El Paso, Texas, and Oakland, California, offer contrasting yet enriching experiences, each furnished with unique cultures, economies, and geographies. El Paso boasts a low cost of living paired with a high feeling of safety, whereas Oakland offers a vibrant and diverse culture, albeit at a higher cost. This comprehensive comparison will help individuals considering moving or visiting either city make a well-informed decision that best aligns with their lifestyle and preferences.
Distance between
El Paso, TX and
Oakland, CA : 986.3 miles
El Paso's population is larger by 56%. Its population has grown by 114,753 people (20.4%) since 2000. The population of Oakland has grown by 34,339 people (8.6%) during that time.
El Paso is known as one of the safest large cities in the US, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. Conversely, Oakland experiences higher crime rates, particularly in relation to violent and property crime. However, Oakland police have implemented numerous initiatives aimed at reducing crime, and there are neighborhoods with lower crime rates.
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 1,253 registered sex offenders living in El Paso and 967 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in El Paso is 545 to 1; the ratio in Oakland is 434 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in El Paso than in Oakland.
Cost of Living
Living in El Paso is generally cheaper than in Oakland. This difference is primarily due to Oakland's proximity to San Francisco, resulting in high housing costs. In El Paso, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation are also significantly less expensive, making El Paso an attractive destination for those budget-conscious.
Income Tax
Texas, and thus El Paso, doesn't charge state income tax. Conversely, California has the highest state income tax in the nation, so Oakland residents will need to account for this expense.
Property Tax
In El Paso, homeowners can expect a property tax rate of around 2.11%, which is above the national average. In contrast, Oakland property taxes are typically lower at around 1.22%.
Sales Tax
Texas has no state income tax, and El Paso has a combined state and local sales tax rate of 8.25%. California has a higher state tax rate, and Oakland's combined sales tax is 9.25%.
Income
Type
El Paso
Oakland
Estimated median household income
$51,241
$82,236
Estimated per capita income
$25,670
$49,966
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
82.2
126.7
If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will have to make $77,068 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
El Paso is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, featuring beautiful desert landscapes and mountains like the Franklin Mountains. Oakland is situated in a significant earthquake zone but also features beautiful hills, the San Francisco Bay, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
El Paso has a robust focus on education, with well-funded public schools and a number of universities, such as the University of Texas at El Paso. Meanwhile, Oakland also offers a multitude of educational opportunities, with thriving public and private schools and renowned universities nearby, like the University of California, Berkeley.
El Paso's economy is primarily driven by the military, healthcare, and education sectors. Job growth is healthy, and unemployment rates are below the national average. Oakland has a diverse economy with a strong presence in healthcare, tech, and trade, with higher average salaries but also higher living costs.
Biggest Employers
Fort Bliss, one of the major U.S. Army posts, and the University of Texas at El Paso are top employers in El Paso. In contrast, top employers in Oakland are Kaiser Permanente, the City of Oakland, and tech companies like Pandora and Ask.com.
There were 1,961 building permits issued in El Paso in 2012 (1005 less than in 2011) compared to 114 building permits issued in Oakland in 2012 (73 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 Oakland (Alameda County), 78.9% voted for Democrats and 18.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
El Paso
Oakland
El Paso
Oakland
El Paso
Oakland
2020
66.8%
79.8%
31.6%
17.6%
1.6%
2.6%
2016
69.1%
78.2%
26.0%
14.6%
4.9%
7.2%
2012
65.5%
78.9%
33.2%
18.2%
1.3%
3.0%
2008
66.0%
78.8%
33.4%
19.3%
0.6%
2.0%
2004
56.2%
75.5%
43.3%
23.4%
0.5%
1.1%
2000
57.9%
69.6%
39.8%
24.2%
2.3%
6.2%
1996
62.3%
65.8%
32.1%
23.1%
5.6%
11.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
El Paso
Oakland
El Paso
Oakland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
43.2%
15.3%
11.3%
4.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
3.3%
1.5%
26.6%
10.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.1%
0.3%
1.0%
1.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.3%
1.0%
2.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.1%
2.0%
0.2%
2.5%
Weather
El Paso's climate is warm and arid, with hot summers and mild winters. It's an ideal city for people who love consistent sunshine with over 300 days a year. Oakland, on the other hand, has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It never gets too hot, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts all year round.
Weather and climate
Type
El Paso
Oakland
Temperature - Average
64.6°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
42.7%
84.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42.8%
29%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59.8%
90.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
17%
61.9%
Precipitation - Yearly average
9.4 in
23.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.7 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
31.8%
26.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
89.4%
73%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
13.9%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
89.3%
77%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
75.4%
55%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
11.4 mph
Average climate in El Paso, Texas
Average climate in Oakland, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
El Paso
Oakland
El Paso
Oakland
El Paso
Oakland
El Paso
Oakland
El Paso
Oakland
El Paso
El Paso
Oakland
El Paso
Oakland
2018
139
105
0.17
0.46
14.0
13.0
32.0
20.9
N/A
0.012
35.7
N/A
9.2
13.7
N/A
0.4
2017
173
100
0.19
0.48
13.0
13.5
30.5
21.2
N/A
0.008
40.4
N/A
9.5
11.3
0.5
0.5
2016
148
80
0.17
0.41
12.6
12.9
30.6
20.3
N/A
0.005
35.2
N/A
9.2
7.9
0.5
0.9
2015
112
93
0.18
0.43
12.7
14.5
30.8
20.6
N/A
0.004
31.2
N/A
8.0
9.5
0.5
0.8
2014
157
90
0.13
0.42
12.8
14.7
30.0
20.6
N/A
0.005
40.3
N/A
9.7
9.1
0.4
0.5
2013
211
89
0.23
0.39
14.1
15.2
30.5
18.0
N/A
0.004
43.9
N/A
10.8
11.6
0.4
0.5
2012
229
87
0.30
0.38
15.9
13.7
31.6
18.7
N/A
0.003
40.2
N/A
11.6
8.5
0.4
0.7
2011
221
94
0.23
0.32
15.9
14.4
31.2
18.5
N/A
0.003
34.7
N/A
11.6
10.1
0.5
1.1
2010
211
90
0.25
0.21
15.3
14.4
29.4
19.4
N/A
0.013
28.8
N/A
7.9
8.4
0.3
1.0
2009
117
99
0.23
0.22
15.4
15.2
29.5
19.0
N/A
0.006
28.6
N/A
8.3
11.3
0.3
1.3
2008
210
110
0.25
0.29
15.2
15.1
30.1
20.1
0.017
0.006
34.6
N/A
9.7
12.4
0.6
1.0
2007
134
100
0.28
0.41
13.9
13.4
30.6
21.3
0.019
0.006
40.5
N/A
8.4
9.5
0.4
1.1
2006
241
106
0.37
0.47
14.3
13.8
30.6
22.6
0.018
N/A
55.0
N/A
11.1
9.4
0.3
1.3
2005
159
97
0.43
0.56
13.1
13.3
29.6
15.3
0.013
N/A
44.5
N/A
9.6
9.6
0.6
1.4
2004
183
107
0.38
0.51
13.5
14.3
29.2
15.3
0.020
0.004
47.3
N/A
8.2
11.3
0.4
1.8
2003
278
82
0.46
0.63
15.5
16.1
29.5
15.8
0.039
N/A
60.4
N/A
10.8
N/A
0.6
1.7
2002
203
81
0.43
0.69
16.4
18.8
30.5
16.7
0.034
0.008
53.3
N/A
11.0
N/A
0.4
1.6
2001
139
87
0.51
0.70
15.5
17.2
28.7
12.7
0.046
0.008
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.7
1.5
2000
145
78
0.67
0.84
17.8
17.1
27.8
11.8
0.072
0.012
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
1.0
1.8
Natural disasters
Type
El Paso
Oakland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
4.2%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
524.4%
7,647.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
11%
20%
Transportation
El Paso features an extensive highway system and public transit like Sun Metro busses, but commuting often requires a car. Oakland has more transportation options like BART, AC Transit, bike sharings, and it's more walkable, making it easy to navigate without a car.
Transport
Type
El Paso
Oakland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
331
154
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
6
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
El Paso
Oakland
Bicycle
0.3%
1%
Bus
1.3%
3.2%
Carpooled
11.2%
12.6%
Car alone
83.4%
72.2%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.4%
Streetcar
0%
2.3%
Subway
0%
0.5%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
5.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
El Paso
Oakland
Average
25.1 min
33.6 min
Other means
22.2 min
29 min
Public transportation
46.4 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
El Paso
Oakland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.5%
88.1%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
2%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.7%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Housing is significantly cheaper in El Paso as compared to Oakland, where high demand and proximity to San Francisco significantly increase real estate prices. However, investment in Oakland's real estate can provide higher appreciation due to the city's strategic location.
Neighborhoods
El Paso boasts family-friendly neighborhoods like Kern Place and Mission Hills. Oakland has trendy districts like Rockridge and Lakeshore, featuring an assortment of boutiques and eateries that reflect the city's cultural diversity.
Houses and residents
Type
El Paso
Oakland
Houses
261,779
186,660
Average household size (people)
3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1982
1958
Median year house/condo built
1985
1943
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
15.4 years
Houses occupied
242,529 (92.6%)
170,366 (91.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
147,788 (60.9%)
72,661 (42.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
94,741 (39.1%)
97,705 (57.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$570.82
$3,127
Median monthly housing costs
$939
$1,921
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$227,007
$923,387
Estimated median house or condo value
$152,800
$848,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.4
4.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$187,761
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$781,885
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$75,782
$716,428
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$266,003
$709,698
Median house price - mobile homes
$43,095
$365,144
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$9,296
$485,645
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$149,459
$834,685
Median house price - All housing units
$186,951
$991,120
Median house age
38
69
Renting percentage
39.6%
58.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,051
3,329.9
House value disparities
32.7%
22.3%
Household income disparities
46.6%
45.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$74,665
$153,718
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$52,954
$81,904
Housing units without a mortgage
1,889 (2.2%)
1,176 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,956 (3.4%)
4,996 (9.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
84,973 (97.8%)
51,720 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
250 (0.3%)
139 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,635 (4.2%)
6,096 (11.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2%
2.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2%
1.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
El Paso
Oakland
One, detached
67.7%
42.3%
One, attached
4.4%
4.9%
Two
2.4%
6.2%
3 or 4
4.1%
11.1%
5 to 9
5.9%
6.6%
10 to 19
5.8%
6.9%
20 to 49
2.4%
9.9%
50 or more
4.8%
11.7%
Mobile homes
2.3%
0.3%
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
20,615
State government workers
12,525
9,112
Unpaid family workers
901
529
Industries and Occupations
El Paso's main industries are healthcare, education, and the military, while in Oakland, healthcare, technology, and trade dominate. Both cities have thriving entrepreneurship scenes, though Oakland has a stronger presence of tech startups.
Both cities have excellent healthcare systems. El Paso homes the significant medical center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso while Oakland houses renowned healthcare institutions including Kaiser Permanente Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
El Paso
Oakland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have well-developed infrastructure. El Paso features a comprehensive network of highways, making it easy to travel within or outside the city. In contrast, Oakland's infrastructure benefits from its location in the Bay Area, including a robust public transportation system and many biking paths.
Infrastructure
Type
El Paso
Oakland
Hospitals
41
9
TV stations
10
28
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
89
76
Bank institutions located here
19
29
Main business address for public companies
7
10
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
10
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
El Paso
Oakland
1999
1,994
1,291
2000
993
1,721
2001
704
1,244
2002
594
1,370
2003
1,268
2,021
2004
1,646
3,261
2005
2,316
3,850
2006
2,701
4,422
2007
2,051
2,645
2008
1,034
1,041
2009
454
700
Culture and Food
Both cities offer rich cultural and culinary experiences. El Paso is known for its Mexican influence, resulting in fantastic authentic Mexican cuisine. Oakland's culture is incredibly diverse, offering a blend of cuisines from all over the world and a lively arts scene.
Sports Teams
El Paso residents can cheer on the El Paso Chihuahuas (minor league baseball) and UTEP college sports. In Oakland, sports fans can support their local teams, the Oakland Athletics (MLB) and Golden State Warriors (NBA), bringing a more high-profile sports culture.
El Paso, TX
Oakland, CA
