Combine a beautiful climate, a low cost of living, the amenities of a cosmopolitan city, along with the wonders of nature and you have El Paso, Texas. Located on the border of Mexico and New Mexico, this city is known for its multi-cultural presence. No state income tax, low housing costs, and a strengthening economy add up to a reasonable cost of living.
The wonderful weather and the Franklin Mountain Range, Hueco Tanks State Park, and the Rio Grande mean there are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, camping, climbing, and white-water rafting. Local parks and recreational facilities offer swimming, playgrounds, sports fields and opportunities for walking, jogging, and family outings. If you’re looking for cultural activities, look no further than the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, El Paso Symphony, and the El Paso Chamber Music Festival. Check out the shows and events at the Plaza Theatre and the Abraham Chavez Theatre. Visit the famous Sun Bowl, or head to the Don Haskins Center for college basketball, concerts, and other events. History buffs will appreciate the Fort Bliss Museum, Old Ironsides Museum, as well as the Border Patrol Museum.
With a population of over 670,000, El Paso is a large growing city near the border of Texas and New Mexico. El Paso’s location on the Rio Grande River across from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and near the Franklin Mountains gives the city varied and interesting topography. The low real estate costs and no state income tax make El Paso attractive to newcomers.
El Paso’s cost of living is over 12 percent below the national average. Real estate costs are low, with a median home price well below the national average. The local climate boasts lots of sun, mild winters with little snow, plus summertime temperatures in the high 90s make for a dry, four-season climate. Extreme weather is rare. US News and World Report named El Paso as one of The 10 Cities Most Safe from Natural Disasters. Although central Texas gets its share of damaging tornadoes, the risk of damage from a tornado in El Paso is rare.
El Paso’s cost of living is 12.8% lower than the national average. Lower housing costs account for most of the difference. Bestplaces.net rates El Paso’s cost of living index at 87.2. By comparison, the United States’ cost of living index is 100, while Texas’ is 101.8. The annual cost of living for a family of four is $66,634. The average household income in El Paso is $42,037 a year, compared to the US average of $53,482 a year. Cost for groceries, health care, housing, and utilities are all rated below the national average, with transportation slightly above.
While the unemployment rate is 4.2%, just above the national average of 3.9%, recent job growth is positive. El Paso jobs have increased by 1.87% over the past year. The region’s top industries include retail; education; health; social service; accommodation and food services; and public administration. The top job providers are in healthcare; education; business and trade services; telecommunications; and international trade.
At 22.7 minutes, El Paso’s one-way commute is shorter than the US average of 26.4 minutes, even as the typical American commute gets longer. Over 80% of El Pasoans drive to work, but many carpool or work from home. Just 1.7% take mass transit. El Paso’s mass transportation system, Sun Metro, serves more than 15 million passengers a year. The transit system also includes a streetcar that travels a 4.8-mile route in two loops through El Paso’s uptown and downtown areas.
There are plenty of fun adventures awaiting you in El Paso!
