Texas is renowned for its affordability, and this article from HomeCity.com, titled “The 20 Cheapest Places to Live In Texas [Data Study],” provides an insightful guide for those considering a move to the Lone Star State. The study meticulously analyzes various factors such as median home prices, average rent, property tax rates, living wages, and overall cost of living indices, including transportation and groceries. This comprehensive approach results in a curated list of the most budget-friendly cities in Texas, ideal for anyone looking to maximize their savings while enjoying a high quality of life.
Below is a complete information in tabular form:
| City | Median Home Price | Average Rent | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo | $147,611 | $850/month | 80.1 |
| Brownsville | $118,205 | $736/month | 70.3 |
| Wichita Falls | $116,290 | $794 | 74.5 |
| Laredo | $162,457 | $851 | 84.0 |
| Lubbock | $159,201 | $955 | 79.9 |
| Beaumont | $124,798 | $868 | 78.3 |
| Waco | $154,794 | $862 | 77.0 |
| Abilene | $148,033 | $924 | 78.1 |
| Killeen | $150,113 | $923 | 78.5 |
| McAllen | $157,232 | $789 | 78.6 |
| Corpus Christi | $179,046 | $1,028 | 83.1 |
| El Paso | $152,537 | $837 | 81.4 |
| San Antonio | $202,634 | $992/month | 89.7 |
| Pasadena | $175,494 | $963 | 91.2 |
| Midland | $260,079 | $1,262 | 98.6 |
| Houston | $204,810 | $1,041 | 96.5 |
| Arlington | $236,401 | $1,055 | 100.6 |
| Denton | $266,964 | $1,082 | 97.1 |
| Irving | $254,385 | $1,146 | 100.6 |
| Mesquite | $204,027 | $1,104 | 98.5 |
1. Amarillo
Amarillo tops the list with its cost of living significantly below the national average. It’s an ideal choice for those prioritizing savings.
- Median Home Price: $147,611
- Average Rent: $850/month
- Cost of Living Index: 80.1
2. Brownsville
Brownsville, on the western Gulf Coast, offers a cost of living 29.7% cheaper than the national average.
- Median Home Price: $118,205
- Average Rent: $736/month
- Cost of Living Index: 70.3
3. Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls is the most affordable major city for homebuyers in Texas, with a low cost of transportation.
- Median Home Price: $116,290
- Average Rent: $794
- Cost of Living Index: 74.5
4. Laredo
Laredo, on the Rio Grande’s northern bank, offers housing prices well below both national and state averages.
- Median Home Price: $162,457
- Average Rent: $851
- Cost of Living Index: 84.0
5. Lubbock
Lubbock ranks fifth, notable for its affordability in housing, groceries, and transportation.
- Median Home Price: $159,201
- Average Rent: $955
- Cost of Living Index: 79.9
6. Beaumont
Beaumont, in southeastern Texas, is among the top 10 cheapest cities for both buying and renting homes.
- Median Home Price: $124,798
- Average Rent: $868
- Cost of Living Index: 78.3
7. Waco
Waco, home to Baylor University, offers significantly lower home prices than the US and Texas averages.
- Median Home Price: $154,794
- Average Rent: $862
- Cost of Living Index: 77.0
8. Abilene
Abilene is recognized for its affordable housing, with an average home price of $148,033.
- Median Home Price: $148,033
- Average Rent: $924
- Cost of Living Index: 78.1
9. Killeen
Killeen stands out for its low estimated living wages and overall affordability.
- Median Home Price: $150,113
- Average Rent: $923
- Cost of Living Index: 78.5
10. McAllen
McAllen is notable for its low rent and grocery prices, making it an attractive option for renters.
- Median Home Price: $157,232
- Average Rent: $789
- Cost of Living Index: 78.6
The list continues with cities like Corpus Christi, El Paso, San Antonio, Pasadena, Midland, Houston, Arlington, Denton, Irving, and Mesquite, each offering unique advantages in terms of affordability and lifestyle.
This study is particularly useful for individuals and families looking to relocate within Texas, offering a detailed breakdown of living costs in various cities. It emphasizes the diversity of Texas in terms of economic living options, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs.
