9 Cheapest Places to Live in Texas
Texas stays on affordability shortlists for one simple reason: many cities still run below national living-cost averages, especially on housing. That does not mean every budget feels easy, but it does mean there are places where rent or mortgage pressure is lighter than in most major U.S. metros.
To keep this practical, the list leans on places that repeatedly show up in affordability datasets and city-level calculators, not just social media buzz. A city can look cheap on paper and still feel tight if wages, commuting, or utilities do not line up with your household setup.
Another key point: affordability is local, not statewide. Texas includes high-cost pockets and lower-cost pockets, so city-level comparisons matter more than broad state averages when you are deciding where to move.
This list is a starting map, not a final verdict. Before choosing, compare your likely income against local costs and living-wage benchmarks for the exact family size you expect to support.
Brownsville
Brownsville is usually the first city people mention when Texas affordability comes up. It keeps showing up in low-cost rankings, and not by accident.
Cost calculators place Brownsville below the national average overall, with housing notably lower than U.S. norms. That housing gap is the main reason the city punches above its weight for budget-conscious households.
Day-to-day life tends to feel slower and more neighborhood-based than big-metro Texas. If someone wants lower housing pressure and can work locally or remotely, Brownsville can be a practical fit.
The tradeoff is income planning. Lower costs help, but households should still check local wage realities against living-wage thresholds before committing to a move.
Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls often lands in the affordable tier because housing costs run meaningfully below national levels. That alone can shift a monthly budget from fragile to manageable.
City-level data also shows overall living costs below national averages, with transportation typically lighter than many larger markets. Utilities can be mixed, so budgeting should include seasonality.
The city works best for people who prefer smaller-urban scale and shorter errands over nonstop big-city amenities. Many residents value predictability and lower day-to-day friction.
The smart move is to test a full monthly model before relocating: housing, car costs, insurance, and healthcare. That keeps a low sticker price from turning into a surprise budget strain.
McAllen
McAllen is another Rio Grande Valley option that regularly attracts value-focused movers. It balances city services with a cost profile that is often friendlier than national benchmarks.
Recent cost-of-living estimates place McAllen well below the U.S. average overall, which is a strong signal for renters and first-time buyers comparing Texas markets.
It also gives access to a larger regional economy than many smaller towns, so it can be easier to find daily conveniences without paying big-metro prices. That middle ground is why it stays popular.
Still, no city is cheap in a vacuum. Confirm likely earnings and commuting patterns first, then run a realistic monthly budget to see whether the savings are structural or temporary.
Harlingen
Harlingen stays underrated in most relocation conversations, even though its affordability numbers are strong. For many households, it is one of the cleanest value plays in South Texas.
Both major calculators put Harlingen below national costs, and housing is especially discounted versus U.S. averages. Utilities can run higher, so the overall win depends on how energy-efficient your home is.
Lifestyle-wise, Harlingen tends to suit people who want a quieter pace and lower housing stress more than high-density nightlife. It is practical, not flashy, and that is part of the appeal.
Before moving, pressure-test summer utility scenarios and healthcare access by neighborhood. Cheap rent helps, but recurring bills decide whether a city stays affordable after month six.
Amarillo
Amarillo offers a different affordability profile from the Valley cities: bigger regional hub energy with still-reasonable costs. That combination matters for people who want more local services.
Cost data shows Amarillo below national averages overall, with housing notably lower than U.S. norms. Those two factors make it a recurring choice for budget-aware movers in West Texas.
It also has stronger city-scale infrastructure than many very small towns, which can reduce hidden costs tied to long drives for essentials. Convenience has budget value too.
The caveat is climate and household utilities. A city can be cheap on paper and still run expensive for specific homes, so inspect utility history before signing a lease or mortgage.
Abilene
Abilene is often overlooked, but it keeps showing up as a solid lower-cost Texas city. It fits people who want a stable, mid-sized environment without major-metro pricing.
City comparisons place Abilene below national living costs, and housing tends to come in well under U.S. averages. That is usually the biggest lever for monthly savings.
The local rhythm is practical and straightforward, which many families and early-career households prefer when they are trying to rebuild savings. Predictability can matter as much as price.
As always, check full monthly math, not just rent. Utilities and transportation can narrow the savings if the home is inefficient or daily driving is longer than expected.
Lubbock
Lubbock gives a useful middle ground: larger-city amenities than many low-cost towns, but still a cost structure that can beat national averages. That makes it a frequent budget shortlist candidate.
Recent calculators place Lubbock below national living costs overall, with housing and transportation generally favorable compared with U.S. baselines.
For households that want a broader job and service ecosystem without stepping into top-tier Texas housing costs, Lubbock can be a workable compromise. It is often about balance, not extremes.
The key is neighborhood selection. One part of town can preserve your savings plan, while another can erase it through longer commutes or higher recurring bills.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is usually viewed as a coastal lifestyle city first, but it can also be an affordability play relative to national averages. That surprise is why it belongs in this conversation.
Data sources place Corpus Christi below U.S. cost averages overall, with housing running cheaper than national norms. Some utility categories can be higher, so budget planning should be specific.
The city suits people who want coastal access without immediately jumping to premium-price markets. It can offer a better quality-of-life-to-cost ratio than many assume.
Run the numbers with insurance, utilities, and transport included, not just headline rent. Coastal living can still be cost-effective, but only when the full stack is modeled honestly.
Beaumont
Beaumont rounds out this list as a practical, lower-cost option in Southeast Texas. It is not always the loudest relocation pick, but it frequently performs well on affordability basics.
Current calculators put Beaumont below national cost-of-living levels, with housing cheaper than U.S. averages. That makes it relevant for buyers and renters who care most about monthly stability.
The city can make sense for households prioritizing value, space, and straightforward living costs over prestige zip codes. That is often the right trade for long-term savings goals.
Final tip: compare at least three neighborhoods before deciding. In any city, affordability is hyperlocal, and the best budget outcome usually comes from block-level choices, not citywide averages.
Sources
- Niche: 2025 Cities With the Lowest Cost of Living in Texas
- RentCafe: Cost of Living in Texas
- PayScale: Cost of Living Calculator
- MIT Living Wage Calculator (Texas)
- PayScale: Brownsville
- PayScale: Wichita Fall
