El Paso, Texas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, offer distinctive ways of life, each with its advantages and drawbacks. El Paso has a rich Hispanic culture, warm climate, and low cost of living, while Oklahoma City features an energizing urban atmosphere, varied recreational opportunities, and an accessible central location. This guide offers comprehensive information about crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work, and economy among other critical factors to help relocating individuals and tourists make educated decisions.
Distance between
El Paso, TX and
Oklahoma City, OK : 571.0 miles
Oklahoma City's population is larger by 1%. Its population has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) since 2000. The population of El Paso has grown by 114,753 people (20.4%) during that time.
El Paso consistently ranks as one of the safest large cities in the United States, with crime rates considerably below the national average offering peace of mind for residents and tourists alike. Oklahoma City experiences higher crime rates, which is a factor for people considering relocation or a visit. Both cities maintain robust police forces and community programs intended to keep residents safe and informed.
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 1,386 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in El Paso is 536 to 1; the ratio in Oklahoma City is 461 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in El Paso is near to than in Oklahoma City.
Cost of Living
Both cities have lower-than-average costs of living, though El Paso's is slightly lower than that of Oklahoma City. Essentials such as housing, groceries, and healthcare tend to be particularly affordable in El Paso. However, Oklahoma City also provides a cost-effective lifestyle, especially compared to other urban centers.
Income Tax
Texas, including El Paso, does not levy a state income tax, which many find beneficial. Oklahoma does have a state income tax, with rates ranging from 0.5% to a maximum of 5%, depending on income level.
Property Tax
El Paso has higher average property tax rates, around 2.13%, compared to Oklahoma City's average of approximately 1.07%. However, the difference in rates might not entirely translate into drastically different costs due to the sometimes lower property values in El Paso.
Sales Tax
Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax, while El Paso adds an additional 2.25% – a combined total of 8.5%. Oklahoma's state sales tax is 4.5%, with Oklahoma City adding an additional 4.125%, totaling 8.625% - marginally higher than El Paso's.
Income
Type
El Paso
Oklahoma City
Estimated median household income
$51,241
$59,214
Estimated per capita income
$25,670
$31,630
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
82.2
85.4
If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will have to make $51,946 in Oklahoma City to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
El Paso is set in the desert, surrounded by mountains and bordering Mexico, offering unique outdoor activities. Oklahoma City is situated in the Great Plains region with flat landscapes, rivers, and man-made lakes, offering a varied set of recreational opportunities.
Oklahoma City and El Paso both have numerous public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities. Notably, El Paso houses the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and Oklahoma City is home to the University of Oklahoma (OU). Both cities emphasize education, but school performance may vary.
El Paso's economy is primarily driven by trade, healthcare, and education, with a growing focus on technology and manufacturing. Oklahoma City has a diverse and robust economy focused on sectors such as government, energy, aviation, and technology. Both cities offer numerous job opportunities, though Oklahoma City often ranks higher for economic potential.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in El Paso include Fort Bliss, El Paso Independent School District, and the University of Texas at El Paso. In Oklahoma City, prominent employers include the State of Oklahoma, OU Medical Center, and Chesapeake Energy.
There were 1,961 building permits issued in El Paso in 2012 (1005 less than in 2011) compared to 4,127 building permits issued in Oklahoma City in 2012 (2834 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 Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
El Paso
Oklahoma City
El Paso
Oklahoma City
El Paso
Oklahoma City
2020
66.8%
48.1%
31.6%
49.2%
1.6%
2.7%
2016
69.1%
41.2%
26.0%
51.7%
4.9%
7.1%
2012
65.5%
41.7%
33.2%
58.3%
1.3%
0.0%
2008
66.0%
41.6%
33.4%
58.4%
0.6%
0.0%
2004
56.2%
35.8%
43.3%
64.2%
0.5%
0.0%
2000
57.9%
36.6%
39.8%
62.3%
2.3%
1.1%
1996
62.3%
36.5%
32.1%
54.7%
5.6%
8.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
El Paso
Oklahoma City
El Paso
Oklahoma City
CATHOLIC CHURCH
43.2%
8.5%
11.3%
3.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
3.3%
20.7%
26.6%
20.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.6%
1.5%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.2%
0.7%
2.5%
2.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.0%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.1%
0.7%
1.0%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.1%
0.3%
0.2%
0.6%
Weather
El Paso enjoys a dry, sunny desert climate with over 300 days of sunshine each year, mild winters and very hot summers. Oklahoma City, located in the Great Plains region, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, cold winters, and a wide range of weather conditions. Tornadoes can be a factor in the spring and early summer in Oklahoma City.
Weather and climate
Type
El Paso
Oklahoma City
Temperature - Average
64.6°F
60.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
42.7%
73.1%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42.8%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59.8%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
17%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
9.4 in
35.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.7 in
17.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
31.8%
23.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
89.4%
72.1%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
13.9%
21%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
89.3%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
75.4%
58%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
12.3 mph
Average climate in El Paso, Texas
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
El Paso
Oklahoma City
El Paso
Oklahoma City
El Paso
Oklahoma City
El Paso
Oklahoma City
El Paso
Oklahoma City
El Paso
Oklahoma City
El Paso
Oklahoma City
El Paso
Oklahoma City
2018
139
85
0.17
0.29
14.0
6.6
32.0
31.9
N/A
0.002
35.7
21.3
9.2
9.6
N/A
0.0
2017
173
82
0.19
0.32
13.0
6.7
30.5
33.0
N/A
0.002
40.4
20.7
9.5
8.9
0.5
0.0
2016
148
72
0.17
0.29
12.6
6.6
30.6
31.9
N/A
0.002
35.2
19.4
9.2
8.5
0.5
0.2
2015
112
76
0.18
0.24
12.7
7.0
30.8
31.5
N/A
0.002
31.2
19.1
8.0
7.8
0.5
0.5
2014
157
84
0.13
0.15
12.8
7.1
30.0
32.4
N/A
0.002
40.3
N/A
9.7
8.7
0.4
0.1
2013
211
84
0.23
0.14
14.1
8.6
30.5
32.8
N/A
0.002
43.9
N/A
10.8
9.3
0.4
0.2
2012
229
97
0.30
0.13
15.9
9.4
31.6
34.0
N/A
0.007
40.2
N/A
11.6
7.9
0.4
0.3
2011
221
107
0.23
0.24
15.9
9.9
31.2
36.3
N/A
0.003
34.7
N/A
11.6
9.9
0.5
0.8
2010
211
81
0.25
0.30
15.3
8.8
29.4
31.7
N/A
0.002
28.8
N/A
7.9
9.8
0.3
0.7
2009
117
82
0.23
0.52
15.4
8.1
29.5
31.9
N/A
0.002
28.6
N/A
8.3
10.2
0.3
0.7
2008
210
78
0.25
0.51
15.2
9.8
30.1
31.0
0.017
N/A
34.6
N/A
9.7
N/A
0.6
1.4
2007
134
81
0.28
0.44
13.9
10.2
30.6
29.4
0.019
N/A
40.5
N/A
8.4
N/A
0.4
2.0
2006
241
95
0.37
0.43
14.3
10.1
30.6
33.7
0.018
N/A
55.0
N/A
11.1
N/A
0.3
1.2
2005
159
88
0.43
0.38
13.1
11.6
29.6
31.0
0.013
N/A
44.5
N/A
9.6
N/A
0.6
1.3
2004
183
75
0.38
0.46
13.5
10.5
29.2
28.6
0.020
N/A
47.3
N/A
8.2
N/A
0.4
0.6
2003
278
87
0.46
0.42
15.5
10.9
29.5
30.8
0.039
N/A
60.4
N/A
10.8
N/A
0.6
N/A
2002
203
91
0.43
0.35
16.4
14.3
30.5
29.0
0.034
N/A
53.3
N/A
11.0
N/A
0.4
2.0
2001
139
87
0.51
0.69
15.5
13.1
28.7
31.0
0.046
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.7
1.8
2000
145
89
0.67
0.66
17.8
13.4
27.8
29.5
0.072
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
1.0
3.0
Natural disasters
Type
El Paso
Oklahoma City
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
4.2%
353.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
524.4%
938.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
11%
43%
Transportation
El Paso features a basic public transit system with buses, while Oklahoma City's transit menu includes buses, bike share programs, and a new streetcar service. Both cities have room for improvement, but currently, Oklahoma City offers a more comprehensive public transit system.
Transport
Type
El Paso
Oklahoma City
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
331
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
6
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
El Paso
Oklahoma City
Bicycle
0.3%
0.2%
Bus
1.3%
0.3%
Carpooled
11.2%
8.6%
Car alone
83.4%
87.6%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
El Paso
Oklahoma City
Average
25.1 min
25.6 min
Other means
22.2 min
21 min
Public transportation
46.4 min
33.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
El Paso
Oklahoma City
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.5%
89.5%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
7.1%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
1.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.7%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Both cities offer affordable housing, although real estate is slightly cheaper in El Paso. Homes tend to hold their value well in Oklahoma City due to the stable economy. Rental opportunities are plentiful in both locations, with the monthly rent being somewhat lower in El Paso.
Neighborhoods
El Paso is known for safe, family-friendly neighborhoods like Kern Place and Sunset Heights, while Oklahoma City's highlights include the artsy Paseo Arts District and family-centric Nichols Hills. Both cities provide diverse living options depending on lifestyle preferences.
Houses and residents
Type
El Paso
Oklahoma City
Houses
261,779
302,241
Average household size (people)
3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1982
1978
Median year house/condo built
1985
1986
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
242,529 (92.6%)
275,285 (91.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
147,788 (60.9%)
164,470 (59.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
94,741 (39.1%)
110,815 (40.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$570.82
$1,241
Median monthly housing costs
$939
$983
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$227,007
$278,299
Estimated median house or condo value
$152,800
$190,900
Median numbers of rooms
5.4
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$187,761
$254,772
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$318,820
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$75,782
$128,784
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$266,003
$170,231
Median house price - mobile homes
$43,095
$112,256
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$9,296
$67,765
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$149,459
$245,885
Median house price - All housing units
$186,951
$249,488
Median house age
38
40
Renting percentage
39.6%
40.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,051
497.9
House value disparities
32.7%
34.7%
Household income disparities
46.6%
44.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$74,665
$87,907
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$52,954
$61,761
Housing units without a mortgage
1,889 (2.2%)
1,238 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,956 (3.4%)
4,838 (4.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
84,973 (97.8%)
100,798 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
250 (0.3%)
123 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,635 (4.2%)
5,921 (5.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2%
3.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2%
1.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
El Paso
Oklahoma City
One, detached
67.7%
67.8%
One, attached
4.4%
3.4%
Two
2.4%
2.0%
3 or 4
4.1%
5.1%
5 to 9
5.9%
6.0%
10 to 19
5.8%
5.6%
20 to 49
2.4%
2.4%
50 or more
4.8%
4.6%
Mobile homes
2.3%
3.1%
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
20,964
State government workers
12,525
17,132
Unpaid family workers
901
555
Industries and Occupations
Main industries in El Paso include international trade, military, healthcare, and education. Oklahoma City is a major hub for the oil, natural gas, and petroleum industries, as well as being an epicenter for aviation. Both cities offer opportunities for diverse career paths, with Oklahoma City having a slightly higher average wage.
Both cities offer comprehensive healthcare services. El Paso has a highly-regarded healthcare system, extensive due to its large military population. Oklahoma City is home to top medical centers and hospitals, such as the OU Medicine and Integris Health.
Health (county statistics)
Type
El Paso
Oklahoma City
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
El Paso's infrastructure, while efficient, lacks the extensive public transit options seen in larger cities. Oklahoma City, on the other hand, has well-developed roadways, a growing public transportation system with a newly developed streetcar system, bike-sharing programs, and an extensive network of trails.
Infrastructure
Type
El Paso
Oklahoma City
Hospitals
41
61
TV stations
10
20
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
89
183
Bank institutions located here
19
44
Main business address for public companies
7
15
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
4
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
El Paso
Oklahoma City
1999
1,994
2,925
2000
993
2,396
2001
704
1,824
2002
594
1,507
2003
1,268
2,014
2004
1,646
2,323
2005
2,316
3,134
2006
2,701
3,132
2007
2,051
2,036
2008
1,034
1,143
2009
454
593
Culture and Food
El Paso has a vibrant Hispanic culture, manifest in its cuisine and festivals, and has been named a top food city. Oklahoma City offers a blend of cultures, with a food scene that is varied and includes everything from Southern BBQ to Vietnamese cuisine.
Sports Teams
El Paso is known for its AAA baseball team, the El Paso Chihuahuas, and the UTEP athletics. Oklahoma City is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team and boasts various college sports teams, creating a vibrant sporting culture.
El Paso, TX
Oklahoma City, OK
El Paso, TX and 
Oklahoma City, OK : 571.0 miles
