Average Rent in El Paso, TX↑ Rents rising 3.7% YoY🔺 28th priciest in TX
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 869,606
Market Overview
El Paso, TX has rental prices ranging from $821/month to $2,002/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,020/month — 27% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $58,800/year, spending $1,020/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How El Paso Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,192/month, El Paso ranks #28 most expensive of the 220 cities tracked in Texas — pricier than 81% of all US cities in our data.
The El Paso Rental Market
The El Paso, TX area has a population of about 869,606 and 36% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in El Paso, TX have risen by $42/month (3.7%) over the past year, from $1,150 to $1,192. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in El Paso, TX without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $40,800. The local median household income of $58,800 exceeds that threshold by $18,000, making El Paso relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Rent vs. Buy
The median home value in El Paso, TX is $237,327, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 16.6. With a break-even horizon of approximately 17 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across El Paso's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Alameda Business ($139,225 median home value), Chamizal ($139,518 median home value), San Juan ($150,032 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is El Paso, TX Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in TXlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth | $1,371 | $1,461 | $1,705 | $2,256 | — |
| Dallas | $1,531 | $1,606 | $1,884 | $2,361 | — |
| Brazoria County | $951 | $1,138 | $1,260 | $1,683 | — |
| Houston | $1,226 | $1,279 | $1,529 | $2,038 | — |
| San Antonio | $1,116 | $1,231 | $1,501 | $1,907 | — |
| Austin | $1,549 | $1,650 | $1,949 | $2,484 | — |
Rent or Buy in El Paso?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real El Paso data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $237,327 home at 7% rate
Living in El Paso
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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⚖️Rent vs Buy in El PasoIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in El PasoSalary needed to afford rent here
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