El Paso, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada both offer unique living experiences, with distinct advantages and challenges. The two cities significantly differ in their crime and safety records, weather conditions, cost of living, educational opportunities, economic conditions, infrastructural development, job opportunities, real estate dynamics, and cultural experiences. For those considering relocating or just visiting, it's important to understand these differences to make an informed decision.
Distance between
El Paso, TX and
Las Vegas, NV : 588.4 miles
El Paso's population is larger by 5%. Its population has grown by 114,753 people (20.4%) since 2000. The population of Las Vegas has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) during that time.
In terms of Crime and Safety, El Paso has a reputation as one of the safest large cities in the United States. Conversely, Las Vegas sees a higher rate of crime, particularly property-related crimes, due in part to its status as a high-tourism area. However, like any city, crime rates can vary widely by neighborhood. Both El Paso and Las Vegas have invested heavily in community policing initiatives to improve safety.
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 4,789 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in El Paso is 536 to 1; the ratio in Las Vegas is 132 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in El Paso than in Las Vegas.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in El Paso is significantly less than that in Las Vegas. Housing is particularly cheaper in El Paso, while groceries, healthcare, and utilities also tend to be more affordable. However, Las Vegas offers more in terms of higher-end luxury goods and services.
Income Tax
Both Texas and Nevada have no state income tax, which can be an attractive feature for people considering relocating to either city.
Property Tax
El Paso has higher property tax rates than Las Vegas. However, given the significantly lower property prices in El Paso, overall property tax costs can still be less than Las Vegas for comparable properties.
Sales Tax
El Paso, in Texas, has no state sales tax, but a higher local sales tax, while Las Vegas, in Nevada, has a higher combined state and local sales tax.
Income
Type
El Paso
Las Vegas
Estimated median household income
$51,241
$59,746
Estimated per capita income
$25,670
$33,825
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
82.2
99.1
If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will have to make $60,280 in Las Vegas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
El Paso is located in the high desert and is surrounded by mountains, providing ample outdoor activities. Las Vegas, although also in a desert setting, is more urbanized with less readily accessible outdoor spaces.
Both cities boast numerous educational institutions. El Paso is home to the University of Texas at El Paso, while Las Vegas hosts the University of Nevada. However, Las Vegas offers a larger number of private and charter school options. In terms of public school performance, both cities have room for improvement.
The work and economy of El Paso are mainly centered around healthcare, education, and the military, with a strong presence in cross-border trade. Las Vegas' economy heavily relies on tourism, gaming, and entertainment, which can lead to more employment volatility.
Biggest Employers
In El Paso, the largest employers include Fort Bliss and El Paso Independent School District. In contrast, the biggest employers in Las Vegas are MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment.
There were 1,961 building permits issued in El Paso in 2012 (1005 less than in 2011) compared to 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 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 Las Vegas (Clark County), 56.4% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
El Paso
Las Vegas
El Paso
Las Vegas
El Paso
Las Vegas
2020
66.8%
53.7%
31.6%
44.3%
1.6%
2.0%
2016
69.1%
52.4%
26.0%
41.7%
4.9%
5.8%
2012
65.5%
56.4%
33.2%
41.8%
1.3%
1.8%
2008
66.0%
58.5%
33.4%
39.5%
0.6%
2.0%
2004
56.2%
51.8%
43.3%
46.9%
0.5%
1.3%
2000
57.9%
51.4%
39.8%
44.8%
2.3%
3.8%
1996
62.3%
75.5%
32.1%
18.8%
5.6%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
El Paso
Las Vegas
El Paso
Las Vegas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
43.2%
18.1%
11.3%
4.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
3.3%
1.6%
26.6%
11.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.4%
1.0%
1.6%
Weather
Weather variations between the two cities are stark - El Paso features a hot desert climate, with mild winters and scorching summer temperatures. Las Vegas also has a desert climate, but it tends to be even hotter in the summer months. However, it also gets cooler in the winter, with nighttime temperatures often dropping near freezing.
Weather and climate
Type
El Paso
Las Vegas
Temperature - Average
64.6°F
65.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
42.7%
30.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42.8%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59.8%
52%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
17%
10%
Precipitation - Yearly average
9.4 in
5.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.7 in
1.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
31.8%
35.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
89.4%
91.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
13.9%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
89.3%
92%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
75.4%
76%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
9.2 mph
Average climate in El Paso, Texas
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
El Paso
Las Vegas
El Paso
Las Vegas
El Paso
Las Vegas
El Paso
Las Vegas
El Paso
El Paso
Las Vegas
El Paso
Las Vegas
El Paso
Las Vegas
2018
139
100
0.17
0.42
14.0
13.1
32.0
37.2
N/A
N/A
35.7
24.4
9.2
6.0
N/A
0.7
2017
173
101
0.19
0.29
13.0
13.0
30.5
38.5
N/A
N/A
40.4
20.3
9.5
7.3
0.5
0.8
2016
148
97
0.17
0.38
12.6
11.2
30.6
36.5
N/A
N/A
35.2
20.6
9.2
8.7
0.5
0.8
2015
112
92
0.18
0.36
12.7
12.4
30.8
35.6
N/A
N/A
31.2
18.9
8.0
8.4
0.5
1.2
2014
157
91
0.13
0.40
12.8
10.8
30.0
36.5
N/A
N/A
40.3
21.1
9.7
9.2
0.4
1.4
2013
211
103
0.23
0.45
14.1
9.6
30.5
36.9
N/A
N/A
43.9
22.1
10.8
8.6
0.4
1.5
2012
229
94
0.30
0.49
15.9
5.9
31.6
38.5
N/A
N/A
40.2
21.5
11.6
8.3
0.4
1.4
2011
221
85
0.23
0.40
15.9
5.3
31.2
37.5
N/A
N/A
34.7
18.2
11.6
7.8
0.5
1.2
2010
211
86
0.25
0.50
15.3
5.7
29.4
36.6
N/A
N/A
28.8
16.1
7.9
7.1
0.3
N/A
2009
117
87
0.23
0.56
15.4
6.0
29.5
33.3
N/A
N/A
28.6
20.9
8.3
8.3
0.3
N/A
2008
210
82
0.25
0.66
15.2
8.2
30.1
33.0
0.017
N/A
34.6
N/A
9.7
9.2
0.6
N/A
2007
134
97
0.28
0.61
13.9
11.7
30.6
32.4
0.019
N/A
40.5
N/A
8.4
8.6
0.4
0.1
2006
241
102
0.37
0.75
14.3
13.4
30.6
32.7
0.018
N/A
55.0
N/A
11.1
8.3
0.3
0.8
2005
159
100
0.43
0.76
13.1
15.1
29.6
30.2
0.013
N/A
44.5
N/A
9.6
7.8
0.6
5.3
2004
183
85
0.38
0.71
13.5
16.0
29.2
30.6
0.020
N/A
47.3
N/A
8.2
N/A
0.4
1.6
2003
278
99
0.46
0.67
15.5
15.9
29.5
29.8
0.039
N/A
60.4
N/A
10.8
N/A
0.6
1.0
2002
203
94
0.43
0.73
16.4
15.7
30.5
30.6
0.034
N/A
53.3
N/A
11.0
N/A
0.4
0.7
2001
139
95
0.51
0.76
15.5
15.0
28.7
29.4
0.046
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.7
1.1
2000
145
95
0.67
0.88
17.8
14.7
27.8
29.7
0.072
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
1.0
0.4
Natural disasters
Type
El Paso
Las Vegas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
4.2%
2.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
524.4%
6,093.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
11%
12%
Transportation
El Paso has less traffic congestion than Las Vegas, while Las Vegas has an extensive public transit system, more bike-friendly roads, and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, especially around the Strip.
Transport
Type
El Paso
Las Vegas
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
331
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
6
81
Means of transportation to work
Type
El Paso
Las Vegas
Bicycle
0.3%
0.1%
Bus
1.3%
2.2%
Carpooled
11.2%
10.3%
Car alone
83.4%
82.7%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.4%
Walked
1.6%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
El Paso
Las Vegas
Average
25.1 min
26.3 min
Other means
22.2 min
24 min
Public transportation
46.4 min
49.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
El Paso
Las Vegas
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.5%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.7%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in El Paso is notably more affordable than in Las Vegas. The average home price in El Paso is significantly less than the national average, while Las Vegas home prices have surged in recent years, pushing them above the national average.
Neighborhoods
El Paso neighborhoods offer a mixture of suburban and urban living with a strong sense of community, while Las Vegas offers a range of living experiences from the quiet, master-planned communities of Summerlin and Henderson to the bustling Strip.
Houses and residents
Type
El Paso
Las Vegas
Houses
261,779
269,602
Average household size (people)
3
2.7
Median year apartment built
1982
1991
Median year house/condo built
1985
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
10.1 years
Houses occupied
242,529 (92.6%)
250,350 (92.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
147,788 (60.9%)
138,677 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
94,741 (39.1%)
111,673 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$570.82
$1,176
Median monthly housing costs
$939
$1,255
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$227,007
$989,410
Estimated median house or condo value
$152,800
$362,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.4
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$187,761
$439,169
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$161,204
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$75,782
$201,871
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$266,003
$327,174
Median house price - mobile homes
$43,095
$113,235
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$149,459
$274,961
Median house price - All housing units
$186,951
$417,434
Median house age
38
27
Renting percentage
39.6%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,051
2,379.4
House value disparities
32.7%
27.1%
Household income disparities
46.6%
47.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$74,665
$90,388
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$52,954
$62,287
Housing units without a mortgage
1,889 (2.2%)
1,172 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,956 (3.4%)
4,450 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
84,973 (97.8%)
95,992 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
250 (0.3%)
178 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,635 (4.2%)
5,092 (5.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
El Paso
Las Vegas
One, detached
67.7%
61.5%
One, attached
4.4%
5.3%
Two
2.4%
1.3%
3 or 4
4.1%
7.7%
5 to 9
5.9%
8.4%
10 to 19
5.8%
4.8%
20 to 49
2.4%
2.8%
50 or more
4.8%
6.8%
Mobile homes
2.3%
1.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
19,650
18,990
State government workers
12,525
6,950
Unpaid family workers
901
614
Industries and Occupations
El Paso's main industries include education, healthcare, and defense, while Las Vegas is dominated by tourism, hospitality, and entertainment. While both cities provide diverse job opportunities, the job market in Las Vegas tends to be seasonal and influenced heavily by shifts in the tourism industry.
Both cities have several healthcare facilities. El Paso hosts the University Medical Center of El Paso and Las Palmas Medical Center, while Las Vegas is home to several large medical facilities including the Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center and Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican, Siena Campus.
Health (county statistics)
Type
El Paso
Las Vegas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
El Paso has well-maintained roads and promotes pedestrian friendliness with wide sidewalks and numerous parks. However, Las Vegas has a more developed public transportation system, including the Las Vegas Monorail and an extensive bus network, appealing to both residents and visitors.
Infrastructure
Type
El Paso
Las Vegas
Hospitals
41
39
TV stations
10
12
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
89
281
Bank institutions located here
19
34
Main business address for public companies
7
57
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
32
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
El Paso
Las Vegas
1999
1,994
2,657
2000
993
579
2001
704
371
2002
594
380
2003
1,268
3,590
2004
1,646
5,908
2005
2,316
7,894
2006
2,701
6,914
2007
2,051
3,733
2008
1,034
1,431
2009
454
813
Culture and Food
El Paso offers a rich blend of Mexican and American cultures with a strong culinary scene centered around Tex-Mex cuisine. Conversely, Las Vegas is internationally recognized for its diverse culinary and entertainment offerings, housing some of the best restaurants and shows in the world.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will find more professional sports teams in Las Vegas, including the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL). El Paso, however, has a robust minor league and college sports scene.
El Paso, TX
Las Vegas, NV
El Paso, TX and 
Las Vegas, NV : 588.4 miles
