71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
El Paso wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
El Paso wins 0–2 overall (74/100)
💰 El Paso is more affordable
💼 El Paso has lower unemployment
🛡️ El Paso has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs El Paso — The Verdict
El Paso scores 74.2/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, El Paso has a clear edge with home prices 32% lower. For safety-conscious movers, El Paso has a notably lower disaster history with 12 fewer declarations in 20 years. El Paso may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in El Paso are 32% lower — a difference of $75,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in El Paso saves you $259/month — that's $3,108 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $4,730 more per year (8% higher median income).
🛡️
El Paso has experienced 12 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$159,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$976
Median Income
$60,440
$55,710
The affordability gap is significant — El Paso offers home prices 32% lower than Houston, translating to $75,700 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.3%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
22 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
9
El Paso has a markedly lower disaster history — 12 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to El Paso: Common Questions
Is Houston or El Paso cheaper to live in?
El Paso is more affordable overall. Home prices are $75,700 lower in El Paso. Monthly rent is $976 in El Paso vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or El Paso have better weather?
El Paso scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or El Paso better for finding a job?
El Paso currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in El Paso. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $55,710 in El Paso.
Which city is safer — Houston or El Paso?
In terms of natural disaster risk, El Paso is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in El Paso. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for El Paso.
Should I move from Houston to El Paso?
Based on our data, El Paso scores 74.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — El Paso is more affordable, while El Paso has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.