El Paso, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, are two vibrant American cities. While El Paso is recognized for its low cost of living, safe environment, and strong Hispanic cultural influence, Atlanta provides a more urbanized setting with a dynamic blend of Southern traditions and modern flair, recognized for its education, economy, and health sector. Knowing key differences and similarities between these cities may impact your decision to visit or relocate to either city.
Distance between
El Paso, TX and
Atlanta, GA : 1,283.9 miles
El Paso's population is larger by 37%. Its population has grown by 114,753 people (20.4%) since 2000. The population of Atlanta has grown by 79,987 people (19.2%) during that time.
El Paso tends to have a lower crime rate compared to Atlanta, ranking amongst the safest large cities in America. Police presence is more noticeable, with community initiatives aimed at ensuring residents' safety. Conversely, while Atlanta's crime rate is higher, the city employs numerous safety measures and law enforcement initiatives to maintain public order and safety. Tourists usually feel safe in both cities, particularly in well-frequented and popular areas.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,274 registered sex offenders living in El Paso and 1,961 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in El Paso is 536 to 1; the ratio in Atlanta is 241 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in El Paso than in Atlanta.
Cost of Living
El Paso's living costs are significantly lower than Atlanta's. This is particularly noticeable regarding housing costs. While both cities have a variety of grocery, entertainment, and dining options, day-to-day expenses and taxes may also be slightly lower in El Paso compared to Atlanta.
Income Tax
Texas does not have state income tax, benefiting full-time residents through increased take-home pay. Conversely, Georgia imposes a state income tax, which ranges from 1%-5.75%, depending on the income bracket.
Property Tax
Property taxes are generally lower in Atlanta, depending on the specific county and city taxes. El Paso has a higher property tax rate, which offsets some of the benefits of lower housing prices.
Sales Tax
Texas doesn't have a state sales tax, making goods cheaper in El Paso compared to Atlanta. Georgia has a 4% state sales tax, which could slightly increase the cost of goods, though Atlanta has additional local sales taxes.
Income
Type
El Paso
Atlanta
Estimated median household income
$51,241
$74,107
Estimated per capita income
$25,670
$55,051
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
82.2
104.3
If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will have to make $63,443 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
El Paso offers a desert landscape with mountains and unique biodiversity. On the other hand, Atlanta offers lush greenery, rolling hills, trees, and is located near both mountains and the ocean, enabling a host of outdoor activities.
Atlanta is reputable for its high-ranked universities and diverse educational opportunities. The city is home to prestigious institutions like Emory University and Georgia State University. El Paso, while smaller in scale, boasts good public and private schools and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
Atlanta's economy is more diversified and larger than El Paso's. Atlanta is a hub for a range of industries, including banking, tech, film production, and it hosts numerous Fortune 500 companies. El Paso’s economy concentrates more on military, governmental, and manufacturing sectors.
Biggest Employers
In Atlanta, some of the largest employers include The Home Depot, Delta Airlines, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The biggest employers in El Paso include the Army base Fort Bliss, the independent school district, and University Medical Center.
There were 1,961 building permits issued in El Paso in 2012 (1005 less than in 2011) compared to 855 building permits issued in Atlanta in 2012 (628 more than in 2011).
In El Paso (El Paso County), 65.5% voted for Democrats and 33.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Atlanta (Fulton County), 64.3% voted for Democrats and 34.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
El Paso
Atlanta
El Paso
Atlanta
El Paso
Atlanta
2020
66.8%
72.6%
31.6%
26.2%
1.6%
1.2%
2016
69.1%
67.8%
26.0%
26.9%
4.9%
5.3%
2012
65.5%
64.3%
33.2%
34.5%
1.3%
1.2%
2008
66.0%
67.2%
33.4%
32.2%
0.6%
0.6%
2004
56.2%
59.4%
43.3%
40.0%
0.5%
0.7%
2000
57.9%
57.9%
39.8%
39.9%
2.3%
2.2%
1996
62.3%
58.9%
32.1%
36.9%
5.6%
4.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
El Paso
Atlanta
El Paso
Atlanta
CATHOLIC CHURCH
43.2%
9.9%
11.3%
2.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
3.3%
7.9%
26.6%
14.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
1.2%
1.6%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.1%
2.1%
1.0%
2.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.6%
1.0%
1.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.1%
1.4%
0.2%
1.7%
Weather
El Paso provides a hot desert climate, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year, and winter temperatures generally mild. This contrasts to Atlanta's humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers, and mild to occasionally cold winters. Both cities offer great weather for outdoor activities, although Atlanta faces more rainfall and El Paso can have extreme heat in summer.
Weather and climate
Type
El Paso
Atlanta
Temperature - Average
64.6°F
61.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
42.7%
73.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42.8%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59.8%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
17%
49%
Precipitation - Yearly average
9.4 in
51.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.7 in
4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
31.8%
18.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
89.4%
65.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
13.9%
17%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
89.3%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
75.4%
50%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
9 mph
Average climate in El Paso, Texas
Average climate in Atlanta, Georgia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
El Paso
Atlanta
El Paso
Atlanta
El Paso
Atlanta
El Paso
Atlanta
El Paso
Atlanta
El Paso
Atlanta
El Paso
Atlanta
El Paso
Atlanta
2018
139
84
0.17
0.27
14.0
N/A
32.0
24.7
N/A
N/A
35.7
17.5
9.2
10.6
N/A
0.8
2017
173
87
0.19
0.31
13.0
N/A
30.5
24.7
N/A
N/A
40.4
17.5
9.5
11.3
0.5
1.2
2016
148
105
0.17
0.31
12.6
N/A
30.6
25.9
N/A
N/A
35.2
17.2
9.2
11.1
0.5
1.0
2015
112
91
0.18
0.31
12.7
N/A
30.8
23.9
N/A
N/A
31.2
17.6
8.0
10.2
0.5
0.9
2014
157
88
0.13
0.31
12.8
N/A
30.0
24.0
N/A
N/A
40.3
18.4
9.7
9.1
0.4
1.1
2013
211
88
0.23
0.30
14.1
N/A
30.5
23.7
N/A
N/A
43.9
18.0
10.8
8.7
0.4
1.0
2012
229
109
0.30
0.33
15.9
N/A
31.6
26.2
N/A
N/A
40.2
19.5
11.6
9.8
0.4
1.1
2011
221
98
0.23
0.33
15.9
N/A
31.2
27.5
N/A
N/A
34.7
21.2
11.6
12.0
0.5
1.7
2010
211
102
0.25
0.35
15.3
N/A
29.4
25.8
N/A
N/A
28.8
18.5
7.9
12.5
0.3
1.9
2009
117
96
0.23
N/A
15.4
N/A
29.5
25.2
N/A
N/A
28.6
18.5
8.3
13.8
0.3
1.7
2008
210
99
0.25
0.53
15.2
15.3
30.1
31.2
0.017
0.003
34.6
22.5
9.7
16.3
0.6
2.5
2007
134
124
0.28
0.45
13.9
17.0
30.6
33.1
0.019
0.003
40.5
29.4
8.4
18.1
0.4
2.7
2006
241
129
0.37
0.58
14.3
17.9
30.6
31.3
0.018
0.003
55.0
22.9
11.1
19.7
0.3
3.4
2005
159
123
0.43
0.55
13.1
17.2
29.6
29.0
0.013
0.005
44.5
25.5
9.6
15.8
0.6
3.2
2004
183
118
0.38
0.54
13.5
16.9
29.2
28.8
0.020
0.004
47.3
22.9
8.2
14.6
0.4
2.8
2003
278
112
0.46
0.56
15.5
16.4
29.5
26.7
0.039
0.004
60.4
22.2
10.8
15.4
0.6
3.0
2002
203
120
0.43
0.60
16.4
19.4
30.5
27.9
0.034
N/A
53.3
23.2
11.0
13.1
0.4
3.0
2001
139
117
0.51
0.69
15.5
23.3
28.7
27.2
0.046
N/A
N/A
27.0
9.8
N/A
0.7
3.1
2000
145
132
0.67
0.50
17.8
22.9
27.8
31.2
0.072
N/A
N/A
28.4
9.1
N/A
1.0
3.2
Natural disasters
Type
El Paso
Atlanta
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
4.2%
159.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
524.4%
153.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
11%
15%
Transportation
Atlanta has a more extensive public transport system, including MARTA, buses, and a train line servicing the city. El Paso relies heavily on cars for transport, with limited bus services and no subway system. Traffic is generally heavier in Atlanta compared to El Paso.
Transport
Type
El Paso
Atlanta
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
331
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
6
28
Means of transportation to work
Type
El Paso
Atlanta
Bicycle
0.3%
0.5%
Bus
1.3%
2.1%
Carpooled
11.2%
7.6%
Car alone
83.4%
84%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Streetcar
0%
1.1%
Subway
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
1.6%
1.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
El Paso
Atlanta
Average
25.1 min
34.9 min
Other means
22.2 min
24.4 min
Public transportation
46.4 min
47.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
El Paso
Atlanta
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.5%
92.5%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
6.7%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
0.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.7%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate costs are higher in Atlanta, with more range in terms of property type, from high-rise condos to suburban houses. El Paso offers generally affordable and spacious housing options, often with larger land areas.
Neighborhoods
Both cities enjoy diverse neighborhoods. In Atlanta, neighborhoods like Midtown boast bustling activities and skyscrapers, while Buckhead offers upscale residential living. El Paso has family-friendly neighborhoods like Kern Place and Rim University, known for their quiet and well-kept surroundings.
Houses and residents
Type
El Paso
Atlanta
Houses
261,779
253,355
Average household size (people)
3
2.1
Median year apartment built
1982
1996
Median year house/condo built
1985
1976
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
12.2 years
Houses occupied
242,529 (92.6%)
232,720 (91.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
147,788 (60.9%)
113,092 (48.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
94,741 (39.1%)
119,628 (51.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$570.82
$1,226
Median monthly housing costs
$939
$1,504
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$227,007
$325,147
Estimated median house or condo value
$152,800
$375,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.4
4.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$187,761
$585,854
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$359,451
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$75,782
$453,504
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$266,003
$356,868
Median house price - mobile homes
$43,095
$149,278
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$149,459
$383,334
Median house price - All housing units
$186,951
$508,525
Median house age
38
34
Renting percentage
39.6%
55.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,051
1,923
House value disparities
32.7%
36.3%
Household income disparities
46.6%
47.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$74,665
$123,344
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$52,954
$75,939
Housing units without a mortgage
1,889 (2.2%)
1,022 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,956 (3.4%)
5,566 (7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
84,973 (97.8%)
78,250 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
250 (0.3%)
58 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,635 (4.2%)
7,203 (9.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2%
2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2%
1.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
El Paso
Atlanta
One, detached
67.7%
37.5%
One, attached
4.4%
6.6%
Two
2.4%
2.4%
3 or 4
4.1%
3.9%
5 to 9
5.9%
5.9%
10 to 19
5.8%
5.7%
20 to 49
2.4%
6.8%
50 or more
4.8%
30.7%
Mobile homes
2.3%
0.5%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
19,650
15,892
State government workers
12,525
13,288
Unpaid family workers
901
550
Industries and Occupations
Atlanta thrives in sectors such as healthcare, IT, media and entertainment, and finance. El Paso's primary industries are military, government, and education with healthcare and manufacturing also playing a substantial role.
Atlanta has a robust healthcare sector, with world-class facilities like Emory Healthcare and the CDC headquartered within the city. El Paso has dependable healthcare with some specialised hospitals, although a smaller scale compared to Atlanta.
Health (county statistics)
Type
El Paso
Atlanta
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Atlanta has a more developed infrastructure catering to its larger population. The city has a larger airport with more direct flights. Conversely, El Paso’s smaller size allows easier navigation and less congestion than Atlanta.
Infrastructure
Type
El Paso
Atlanta
Hospitals
41
46
TV stations
10
22
Arenas or stadiums
2
6
Bank branches located here
89
235
Bank institutions located here
19
41
Main business address for public companies
7
85
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
El Paso
Atlanta
1999
1,994
1,775
2000
993
1,902
2001
704
1,552
2002
594
1,683
2003
1,268
3,212
2004
1,646
4,962
2005
2,316
9,078
2006
2,701
10,866
2007
2,051
6,626
2008
1,034
2,140
2009
454
731
Culture and Food
El Paso offers a vibrant culture rooted in a rich Hispanic influence, reflected in its food, music, and arts scene. Atlanta is notable for its Southern hospitality, African-American culture, performing arts, and world-class cuisine, including mouth-watering Southern and international food.
Sports Teams
Atlanta boasts several major sports franchises, including the Falcons (NFL), Braves (MLB), Hawks (NBA), and United (MLS). In contrast, El Paso hasn't any professional sports franchises, but sports fans may enjoy college sports from the University of Texas at El Paso.
El Paso, TX
Atlanta, GA
El Paso, TX and 
Atlanta, GA : 1,283.9 miles
