Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Texas?

There’s probably no place on Earth like Texas when it comes to the cost of living. From fast-food joints and gas stations on every corner, to oil rigs dotting the landscape wherever you look. We may be big, but that doesn’t mean anything when everything is so affordable!

But where exactly should one go? We’ve got it all! San Antonio (the second largest city), Houston (home to NASA), Fort Worth, or Dallas – pick your poison! Add some cowboys into the mix if that suits your fancy too.

One other great thing about Texas is it has tons of tourist and recreational centers to choose from.That said, finding a place with just what you’re looking for can be tricky.

With this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect place. So all that’s left for you to do is choose which one of these affordable Texas cities fits your taste best!

The 20 Cheapest Places to Live in Texas

1. Amarillo

Amarillo is one of the cheapest places to live in Texas and the most populous city in the Texas Panhandle. Everything in this city is significantly below the national average price, making it an excellent place to reside if you want to save money for vacations, retirement, or times of trouble.

This famous Texas town has several fascinating tourist attractions that draw people in from all over the state. If you decide to relocate to Amarillo, you won’t feel bored. The city offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, top-notch museums, and restaurants.

In the city of Amarillo, Texas, the median household income of the residents is about $71,120 with a median home price of about $132,500. Whereas, the average rent is about $850 per month.

2. Brownsville

Situated on the western Gulf Coast in South Texas, Brownsville is one of the cheapest places to live in Texas. It’s well-known for being the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley. The city is suitable for large condos and luxury homes with fascinating weather year-round.

Brownsville is lively with regular festivals and parades commemorating Mexican traditions that have been absorbed into American culture, due to its closeness to Mexico and its predominantly Hispanic population. Brownsville residents enjoy various activities, including the beach, art galleries, museums, and nature reserves.

This location is also known for its education and tourism, with the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley nearby. The median household income of a Brownsville resident is about $53,996 annually, with a median home value of $90,900. Whereas, the average rent is about $736 per month.

3. El Paso

Situated between two countries, El Paso is one of the big cities in Texas to live in without going overboard. Despite its status as the 22nd most prominent city in the US, there are plenty more affordable towns around it with vibrant cultures waiting for you to discover them! Not only does this town have a thriving nightlife but it also has unique places where locals go when they want good food at great prices–both on foot or by car.

El Paso, Texas, is one of the country’s largest manufacturing zones, and it benefits from a thriving university culture. There are plenty of opportunities for people looking to make their mark on this world that are interested in higher education or business opportunities!

Likewise, within the city, there are numerous tourist centers. Typical ones include the El Paso Zoo, Franklin Mountains State Park, Plaza Theater, El Paso Museum, among many others.  In terms of the cost of living, the median home price is estimated to be about $219,500 and an average rent of about $837 per month.

4. Wichita Falls

One of the cheapest cities to live in Texas, Wichita Falls in Texas, is a perfect place for those seeking an affordable and straightforward life. One major factor that makes this destination so popular among individuals looking to buy homes or live there full time is the low public transportation costs and other affordable alternatives!

From historic neighborhoods and homes to structures and museums, there are still many fascinating remnants of Wichita Falls’ early days. Wichita Falls has a vibrant arts scene, interesting annual events, lovely historic architecture, and beautiful parks.

In essence, it’s a dynamic metropolis with a small-town feel, home to three outstanding tertiary institutions and an air force base. Regarding the cost of living, the median home price in Wichita Falls is about $179,700, while the average rent is about $794.

5. San Antonio

Located in Bexar County, San Antonio is one of Texas’ best places to live. San Antonio may need to be the next place you buy a home, with the median home price of about $262,322 which is 24% less than the national average home price in the United States.

It isn’t the cheapest area in Texas, on our list, to live, but it is still quite reasonable, making it an excellent choice for young families and young professionals. Residents of San Antonio enjoy a combination of urban and suburban living, with the majority of them owning their houses.

There are numerous pubs, restaurants, and parks in San Antonio. Notwithstanding, San Antonio’s schools supersede the national average in educational quality.

6. Galveston

In Texas, you won’t find any beachfront condos for less than you can in Galveston. It’s one of the country’s most picturesque seaside towns, known for its beach life that residents enjoy during leisure time.

This magnificent city, located two hours south of Houston and nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, offers home prices 14% lower than the national average. The Port of Galveston and American National Insurance Company headquarters generate a lot of jobs in the area. Tourism is a huge source of revenue because Galveston is a popular stop for cruise ships.

The city is filled with impressive old buildings, sandy beaches, top-notch restaurants, and unique lodging options. In essence, Galveston’s mild climate allows visitors to enjoy the great outdoors all year round.

7. Harlingen

If you’re looking for one of the cheapest places in Texas, try Harlingen. Despite being a small town situated in Cameron County, Harlingen has most of the amenities you would find in a big city. You’ll also find many tourist centers in the city. This sounds appealing, right?

Harlingen residents enjoy a suburban vibe, and most residents own their own homes. There are also numerous parks in Harlingen.

Harlingen is a city with an above average school system. Most public schools in the area tend to be above average and offer great opportunities for students, which means they can pursue their dreams without worrying about where or when something might happen that would prevent them from achieving success!

Regarding the average cost of living in Harlingen, the median home price is about $142,296, while the median rent for an apartment is about $792 per month.

8. Cedar Park

With over 70,000 people, Cedar Park is conveniently located just a few miles outside of downtown Austin. Cedar park prides itself on being a family-friendly city, with high-quality schools, desirable neighborhoods, and multiple employment opportunities.

Cedar Park is a beautiful place to live with lots of recreational areas to visit within the city. The median household income in Cedar Park is $121,253, and the median home price is $301,600. Whereas the median price monthly is about $1,408

9. Pearland

With over 114,000 residents, Pearland is considered one of the fastest-growing cities with the cheapest land in Texas. Since Pearland is so close to Houston, residents never run out of exciting things to do, and many people travel to work in downtown Houston.

Regardless, Pearland is a great place to live. With its diverse range of outdoor activities and local restaurants, you’ll never run out of fun things to do!

Pearland’s amenities offer something for everyone, including shopping at your favorite mall or just meeting up with friends over coffee. Besides enjoying these luxuries, some pretty unique festivals happen every year, like the Pearland International festival, where you can expect live music performances at different locations throughout the beautiful town center.

In terms of the average cost of living, the median household income in Pearland is $121,724, and the median home price is $244,800. Likewise, the median monthly fee is about $1,413.

10. Houston

Surprisingly, another famous city on this list is Houston. Not only is it the fourth largest city in the United States, but it is also one of Texas’ most affordable cities. Houston housing is reasonably priced, with average prices and rents falling below Texas and national standards.

Houston is a multicultural city with a thriving international community. It is known worldwide for its energy businesses, especially oil and natural gas, biomedical research, and aeronautics.

The city’s well-known University of Houston has been ranked among the top public universities by U.S News & World Report for its outstanding quality and affordability (especially when compared with other schools).  In terms of median home value ($171,800) versus median rent ($1,041), you’ll find that life here isn’t too bad in Houston!

11. Frisco

Situated around Dallas, Frisco is a popular suburb in Texas with over 155,000 residents. It’s also one of the most affordable places to live in Texas. People who live in Frisco have access to various job opportunities in Frisco and nearby Dallas, making it one of Texas’ highest-paying cities.

It also hosts several sports teams, including Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas and Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers’ AA affiliate. There are also 9 million square feet of shopping and dining space in the city.

Concerning average living, the median household income in Frisco is around $153,704, and the median home value is about $395,900.

12. Lewisville

With over 104,000 people, Lewisville is one of the cheapest places to live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. Lewisville is a relaxing sanctuary for its residents due to its proximity to picturesque lakes and the surrounding verdant parks.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area is a great place to live if you want an active lifestyle. The area has many attractions that will tempt even the most dedicated couch potato, like Old Town Lewisville, and a vast array of dining options!

The median income in Lewisville is $79,845, and the median home price is about $209,900. It’s not surprising that this area has some pretty high-end restaurants to enjoy!

13. Pecos

Another famous city you might want to consider is Pesos. With a population of 9,800 residents, it is a small border town in the lone star state of Texas. This Texas city is well known for its friendly ecosystem. The majority of the residents of Pecos make a living from agriculture which is common in small towns.

When you want to experience small-town life in Texas without having the hassle of dealing with big-city problems, go to Pecos. The median income in Pecos is about $69,359, and the median home price is estimated to be $68,200. At the same time, the median monthly rent is an estimated $854.

14. Odessa

Situated in western Texas, Odessa is another affordable city to live in Texas with over 115,000 residents. Odessa is a close-knit town, which may have something to do with the city’s emphasis on high school football.

The city is also known for its cowboy culture, but it offers much more. The city boasts a broad and thriving economy, with several tourist centers to visit. Odessa’s median income is about $84,817, and the median home price is estimated to be $151,500. Meanwhile, the median monthly rent is an estimated $1,091, quite affordable in some circles.

15. Breckenridge

Breckenridge is one of the cheapest places to live in Texas. It’s an ideal town for people who want to live in a location with multiple opportunities. With over six thousand residents and many job/educational ties, it’s no wonder this small city has become so popular!

The town is nestled between three lovely lakes, and many of the residents enjoy hunting. Breckenridge is also one of Texas’s best ski and snowboard destinations with world-class skiing and snowboarding. There’s always something spectacular going on around the slopes of Breckenridge’s ski resort.

With a median household income of $59,990 and an estimated home price of $66,900, Breckenridge has some great deals! Monthly rent is also low, with about $715 a month or only 20% more than it costs in Denver.

16. Lubbock

Another notable place to go if you’re seeking a less expensive apartment in Texas is Lubbock. Lubbock is one of Texas’ most populous cities, with over 260,000 people. The city is home to the Texas Tech University campus, making it an ideal student environment.

Lubbock is also known for its abundance of cotton, and the Lubbock region is the world’s largest cotton-producing region. Due to its particular soil composition, the area also produces about  80% of the state’s wine grapes and has five public wineries.

There are many things to enjoy as a resident of this city including brewpubs, music venues, luxury restaurants, theaters, and nightclubs are among the city’s entertainment hubs. Talking about the living cost in Lubbock, the median home price is about $140,800, while the median rent is about $955 per month.

17. Greenville

Another notable and affordable place in Texas is Greenville, one of the largest cities in Texas. Located just an hour northeast of Dallas, Greenville is a travelers’ paradise, and it’s a fantastic place with easy access to both work and pleasure.

Greenville provides access to the best big-city amenities while keeping a small-town atmosphere. The climate in Greenville is humid subtropical, and its weather is often humid with mild precipitation due to its position in Texas’ north.

The Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum and the historic downtown district, including wineries, antique malls, public gardens, boutique shopping, and regular performances at the 1,700-seat Greenville Municipal Auditorium, are popular tourist attractions in Greenville.

The median home price in Greenville is about $104,400, while the average rent is about $900 per month.

18. Moulton

Large metropolises, extensive suburbs, mid-sized plains cities, and small solitary towns abound in Texas. Without a doubt, Moulton is one of them, and it’s among the cheapest places to live in Texas, with a population of fewer than 900 people.

Almost the whole town of Moulton consists of single-family dwellings. The route is lined with large box businesses, restaurant franchises, and an athletic park. There are also several recreational centers across the city.

A standard apartment rental in Moulton goes for $768 per month with a median home value of about $111,200.

19. Bay City

Bay City is not your ordinary city. Located between Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas, it’s home to an oil-producing multibillion-dollar pipe mill that produces parts for fracking rigs.

Bay-city also has plenty of essential amenities. Making a living here is a breeze with excellent schools.

You’ll also find great housing options like manufactured homes and townhouses, which are much more affordable than traditional houses in larger cities.

The city, which has roughly 18,000 residents, has two museums, a regional airport, and a bustling downtown. The downtown renovation effort in Bay City has revitalized the city’s core with a slew of new shops, businesses, and restaurants. The renovations were most notable around County Courthouse Square, where there is now an abundance of people from all walks of life!

It won’t take long for you to settle down in Bay City if you decide to relocate here.  Speaking about the cost of living, the average rent for a standard apartment in Bay City is about $861 per month while the median home value is estimated to be about $99,200

20. Henrietta

Henrietta is the place to go if you’re looking to add a bit of Texas to your life. This bustling town offers houses of all types and shapes, from cozy homes with beautiful scenery outside them or even down at one end. There’s more than just farmland! Henrietta’s large population means that it never gets boring.

Henrietta is one economic area with lots of job opportunities. To spice it up, you can find various places to relax. So, if you’re considering relocating to a beautiful, affordable place in Texas, think Henrietta.

The average rent for a standard apartment in Henrietta is about $808 per month with a median home value of about $87,900

Conclusion

Finding the right home can be challenging. Understanding what kind of property you’re looking for and where to find it is all part of the process, but figuring out which location will make your new place feel like a home may seem impossible at first.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of places in Texas that are bound to offer everything from affordable housing prices to plenty of opportunities for employment and entertainment options – no matter what your budget might look like!