When comparing El Paso, Texas, and Portland, Oregon, the contrast between these two U.S. cities is evident. El Paso, a border city with a strong Mexican influence, offers a slower pace of life, dominated by warm weather, and lower living costs. Portland, with its progressive charm and robust tech industry, offers an eclectic mix of urban and outdoor living opportunities. As we dig deeper, sectors such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries, and others will reveal more about what it's like to live or visit these two unique cities.
Distance between
El Paso, TX and
Portland, OR : 1,285.7 miles
El Paso's population is larger by 6%. Its population has grown by 114,753 people (20.4%) since 2000. The population of Portland has grown by 112,041 people (21.2%) during that time.
Statistically, El Paso is considered one of the safest large cities in the U.S. with crime rates lower than the national average. Portland, on the other hand, has crime rates similar to the national average. Visitors and residents alike can feel secure in El Paso. Portland, meanwhile, is dealing with some public safety issues Downtown, but overall it tends to be safe, particularly law-abiding neighborhoods.
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 374 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in El Paso is 536 to 1; the ratio in Portland is 1,710 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in El Paso than that in Portland.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in El Paso is markedly less than Portland. Everything from housing to groceries to health care is cheaper in El Paso. Conversely, Portland's cost of living is higher than the national average, making El Paso more budget-friendly, especially for those looking to relocate.
Income Tax
Texas, including El Paso, does not levy a state income tax. However, Oregon has one of the highest state income taxes, affecting Portland residents, reaching up to 9.9% for the highest earners.
Property Tax
El Paso homeowners face higher property taxes, generally higher than the national average. While Portland's property taxes can be considered high, Oregon's property taxes are similar to the national median.
Sales Tax
El Paso residents pay a combined city and state sales tax rate of 8.25%. On the other side, Portland residents benefit from Oregon's 0% sales tax, a significant financial advantage for the latter city's residents.
Income
Type
El Paso
Portland
Estimated median household income
$51,241
$79,057
Estimated per capita income
$25,670
$49,003
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
82.2
106.5
If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will have to make $64,781 in Portland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
El Paso is in the high desert, marked by mountains and a plateau that offers panoramic views. Portland is situated in the Pacific Northwest, characterized by rivers, forests, and mountains, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Both cities have reputable education systems, with public, private, and charter school options. El Paso holds the University of Texas at El Paso, while Portland is home to Portland State University and the prestigious Reed College. However, Portland often ranks higher in terms of education quality.
Both cities have robust economies but differ in their leading sectors. El Paso's economy revolves around military, government, education, and healthcare. Portland's economy is more diverse, with tech, manufacturing, and healthcare being major sectors. Unemployment rates are comparable in both cities.
Biggest Employers
In El Paso, the biggest employers include Fort Bliss and the University of Texas at El Paso. In Portland, Intel and Providence Health & Services are among the largest employers.
There were 1,961 building permits issued in El Paso in 2012 (1005 less than in 2011) compared to 474 building permits issued in Portland in 2012 (23 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 Portland (Multnomah County), 75.4% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
El Paso
Portland
El Paso
Portland
El Paso
Portland
2020
66.8%
79.2%
31.6%
17.9%
1.6%
2.9%
2016
69.1%
73.3%
26.0%
17.0%
4.9%
9.7%
2012
65.5%
75.4%
33.2%
20.6%
1.3%
4.0%
2008
66.0%
76.7%
33.4%
20.6%
0.6%
2.7%
2004
56.2%
71.6%
43.3%
27.1%
0.5%
1.3%
2000
57.9%
63.8%
39.8%
28.3%
2.3%
7.9%
1996
62.3%
59.2%
32.1%
26.3%
5.6%
14.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
El Paso
Portland
El Paso
Portland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
43.2%
15.2%
11.3%
6.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
3.3%
0.5%
26.6%
3.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.9%
1.6%
3.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.0%
2.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.1%
0.7%
1.0%
2.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.9%
1.0%
4.0%
Weather
El Paso enjoys about 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a haven for those who enjoy warm, dry weather. However, it can get extremely hot in the summer. Contrarily, Portland experiences four distinct seasons with warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Given the Pacific Northwest location, Portland has a significant amount of rainfall compared to El Paso.
Weather and climate
Type
El Paso
Portland
Temperature - Average
64.6°F
53.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
42.7%
76.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42.8%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59.8%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
17%
44%
Precipitation - Yearly average
9.4 in
41.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.7 in
12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
31.8%
11.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
89.4%
54.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
13.9%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
89.3%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
75.4%
20%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in El Paso, Texas
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
El Paso
Portland
El Paso
Portland
El Paso
Portland
El Paso
Portland
El Paso
Portland
El Paso
El Paso
Portland
El Paso
Portland
2018
139
79
0.17
0.26
14.0
8.8
32.0
21.4
N/A
N/A
35.7
N/A
9.2
7.2
N/A
0.4
2017
173
93
0.19
0.26
13.0
8.7
30.5
22.6
N/A
N/A
40.4
N/A
9.5
7.1
0.5
0.4
2016
148
72
0.17
0.25
12.6
8.7
30.6
20.8
N/A
N/A
35.2
N/A
9.2
5.2
0.5
0.2
2015
112
91
0.18
0.28
12.7
9.2
30.8
20.1
N/A
N/A
31.2
N/A
8.0
7.4
0.5
0.5
2014
157
91
0.13
0.24
12.8
8.5
30.0
21.0
N/A
N/A
40.3
N/A
9.7
6.3
0.4
0.8
2013
211
85
0.23
0.29
14.1
9.6
30.5
17.9
N/A
N/A
43.9
N/A
10.8
8.6
0.4
1.1
2012
229
78
0.30
0.30
15.9
9.1
31.6
21.0
N/A
N/A
40.2
N/A
11.6
7.4
0.4
0.6
2011
221
89
0.23
0.34
15.9
9.4
31.2
18.5
N/A
N/A
34.7
N/A
11.6
8.1
0.5
0.8
2010
211
80
0.25
0.33
15.3
9.1
29.4
19.4
N/A
N/A
28.8
N/A
7.9
6.4
0.3
1.4
2009
117
95
0.23
0.32
15.4
10.2
29.5
20.0
N/A
N/A
28.6
N/A
8.3
8.4
0.3
1.6
2008
210
101
0.25
0.34
15.2
10.9
30.1
19.2
0.017
N/A
34.6
N/A
9.7
8.8
0.6
1.0
2007
134
101
0.28
0.35
13.9
11.4
30.6
18.1
0.019
N/A
40.5
N/A
8.4
8.8
0.4
1.3
2006
241
106
0.37
N/A
14.3
N/A
30.6
N/A
0.018
N/A
55.0
N/A
11.1
7.8
0.3
1.5
2005
159
96
0.43
N/A
13.1
N/A
29.6
N/A
0.013
N/A
44.5
N/A
9.6
8.9
0.6
1.7
2004
183
92
0.38
N/A
13.5
N/A
29.2
N/A
0.020
N/A
47.3
N/A
8.2
9.8
0.4
N/A
2003
278
77
0.46
N/A
15.5
N/A
29.5
N/A
0.039
0.008
60.4
N/A
10.8
8.6
0.6
N/A
2002
203
68
0.43
N/A
16.4
N/A
30.5
N/A
0.034
0.010
53.3
N/A
11.0
8.4
0.4
N/A
2001
139
73
0.51
N/A
15.5
N/A
28.7
N/A
0.046
0.008
N/A
N/A
9.8
8.9
0.7
N/A
2000
145
52
0.67
N/A
17.8
N/A
27.8
N/A
0.072
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
1.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
El Paso
Portland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
4.2%
8.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
524.4%
1,575.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
11%
9%
Transportation
El Paso relies heavily on car commuting, although the city does have a public bus system. Conversely, Portland is known for its extensive public transit system that includes buses, light rail, and streetcars. Portland is also bike-friendly, with many residents cycling to work.
Transport
Type
El Paso
Portland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
331
804
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
6
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
El Paso
Portland
Bicycle
0.3%
3.1%
Bus
1.3%
4.6%
Carpooled
11.2%
9.4%
Car alone
83.4%
76.2%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.9%
Streetcar
0%
0.3%
Walked
1.6%
3.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
El Paso
Portland
Average
25.1 min
28.8 min
Other means
22.2 min
21.8 min
Public transportation
46.4 min
38.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
El Paso
Portland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.5%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.7%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is more affordable in El Paso, with the median home value substantially lower than Portland. Portland's real estate market is fairly expensive, attributed to the city's increasing popularity and consequent demand.
Neighborhoods
El Paso offers a mix of suburban and rural neighborhoods. Downtown El Paso has seen significant revitalization recently. On the other hand, Portland is known for its diverse, vibrant neighborhoods, each with a unique identity and community feel.
Houses and residents
Type
El Paso
Portland
Houses
261,779
303,483
Average household size (people)
3
2.3
Median year apartment built
1982
1976
Median year house/condo built
1985
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
242,529 (92.6%)
286,734 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
147,788 (60.9%)
153,121 (53.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
94,741 (39.1%)
133,613 (46.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$570.82
$1,917
Median monthly housing costs
$939
$1,535
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$227,007
$248,225
Estimated median house or condo value
$152,800
$520,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.4
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$187,761
$568,464
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$576,814
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$75,782
$426,181
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$266,003
$466,898
Median house price - mobile homes
$43,095
$136,996
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$9,296
$126,313
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$149,459
$416,951
Median house price - All housing units
$186,951
$544,799
Median house age
38
56
Renting percentage
39.6%
46.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,051
2,259.4
House value disparities
32.7%
23.1%
Household income disparities
46.6%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$74,665
$122,948
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$52,954
$72,663
Housing units without a mortgage
1,889 (2.2%)
2,404 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,956 (3.4%)
11,239 (10.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
84,973 (97.8%)
108,864 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
250 (0.3%)
396 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,635 (4.2%)
12,832 (11.5%)
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%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
El Paso
Portland
One, detached
67.7%
53.3%
One, attached
4.4%
5.7%
Two
2.4%
3.5%
3 or 4
4.1%
4.5%
5 to 9
5.9%
4.0%
10 to 19
5.8%
4.7%
20 to 49
2.4%
6.6%
50 or more
4.8%
16.2%
Mobile homes
2.3%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
19,650
25,437
State government workers
12,525
15,615
Unpaid family workers
901
688
Industries and Occupations
The leading industries in El Paso are education, healthcare, and the government, including the military. In Portland, the tech industry is significant, with numerous startups and established companies.
Both cities provide access to high-quality healthcare. El Paso's major providers are the University Medical Center and Las Palmas Medical Center. Portland boasts the highly-rated Oregon Health & Science University, alongside other major healthcare providers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
El Paso
Portland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
El Paso's infrastructure is standard for a midsize city, with regular upgrades and maintenance. Portland, as a more significant urban area, has more developed infrastructure with comprehensive bike lanes and green building initiatives.
Infrastructure
Type
El Paso
Portland
Hospitals
41
21
TV stations
10
18
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
89
208
Bank institutions located here
19
30
Main business address for public companies
7
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
El Paso
Portland
1999
1,994
1,922
2000
993
1,651
2001
704
1,193
2002
594
1,235
2003
1,268
1,844
2004
1,646
2,651
2005
2,316
3,396
2006
2,701
3,510
2007
2,051
3,008
2008
1,034
1,465
2009
454
712
Culture and Food
El Paso is rich in Mexican culture and cuisine, with countless authentic restaurants and cultural events. Portland, renowned for its food scene, offers an eclectic mix of cuisines with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Both cities enjoy thriving music and arts scenes.
Sports Teams
El Paso boasts minor league baseball, soccer teams, and college sports. Portland has major league basketball with the Trail Blazers, soccer with the Timbers and Thorns, and a strong collegiate sports presence.
El Paso, TX
Portland, OR
El Paso, TX and 
Portland, OR : 1,285.7 miles
