If you’re looking for a new place to live, the state of Texas is a great choice. It offers a variety of options for everyone, from first-time homebuyers to those who are ready to downsize and retire.
Attractions In Places To Live In Texas
However, you’ll want to make sure you find a place that fits your needs and budget before making the move. The cheapest places to live in Texas are often located in smaller cities that aren’t as well known as larger metro areas. This can make it easier for you to save money for other things like vacations, retirement, or your children’s college fund.
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Amarillo – The Most Affordable City In Texas
As the state’s largest city, Amarillo has some of the lowest housing costs in the nation. In addition to low home prices, this is also one of the cheapest cities to rent a home in Texas.



Amarillo is also known for its strong economy, with a higher than average household income. While the median home price in Amarillo is slightly above the state’s average, it’s still more than 20 percent lower than the national average.
Harlingen – The Most Affordable City In Texas
A small city in the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen is known for its excellent schools and outdoor recreation. The area has a number of family-friendly amenities, including the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge and Lon C. Hills Park, as well as a number of popular employers. Additionally, the area is close to bigger towns like Brownsville and McAllen, making it an ideal location for families.
This is where you want to work with a real estate agent who can help you find the best, most affordable places to live in Texas. These locations offer everything you need to enjoy life and build a home in financial comfort.
With a booming job market and affordable housing, Texas is a great place to live. However, there are some areas that can be more expensive than others.
El Paso #1
El Paso is a great place to live for many reasons, and one of the most important ones is the cost of living. In fact, Forbes magazine has recently listed this city as the #1 most affordable place to live in the US.
This is especially true for home ownership. You can afford to buy a house and make your payments without breaking the bank, and it’s much easier than you might think to do so.

You’ll also find that the overall crime rate in El Paso is low, which is a plus for families with children. There are also several excellent schools in the area, so you can be confident that your kids will get a good education.
Besides the low cost of living, El Paso also boasts a vibrant economy and plenty of job opportunities. This makes it a great place to settle if you’re looking for a new career or want to start your own business.
Weather | 14 °C, Wind W at 5 km/h |
Population | 6.78 lakhs (2021) |
Elevation | 1,140 m |
Area code | Area code 915 |
ZIP Codes | 79900–79999; 88500–88599 |
Odessa #2
Odessa is a vibrant city in West Texas that is known for its cowboy culture, multiple oil rigs, and dusty plains. However, there’s much more to Odessa than meets the eye. Odessa has a diverse economy, affordable housing costs, and plenty of cultural activities to keep you entertained throughout the year.
The city’s economic base is primarily oil and gas, but it’s also expanding into logistics. The cost of oil is driving new exploration and development, which means that employment opportunities are growing quickly here.

The average monthly mortgage payments are under $900 and rents are surprisingly affordable as well. Utility costs and insurance rates are also surprisingly low. Located in Ector County, it’s close to Midland and the Permian Basin.
Population | 1.12 lakhs (2021) |
Weather | 15 °C, Wind W at 13 km/h |
ZIP Codes | 79760–79769 |
Area code | 432 |
Elevation | 2,900 ft (884 m) |
Temple #3
Located in central Texas, Temple is an attractive city that boasts museums, heritage and the great outdoors. Founded as a railroad town in 1881, this quaint city is known for its unique history and picturesque scenery.
With its affordable housing costs, Temple is an excellent choice for families looking to move. In fact, the average cost of living in Temple is 7.9 percent below the national average.
Another reason to consider this Texas city is its high livability score, which includes data points such as crime rates, education quality and more. The score uses advanced statistical models to predict how a city will perform based on key factors.

For example, Temple has a low violent crime rate and high school test scores. This means that the city’s schools are safe and well-equipped to educate the next generation of leaders.
The city also has a vibrant community market and cultural activity center, showcasing local talent. Whether you’re searching for a place to shop, a new restaurant, or a local craft beer to sip on, Temple has something for you.
Weather | 18 °C, Wind E at 11 km/h |
University | Temple College |
Elevation | 219 m |
Area codes | Area code 254 |
Founded by | Bernard Moore Temple |
Amarillo #4
Located in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is known for its cowboy culture and is a proud Texas town. You will find plenty of cowboy boots and Stetson hats around town, as well as a lot of cattle ranches.
Amarillo is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with Palo Duro Canyon State Park only a few miles away. This gorgeous red rock canyon is second only to the Grand Canyon in size.

The area is a popular choice for residents looking to move to Texas, as the cost of living is very affordable here. Rents in Amarillo are 9% lower than the national average, and housing costs are 28% less expensive here.
The area is home to many families and college students. The neighborhood is close to downtown Amarillo, with lots of stores and restaurants. The community is safe and secure, and the schools are well-respected within the city.
Weather | 7 °C, Wind E at 23 km/h |
Population | 2.01 lakhs (2021) |
Area code | 806 |
Elevation | 3,668 ft (1,118 m) |
Harlingen #5
Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to retire, raise your family, or start a business, Harlingen is one of the most affordable places to live in Texas. Located in the southern tip of the state, this city offers an excellent quality of life at a reasonable price.
The cost of living is a critical factor when making a decision about a new home. To help you determine how much income you’ll need to support your lifestyle in Harlingen, we’ve put together a tool that breaks down your monthly expenses into categories such as food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and housing.

As a result, you’ll be able to better compare the costs of different cities and decide where you can cut down on your budget. In addition to its low cost of living, this city also has a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy.
Downtown Harlingen is a historic district filled with shops and restaurants. Many of them are locally owned and operated. It’s a great place to spend the day browsing through unique and charming stores. You can also visit local markets and events like Jackson Street Market Days and the Harlingen Farmers Market.
Weather | 22 °C, Wind SE at 0 km/h |
ZIP codes | 78550-78553 |
Elevation | 12 m |
Population | 71,925 (2021) |
Founded | 1904 |
Pecos #6
Pecos, Texas has one of the cheapest real estate markets in all of Texas. According to NeighborhoodScout’s exclusive analysis, the average home price here is $94,518. That’s lower than the average price of homes in 86.4% of neighborhoods and is lower than the national average.
The average rental rate here is $1,091, also lower than the national average. This is due to a high vacancy rate, which is 15.5%. This could indicate either a weak demand for housing or that a large number of new homes have been built and aren’t occupied yet.

The percentage of residents who identify their ethnicity or ancestry as Mexican is highest in this neighborhood, while those with Asian ancestry are the lowest. It’s also home to many people who report English ancestry (2.8%), Scots-Irish ancestry (1.7%), and Irish ancestry (1.1%), as well. This is a diverse neighborhood, with plenty of opportunities for cultural exchange.
ZIP code | 79772 |
Weather | 13 °C, Wind W at 13 km/h |
Population | 12,673 (2021) |
Elevation | 787 m |
Area | 57.56 km² |
McAllen #7
The border city of McAllen is one of the most affordable places to live in Texas, offering a great combination of low cost of living and quality amenities. It’s also a safe place to live and has an excellent job market.
As one of the most popular destinations in the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen is an ideal location for anyone looking to relocate. It boasts a variety of neighborhoods that offer high-quality schools, affordable homes, and a great lifestyle.

In addition to its many great restaurants and attractions, McAllen is known for its quaint downtown area. It is home to the International Museum of Art & Science, which features exhibits about Latin American art and culture, as well as Quinta Mazatlan, a Spanish-inspired estate that has beautiful gardens and trails for birdwatching.
Shopping is another popular activity in McAllen. Residents can browse La Plaza Mall, Palms Crossing Shopping Center, or the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets to find deals and items they love. There are plenty of parks to enjoy the outdoors, too.
Weather | 21 °C, Wind SE at 10 km/h |
Population | 1.44 lakhs (2021) |
ZIP Codes | 78501–78504 |
Area code | 956 |
Elevation | 121.4 ft (37.1 m) |
Brownsville #8
The city of Brownsville is one of the most affordable places to live in Texas. Its cost of living is below the national average, making it a great place to save money while still enjoying the benefits of a high-quality lifestyle.
Its location along the Rio Grande makes it an excellent place for tourists to come and explore. It has a number of tourist attractions, including the Brownsville Museum of Art and the historic downtown area. Brownsville has a thriving restaurant scene and is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine.

You can also find a variety of seafood restaurants here. In addition to its local restaurants, Brownsville has a handful of restaurants that are located outside of the city. They are popular among tourists and residents alike, offering great food and a fun atmosphere.
The city is surrounded by several international bridges that allow visitors to easily cross over into Mexico. These include the Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge, the Gateway International Bridge, and the Veteran’s International Bridge at Los Tomates.
Weather | 22 °C, Wind S at 10 km/h |
ZIP Codes | 78520–78523, 78526 |
Area code | 956 |
Elevation | 33 ft (10 m) |
Founded | 1848 |
FAQs about Live In Texas
What you need to know about living in Texas?
Texas is the second-largest state in the US and known for its hot weather, diverse cultures, and cowboy culture. The state is home to many major cities, including Houston, Austin, and Dallas, and is a hub for industries such as oil and gas, technology, and agriculture. Residents enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine, rodeos, and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
What are the good things about living in Texas?
Texas has a lot to offer for residents, such as a low cost of living, no state income tax, and a thriving job market. The state has a rich history, unique culture, and friendly people. Texans also enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, delicious food, and plenty of entertainment options, from music festivals to professional sports teams.