Is El Paso or San Diego more affordable?
El Paso has a median rent of $900/month, while San Diego is $2,100/month. El Paso is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
El Paso, TX vs San Diego, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between El Paso and San Diego.
4
El Paso wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
San Diego wins
TX
El Paso
vs
CA
San Diego
Overview
678,815
Population
1,386,932
$44,000
Median Income
+81.1%$79,685✓
Cost of Living
$900✓
Median Rent / mo
+133.3%$2,100
$175,000✓
Median Home Price
+345.7%$780,000
25%
Rent-to-Income %
32%
Taxes
None✓
State Income Tax
9.30%
8.25%
Local Tax Rate
7.75%
Climate & Weather
77°F
Avg High Temp
70°F
52°F
Avg Low Temp
55°F
297 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
266 days
10"
Annual Rainfall
12"
Who should choose
El Paso, TX
El Paso is a city in Texas with a population of 678,815.
Read full El Paso guide →Who should choose
San Diego, CA
San Diego is a city in California with a population of 1,386,932.
Read full San Diego guide →El Paso vs San Diego — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — El Paso or San Diego?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. El Paso wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between El Paso and San Diego?
El Paso gets 297 sunny days/year. San Diego gets 266 sunny days/year. Avg high in El Paso: 77°F. Avg high in San Diego: 70°F
Which city is better for families — El Paso or San Diego?
El Paso. San Diego. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.