El Paso
The overall score reflects El Paso's status as a premier destination for affordability and safety, though it is tempered by a challenging job market and poor infrastructure for non-drivers. It excels for those who prioritize financial stability and security over urban density or high-speed transit.
Is El Paso a Good Place to Live?
El Paso is a strong choice, earning a MoveWiser Score of 75/100 based on cost of living, safety, schools, healthcare, housing, and jobs.
Is El Paso right for you?
MoveWiser can compare your budget, lifestyle, climate preferences, and priorities with El Paso and other cities — and show you how well each one fits you personally.
See How Well El Paso Fits MeQuality of Life in El Paso: Why It Scored 75/100
El Paso earns its high housing score due to a median home price that remains significantly below the national average, even with recent 2025-2026 appreciation. The safety score is bolstered by the city's long-standing reputation for low violent crime rates despite its large population and border location. Conversely, the walkability and transportation scores are low because the city’s layout is dominated by sprawling suburban developments and the Franklin Mountains, which physically divide the city and necessitate long commutes via the I-10 corridor. The job market score is moderate, supported by stable employers like Fort Bliss and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, but limited by a lack of high-paying corporate headquarters found in other Texas hubs.
Safety in El Paso
El Paso earns a high safety rating on MoveWiser's 1-10 scale, with a safety score of 8.5/10. Top-tier national safety rankings
Climate
El Paso features a classic high-desert climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually, characterized by very hot, dry summers and mild, crisp winters.
Cost of Living in El Paso
Population
683,012
Median Home Price
$274,950
Median Rent
$1,076/mo
Average Salary
$49,620
Groceries / month
$420/mo
Moving to El Paso
El Paso is consistently recognized as one of the safest large cities in the U.S., matching your top priority perfectly. It offers a warm desert climate and a lifestyle where housing costs typically consume only 20% of household income, allowing for significant monthly savings.
Pros and Cons of Living in El Paso
Pros
- • Top-tier national safety rankings
- • Highly affordable housing market
- • Stunning Franklin Mountains views
- • Rich bicultural heritage and cuisine
- • Low cost of living
Cons
- • Extreme summer heat and droughts
- • Limited public transportation options
- • Geographic isolation from other major cities
- • Lower average wages compared to Texas metros
Who El Paso Is Best For
Where El Paso performs well
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Paso a good place to live?
El Paso is widely considered an excellent place to live for those prioritizing safety and a community-oriented atmosphere, as it consistently ranks among the safest large cities in the U.S. Residents enjoy unique access to the Franklin Mountains State Park for hiking and a vibrant bicultural lifestyle influenced by its border with Ciudad Juárez.
Is El Paso affordable?
Yes, El Paso remains one of the most affordable major cities in Texas, with median home prices around $274,950 and rents averaging $1,076 per month in 2025. Neighborhoods like the Westside and Upper Valley offer a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost found in Austin or Dallas.
What is El Paso best known for as a place to live?
The city is best known for its 'Sun City' status, boasting year-round sunshine, and its deep military ties as the home of Fort Bliss. It is also recognized for the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and its distinctive desert landscape that integrates urban living with rugged mountain terrain.
What are the biggest advantages of living in El Paso?
The primary advantages include a cost of living roughly 12-15% below the national average and a recession-resistant economy anchored by the federal government and healthcare sectors. Additionally, the city offers a high degree of safety and a welcoming, bilingual community that is ideal for raising families.
What are the potential disadvantages of living in El Paso?
The most significant drawbacks are the intense summer temperatures that often exceed 100 degrees and a heavy reliance on personal vehicles due to a low walkability score. The city's geographic isolation means a minimum four-hour drive to the next major metropolitan area, and local wages tend to be lower than the national average.
What type of person or household is El Paso a good fit for?
El Paso is a perfect fit for families seeking a secure environment and retirees looking to stretch their savings in a low-tax, low-cost state. It also suits outdoor enthusiasts who want immediate access to mountain trails and professionals in the healthcare or logistics industries.
Related rankings
Cities Similar to El Paso
Data & Methodology
For each city we gather recent data on cost of living, safety, schools, healthcare, housing, jobs, transit, and walkability, then normalize each into a 1–10 category rating (10 = best) using consistent benchmarks across every city. The MoveWiser Score (0–100) is a weighted blend of those category ratings — a city scores well when several categories are strong and is held back by its weakest factors. The exact weighting isn't published, but the category ratings shown above make it clear what drives each score.
Data sources (linked where available):
- U.S. Census Bureau 2025 — population & demographics
- Zillow 2026 — home prices & rent
- ZipRecruiter 2026
- El Paso Matters
- Redfin Data Center — home prices
How MoveWiser finds your match
MoveWiser compares your preferences across affordability, safety, weather, jobs, schools, healthcare, and lifestyle to recommend places that genuinely fit you — not just one city. Take the survey to get personalized matches ranked by what matters most to you.
Find cities that fit you — not just one
Get personalized city recommendations with match percentages based on your exact budget, lifestyle, climate, and priorities — El Paso included.
Get My Personalized MatchesCookies & ads
We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize ads, measure ad performance, and improve your experience. Third-party vendors (including Google) may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits. See our Privacy Policy for details.