Cheapest Places To Live in Texas | PropertyClub (2024)

An affordable alternative to the expensive western coast, Texas has recently become a popular destination for families and business professionals. In addition to its vast history and impressive scenery, Texas has one of the lowest costs of living in the country. This article outlining the cheapest cities to live in Texas in 2023 will help guide your search for the most affordable places to live in the Lonestar state.

hash-mark13 Cheapest Places To Live in Texas

  1. Breckenridge
  2. Beaumont
  3. Wichita Falls
  4. Harlingen
  5. Texarkana
  6. Abilene
  7. Amarillo
  8. Odessa
  9. El Paso
  10. Lubbock
  11. Corpus Christi
  12. Pasadena
  13. Waco

hash-mark1. Breckenridge

The cheapest place to live in Texas is Breckenridge. Located in north-central Texas, this city is historically known for being “The Fastest Growing and Busiest Oil City in the United States”. Today, Breckenridge has a population of roughly 6,000 people, and the local economy is primarily sustained by the oil, gas, and ranching industries. Home prices in this area average at around $127k, making it an affordable option for first-time homebuyers who prefer a quiet lifestyle.

hash-mark2. Beaumont

The second cheapest city in Texas is Beaumont. This small town is located on the southeastern coast of Texas and is only a short 45-minute drive from the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for popular attractions such as the Clifton Steamboat Museum, the McFaddin-Ward House Historic Museum, and the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum. With some of the lowest average home prices and rental rates in the state, Beaumont is a great place to find affordable living.

hash-mark3. Wichita Falls

Located in north-central Texas, Wichita Falls is a cheap destination for nature lovers. A calming respite from the chaos of big-city life, this area provides its residents with an abundance of green spaces for a calming breath of fresh air. Additionally, those who move to Wichita Falls can take advantage of the city’s low-cost housing market, healthy economy, and sparse unemployment rates. Overall, Wichita Falls is a great place for anyone who wants great business opportunities without the headache of the inner city.

hash-mark4. Harlingen

A suburb of Brownsville, Harlingen is one of the cheapest places to live in Texas for families. Lovingly dubbed the “Tropical Playground of Texas”, this city is known for its great school systems and abundance of outdoor adventures. Local recreation includes the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge, Lon C. Hills Park, and the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. Residents can enjoy a bustling job market with plenty of employment opportunities thanks to a wealth of local employers like the UTRGV School of Medicine, United Healthcare, and Penske Logistics. Low average home prices and rental rates make Harlingen a great option for money-conscious families.

hash-mark5. Texarkana

Not only is Texarkana cheap, but it is also a great area for students. Known for its exemplary courthouse and post office buildings, this city sits on the border between Texas and Arkansas and has a twin city across the state line. It is home to two community colleges, a four-year public college, and a state medical school. With a low cost of living and low crime rates, Texarkana is a great place for Texas scholars.

hash-mark6. Abilene

Often named one of the top cities to live in the United States, Abilene has the affordability of a small town with the amenities of a big city. This city is home to roughly 125k residents, the majority of whom are business professionals. The area is popular amongst healthcare professionals, financiers, and military personnel, who are drawn to major local employers such as Hendrick Health System, First Financial Bankshares, and the Dyess Air Force Base. Boasting a wide variety of home architectures and rental options, Abilene is a great option for homebuyers in search of great business opportunities and low costs of living.

hash-mark7. Amarillo

Everything, from home prices to local cost of living, is cheaper in Amarillo. The star of the Texas panhandle, this sweet southern city is well known for its business opportunities, education systems, and wide range of outdoor activities. In addition to industries such as agriculture, medicine, and energy, Amarillo also has a strong artistic community, which includes attractions such as Cadillac Ranch and the Amarillo Museum of Arts. And, with plenty of local sporting events to go around, Amarillo is sure to have something for everyone.

hash-mark8. Odessa

A town harboring a classic cowboy attitude, Odessa is another one of the cheapest places to live in Texas. Boasting a population of roughly 112k people, Odessa’s metropolitan atmosphere attracts a younger resident base, keeping the local community upbeat and enthusiastic. Thanks to major employers in the area, such as Halliburton, Anthem Oil, and Chevron, Odessa possesses a thriving local economy. However, the city’s spirit is still rooted in rodeo, keeping it an epicenter for livestock shows, equestrian competitions, and plenty of live country music.

hash-mark9. El Paso

In addition to being the 22nd largest city in the United States, El Paso is also one of the cheapest cities to live in Texas. Located on the state’s southwestern border, this city boasts average rents and home prices well below both state and national averages. El Paso also possesses a robust job market, making it the perfect place to find affordable living and employment opportunities. With some of the best cuisine, culture, and outdoor activity in the state, El Paso is a well-rounded city for residents of all ages and walks of life.

hash-mark10. Lubbock

Lubbock is both cheap and growing. With its unique combination of exciting nightlife, beautiful outdoor scenery, and robust employment opportunities, residents of this city can have it all. For those who prefer an upbeat urban feel, Lubbock has a great selection of pet-friendly restaurants, bars, and cafes. And, for those who like classic country living, there are many parks, rivers, and walking trails. A well-rounded city, Lubbock is ultimately an affordable place to find a little bit of everything.

hash-mark11. Corpus Christi

A coastal town located a few miles from the Mexican border, Corpus Christi is the cheapest city in Texas for waterfront living. Home to hundreds of thousands of residents, this major city offers a variety of dining options, from international cuisine to choice steakhouses. Though its size and diversity make it a bustling epicenter for business, education, and nightlife, Corpus Christi is still one of the cheapest places to live in terms of home prices and rental rates. The local community is active and health-conscious, making it the perfect area to stay fit and enjoy the Texas heat.

hash-mark12. Pasadena

Located just outside of Houston, Pasadena is one of the cheapest areas in Texas for commuters. This city has often been praised for its strong affordability, from cost-efficient housing to low living expenses. Its proximity to downtown Houston makes it ideal for those who prefer a variety of metropolitan amenities, such as restaurants, museums, and sporting venues. But what really sets Pasadena apart is its beautiful assortment of over 47 different parks and 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. This collection of lush greenery provides residents with some of the best outdoor recreation in the state, making Pasadena another excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

hash-mark13. Waco

With living expenses roughly 10% lower than the national average, Waco is one of the cheapest places to live in Texas. This bustling city is a highly populated tourist center and hosts roughly 2 million visitors annually. Its low cost of living, reasonable home prices, and economic opportunity make Waco attractive to homebuyers all over the country. And, of course, residents are welcome to enjoy the city’s main attraction: Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Market.

hash-markCheapest Cities to Live in Texas Comparison

Rank

City Name

Median Home Price

Avg Rent

(1 bedroom)

1

Breckenridge

$126,829

$655

2

Beaumont

$152,643

$755

3

Wichita Falls

$152,973

$775

4

Harlingen

$176,155

$695

5

Texarkana

$186,615

$690

6

Abilene

$190,144

$725

7

Amarillo

$195,844

$785

8

Odessa

$199,831

$862

9

El Paso

$205,489

$870

10

Lubbock

$209,980

$880

11

Corpus Christi

$218,305

$1000

12

Pasadena

$225,899

$989

13

Waco

$225,963

$1000

Cheapest Places To Live in Texas | PropertyClub (2024)

FAQs

Cheapest Places To Live in Texas | PropertyClub? ›

Based on our research, Wichita Falls, TX is the cheapest major city to buy a house. If you're looking to purchase a home, you might want to consider this Texas city. Wichita Falls also had the cheapest cost of transportation out of all the more populated cities on the list.

What is the cheapest safest place to live in Texas? ›

Here are the seven best places to live in Texas for an affordable price!
  • Brownsville.
  • El Paso.
  • Galveston.
  • Harlingen.
  • Lewisville.
  • McAllen.
  • Temple.
Dec 16, 2022

Which city has cheap houses in Texas? ›

Based on our research, Wichita Falls, TX is the cheapest major city to buy a house. If you're looking to purchase a home, you might want to consider this Texas city. Wichita Falls also had the cheapest cost of transportation out of all the more populated cities on the list.

Does Texas have cheap housing? ›

Lower Taxes

One reason contributing to a lower cost of living and affordable housing is that Texas has no state income tax. Texas is one of seven states in the U.S. to not have an income tax.

Is it cheap to live in TX? ›

Texas is actually one of the more affordable states in the country. Compared to national averages, living expenses here tend to be cheaper — though how much cheaper varies based on where you choose to live in the state.

What is the #1 safest city in Texas? ›

Chapters
CityPopulationUpHomes Safety Rank
Prosper28,8251
Flower Mound75,0502
Leander57,6963
Wylie55,4264
11 more rows
May 23, 2023

What town in Texas has the lowest crime rate? ›

1. Trophy Club. The safest city in Texas is Trophy Club, which has a crime rate that is 87% below the state average. Though this small town was originally developed as a rural getaway for Dallas residents, Trophy Club has become well-known for its livability over recent years.

Where is the most affordable place to live in Texas? ›

Cedar Park. According to the study, Cedar Park was considered the most affordable place to live in the south, and in the United States as a whole, ranking at No. 1. “It has excellent wages, with a median income 22.2% higher than the U.S. median income.

What city has the cheapest cost of living? ›

Fort Wayne, Indiana, was named the city with the lowest cost of living for 2022.

What is the affordable communities of Texas? ›

The Affordable Communities of Texas (ACT) program is a statewide land banking and land trust initiative which assists local nonprofit and governmental entities with the acquisition and redevelopment of distressed properties. To date, TSAHC has developed partnerships with more than 25 housing based organizations.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Texas? ›

With that in mind, a good salary in Texas is between $55K and $73K. To live comfortably anywhere, it helps to track your spending and saving with SoFi Insights. The free budget app also provides credit score monitoring.

Is Texas worth moving to? ›

Warm and tax-friendly, living in Texas is a great idea. With many diverse cities and endless job opportunities, Texas is a popular destination for young professionals, families, and retirees. Compared to living in Florida, Texas is slightly cheaper and just as warm as the sunshine state.

How much money do I need to move to Texas? ›

What salary do you need to live in Texas? A single person needs a salary of at least $30,780 to cover all of their bills in Texas. If you have a working spouse to split living expenses with, you'll only need to earn $23,155 per year. Families with kids need a slightly higher income to get by.

Where is the cheapest state to live? ›

Take a look at the 10 cheapest states to live in for 2022.
  1. Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. ...
  2. Kansas. ...
  3. Alabama. ...
  4. Oklahoma. ...
  5. Georgia. ...
  6. Tennessee. ...
  7. Missouri. ...
  8. Iowa.
Mar 31, 2023

Is it cheaper to live in Texas or Florida? ›

Florida has a higher cost of living index than Texas across most categories. This is consistent with the fact that Floridians need a higher living wage to survive. Not only is Texas 8% cheaper than Florida overall, but housing, utilities and groceries all cost significantly less in the Lone Star State.

What is the best city to live in Texas? ›

  1. Round Rock. Around 15 miles north of Austin, Round Rock isn't just the best place to live in Texas — based on our scoring model, this is the best place to live in the entire country. ...
  2. Arlington. ...
  3. Midland. ...
  4. Houston. ...
  5. San Antonio. ...
  6. 2023 Cost of Living in Austin, Texas.
May 24, 2023

What city in Texas has the most crime? ›

Odessa. Odessa makes it to the top of the list as 'the most dangerous city in Texas,' with a significantly higher crime rate than the national average. Known for its oil production and cowboy culture (yeehaw,) Odessa also struggles with widespread poverty, which often leads to criminal activity.

What is the most unhealthy city in Texas? ›

WalletHub, a personal finance website, released its study on 2023's Most Overweight and Obese Cities in the U.S. McAllen was ranked as the fattest city in the US in the study. Researchers looked at 19 key metrics in 100 of the nation's most populous metro areas, from physical activity to obesity to healthy eating.

What is the safest state in USA? ›

Story at a glance
State/rankViolent crime rateProperty crime rate
1. Maine109 per 100K residents1,156 per 100K residents
2. New Hampshire146 per 100K residents1,099 per 100K residents
3. New Jersey195 per 100K residents1,158 per 100K residents
4. Vermont173 per 100K residents1,217 per 100K residents
6 more rows
May 7, 2023

Which state is safer Texas or California? ›

The Centers for Disease Control says that the firearm death rate in California in 2020, the latest data available, was 8.5 per 100,000 people. In Texas the rate was 14.2. WalletHub ranked California last year the nation's 27th safest state. Texas is 47th.

Is McAllen TX a safe place to live? ›

McAllen is the third ranking safest city in the country for 2023 according to SmartAsset.com's Top 10 Safest Cities list. The financial website analyzed a core set of common safety factors to identify and rank the safest cities in America, looking at data from 200 of the largest cities.

Is Dallas or Houston safer? ›

Property crime is at 43 in Houston and 36.5 in Dallas, compared to the 35 national average. So, we can conclude that both cities are a bit less safe than others in the US due to the higher property crime rates. That said, Dallas is still slightly safer than Houston.

Where is the healthiest place to live in Texas? ›

According to their list, one of the healthiest cities in Texas is Austin, which ranked #14. Among the unhealthiest cities, Brownsville comes in at #182. Houston was 94, San Antonio 99, Laredo 174, and Corpus Christi 173.

Where is the cheapest and safest place to retire in Texas? ›

El Paso. El Paso is often ranked as the cheapest place to retire in Texas, but it also gets high marks for the overall happiness rating of its residence. You'll get access to high-quality healthcare, recreation, and cultural attractions.

Where is the cheapest land in Texas? ›

'Cheapest' places to buy land in US (five acres)

Among the least expensive areas to buy five acres of land, Hudspeth County, Texas tops the report category with the lowest price for five acres of land listed at $1,200.

Where is the cheapest nicest place to live? ›

Best Places to Live in the U.S.: 10 Most Affordable Cities
  • Wichita Falls, Texas.
  • South Bend, Indiana.
  • Toledo.
  • Erie, Pennsylvania.
  • Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  • Evansville, Indiana.
  • Akron, Ohio.
  • Buffalo.
Mar 20, 2023

How to live cheaply? ›

Here are 15 frugal tips to look like you're living large without overspending.
  1. Eliminate monthly subscriptions.
  2. Shop for new insurance.
  3. Reduce prescription costs.
  4. Buy used items.
  5. Rent, don't own.
  6. Purchase at the right time.
  7. Buy high-quality products.
  8. Enlist your friends.

Which city is the cheapest city? ›

Economist Intelligence Unit
  • Damascus, Syria.
  • Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
  • Almaty, Kazakhstan.
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • Karachi Orangi Town, Pakistan.
  • Caracas, Venezuela.
  • Lusaka, Zambia.
  • Chennai, India.

Is Texas the cheapest state to live in? ›

Is Texas expensive to live in? No, Texas is veyr affordable relative to other states in the U.S. In fact, the average cost of living there is 8% lower than the national average, according to a Cost of Living Index.

What is the average cost of living in Texas for a single person? ›

Average Cost of Living in Texas: $45,114 per year

So how much does it cost to live in Texas? According to 2021 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis the average total personal consumption cost in Texas is $45,114 per year. Here's how that breaks down. That's $3,760 a month, per person, on average.

Why is it so cheap to live in Texas? ›

There are plenty of building supplies available for new homes. The cost of living is affordable, the state has low tax rates, and it has a strong economy. These reasons and more make Texas a cheap state and a great place to live. What is this?

What is a good hourly wage in Texas? ›

$13.11 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. $26.43 is the 75th percentile.

What is considered middle class in Texas? ›

The nation's median household income was $70,784 in 2021, according to census data. In Texas, you need to make between $44,865 and $133,926 to fall into middle class.

Is 18 an hour good in Texas? ›

Texas ranks number 46 out of 50 states nationwide for $18 An Hour job salaries.

What jobs are in high demand in Texas? ›

The ten most in-demand jobs in Texas
JobGrowth outlook 2020-20302020 median annual salary
Nurse practitioners31.9%$116,700
Dentists31.7%$184,410
Software developers31.4%$109,570
Coaches and scouts30.8%$53,740
6 more rows
Mar 24, 2023

Where are people moving to in Texas? ›

AUSTIN (KXAN) — More people are moving to Dallas, Houston and San Antonio than Austin, according to a new moving company report. PODS Moving & Storage analyzed data from nearly half a million customers who relocated between January 2021 and March 2022.

What are 3 good reasons to move to Texas? ›

Top Ten Reasons to Move to Texas
  • Affordable Living. One of the most practical reasons to move to Texas is that Texas homes are comparatively affordable. ...
  • No State Income Tax. ...
  • Endless Job Opportunities. ...
  • Top-Notch Higher Education. ...
  • Weather. ...
  • The Texas Hill Country. ...
  • Southern Hospitality. ...
  • The Culture.

What is the cheapest city to move to in Texas? ›

  • Breckenridge. The cheapest place to live in Texas is Breckenridge. ...
  • Beaumont. The second cheapest city in Texas is Beaumont. ...
  • Wichita Falls. Located in north-central Texas, Wichita Falls is a cheap destination for nature lovers. ...
  • Harlingen. ...
  • Texarkana. ...
  • Abilene. ...
  • Amarillo. ...
  • Odessa.
Jan 10, 2023

Is it cheaper to live in California or Texas? ›

Cost of Living in California vs. Texas. In Texas, you can get a lot more bang for your buck. A MyMove study evaluating the cost of living in the United States in 2022 shows that California has a cost index of 151.7, while Texas has a cost index of only 91.5.

Does moving to Texas save money? ›

Cost of Living in Texas Can Be Affordable

Why move to Texas? Potentially saving money on taxes is only the start. The cost of living may be significantly lower than other areas of the country. You could pay less for housing, food, healthcare, services and energy.

What is the cheapest state to live in by yourself? ›

Albuquerque, New Mexico, ranks as the most affordable city in the country for single renters. Studio apartments in Albuquerque go for a median price of $700, and the average single person would only need to spend 15.33% of their income to afford one.

What is the cheapest state worth? ›

As of August 2022, Mississippi is the least expensive state to live in, according to worldpopulationreview.com. The Magnolia State has a cost of living index of 83.3.

What is the most expensive state? ›

According to several studies on cost of living, Hawaii is the most expensive U.S. state to live in. Prices are typically double in Hawaii compared to those on the mainland, and the continued rise in inflation is making costs ranging from housing to health care much more expensive.

Is it hotter in Texas or Florida? ›

Florida is the hottest state in the US, with an average temperature of 73.4 °F. Louisiana is the second hottest state, with an average temperature of 68.5 °F, followed by Texas, the third hottest state, with an average temperature of 68 °F.

Should I buy a house in Texas or Florida? ›

Cost Of Living

If you are a home buyer, you will pay more to purchase a home in Florida than in Texas. The median sales price of a home in Florida in Q1 of 2021 was $317,500 versus Texas at $274,000 in the same time period. If you rent, this difference will trickle down to you as a renter.

What months does it snow in Texas? ›

You'll have to plan carefully so that you visit Texas during the winter months that are likely to bring about snowfall. These months include December, January, and February.

What is the #1 city to move to in Texas? ›

1. Austin, Texas. Austin is an amazing city to live in — if what it offers is what you're looking for.

Where is the best small town to live in Texas? ›

1. Fredericksburg, TX. Fredericksburg is one of the best small towns in Texas. It's known for its strong German influence, delicious peaches, and outstanding local wineries — which makes sense since it's located in the heart of Texas wine country.

What city in Texas has the best economy? ›

Houston, Texas

Perhaps those factors led to its high ranking on the Milken index for job growth. The Houston city area also scored high on Policom's index for economic strength that looks at consistent economic growth over time.

What is the safest and most affordable place to live? ›

In its report, Niche also ranked the cheapest places to live in the U.S. At the top of the list this year is Brownsville, Texas. Brownsville has been steadily rising in Niche's Lowest Cost of Living ranking over the past few years, placing number six in 2021, number three in 2022 and finally, number one in 2023.

What is the number 1 best place to live in Texas? ›

1. Austin, Texas. Austin is an amazing city to live in — if what it offers is what you're looking for.

Where is the most peaceful place to live in Texas? ›

If you're seeking a peaceful haven to call home, look no further than Plano, Texas. Nestled in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this charming suburb has been hailed as one of the most serene cities in the entire country.

Where do most people retire in Texas? ›

Austin has the best retirement homes in Texas and the most high-quality hospitals per 100,000 residents, so you'll have access to great health care with little worry about capacity. Home values are high in Austin after years of steep growth, but utility costs are relatively low, and you get a lot for your money.

Which state has the lowest cost of living for retirees? ›

Rather, Alabama is the most affordable state to retire in, according to WalletHub's “2023 Best States to Retire.” The analysis compared all 50 states across three key categories: health care, quality of life and affordability.

What is the number 1 safest place to live? ›

Frisco, Texas

Frisco, Texas, part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex has been ranked the number 1 safest city to live in the U.S. It boasts the fourth-lowest violent crime rate and the sixth-lowest property crime rate.

What are the three most affordable states to live in? ›

The three cheapest states to move to in terms of housing costs are: West Virginia, with an average price of $123,000; Mississippi, with an average price of $125,000; and Arkansas, with an average house price of 133,600. You can view the 10 cheapest states to move to below.

Which city is best to live at low cost? ›

Amritsar, Punjab. Amritsar, the city of the famous Golden Temple is ranking on the top among the top 10 cheapest places to live in India for the year 2023. It is one of the most affordable places to live in India. The average cost of living in Amritsar is the least expensive in comparison to the other cities of India.

What is the happiest place to live in Texas? ›

These Texas cities ranked among 2023's top 100 happiest in US: New study
  • Grand Prairie – 99.
  • Garland – 101.
  • Laredo – 110.
  • Fort Worth – 113.
  • Brownsville – 116.
  • El Paso – 118.
  • Arlington – 123.
  • Dallas – 124.
Feb 28, 2023

What is the nicest town in Texas to live in? ›

  1. Round Rock. Around 15 miles north of Austin, Round Rock isn't just the best place to live in Texas — based on our scoring model, this is the best place to live in the entire country. ...
  2. Arlington. ...
  3. Midland. ...
  4. Houston. ...
  5. San Antonio. ...
  6. 2023 Cost of Living in Austin, Texas.
May 24, 2023

Where is the highest crime rate in Texas? ›

Houston

Where is the best place to live in Texas not too hot? ›

Fort Worth has the fewest muggy days in Texas.

There are about 1/3 of the days with a 65°- 68° dew point (mid-May thru mid-September) with a few of those days at a 70° - 72° dew point. Dallas has just a few more muggy days because it is 200 ft. lower than Fort Worth.

Where are the nicest people in Texas? ›

San Antonio

The Alamo City wins out, and for a lot of different reasons, according to the article.

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