neighborhoods, and higher home prices. The East Side features newer construction, more affordable housing, family-friendly communities, and proximity to Fort Bliss. Most families we work with base their decision on commute, school district preference, and budget. Our detailed Neighborhood Guide breaks it down by every factor.
What should I know about property taxes in El Paso?
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are a primary revenue source. El Paso's city tax rate for FY2026 is approximately $0.76 per $100 of valuation - among the highest city rates in Texas. However, because property values are lower than in cities like Austin or Dallas, the actual dollar amount you pay is often comparable or less. Homestead exemptions, senior exemptions, and disabled veteran exemptions can significantly reduce your tax bill.