Let the numbers do the talking.
Austin, TX vs El Paso, TX
Austin, TX vs El Paso, TX: What the data shows
Austin, TX is in Austin, TX while El Paso, TX is in El Paso, TX — both in the same state. On home prices, El Paso, TX is the more affordable option at $84,000 median — $1,110,200 less than Austin, TX's $1,194,200. WYLT rates Austin, TX as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and El Paso, TX as “Hard pass” — a neighborhood WYLT does not recommend.
Austin, TX has the stronger safety profile of the two. Austin, TX has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. El Paso, TX has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Austin, TX has Low flood risk and El Paso, TX has Low flood risk.
El Paso, TX is the more walkable neighborhood. Austin, TX scores 14/100 (car-dependent) versus El Paso, TX's 21/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Austin, TX has the higher school rating — Austin, TX rates 7.4/10 and El Paso, TX rates 7/10.
| Category | Austin, TX | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $1.19M | $84K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $502 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $140K ✓ Higher income | $14K |
| Price Volatility | High | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 14/100 | 21/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 14/100 | 24/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 25/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 6 min | N/A |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate ✓ Cleaner air | Poor |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 7/10 |
| Best for | High‑income professionalsRemote workers with budgetStudents needing proximity to downtown | Low-cost urban livingDog lovers looking for rescue opportunitiesPeople with limited commuting options |
Bottom line
The Austin neighborhood is a better choice for those with a large budget who value proximity to downtown and strong schools, despite its high cost of living and limited public transportation. In contrast, the El Paso neighborhood is only suitable for those with very limited options or a high tolerance for crime, as its low cost is outweighed by significant quality of life concerns. Overall, Austin is the better option for most people, but only if they can afford it.
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