Americans Love Texas! And why wouldn’t you? Excellent job market and year-round sunshine helped Texas rank second in terms of inbound migration across the country. The net domestic migration stood at 230,961.
This was largely due to the high quality of life and low cost of living. Apart from its diverse culture and warmth, the Lone Star State offers affordable living.
The cost of living in Texas is 8% below the national average of $3,456. Let’s explore the best places to live in Texas.
Best Places to Live in Texas in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top places to live in Texas. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Austin | 979,882 | $547,000 | $6,351 | 61/100 |
| 2. | Dallas | 1,302,868 | $445,000 | $6,851 | 62/100 |
| 3. | San Antonio | 1,495,295 | $270,000 | $6,164 | 55/100 |
| 4. | Corpus Christi | 316,595 | $269,000 | $7,669 | 54/100 |
| 5. | El Paso | 678,958 | $261,503 | $6,728 | 52/100 |
| 6. | Plano | 290,190 | $516,250 | $7,575 | 69/100 |
| 7. | Houston | 2,314,157 | $354,990 | $6,604 | 60/100 |
| 8 | Fort Worth | 978,468 | $349,900 | $8,370 | 61/100 |
| 9 | Frisco | 225,007 | $700,000 | $7,583 | 70/100 |
| 10 | McAllen | 146,593 | $274,500 | $6,499 | 43/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Texas
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Lone Star State:
#1 Austin
Austin is one of the best places to live in TX.
- Median Home Price: $547,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Austin: $86,556.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Austin, TX: 78704 | 78745 | 78705
Austin offers a lively atmosphere and music events. In addition, the city boasts various institutions for higher education, a strong job market, etc. This makes it an ideal place for students and young professionals.
While being a happening place, Austin is also an expensive city. A median home costs 32% more than the state average. Moreover, the city has a booming job market. Henceforth, the unemployment rate is the same as the national average.
» Austin Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of listings in Austin.
#2 Dallas
Dallas is one of the best cities to live in Texas.
- Median Home Price: $445,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Dallas: $63,985.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Dallas, TX: 75219 | 75204 | 75206
Dallas is the 4th largest Texas city. Out of more than 40 educational institutions, Southern Methodist University tops the list of the best universities. The most sought-after majors at the university include business, management, marketing, etc.
Dallas offers budget housing with a median home price 2% lower than the national average. The city has employment opportunities in various industries, such as healthcare, financial services, IT, and more.
» Dallas Homes for Sale: Discover what’s best for you in this all-rounder city.
#3 San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the best areas to live in Texas.
- Median Home Price: $270,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in San Antonio: $59,593.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the San Antonio, TX: 78253 | 78245 | 78254
The median home price in San Antonio is 21% lower than the national average and 4% lower than the state average. Apart from this, the cost of living is 9% lower than the national average.
The city is home to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The River Walk is a scenic path along the San Antonio River. It has a mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
San Antonio provides a strong balance of affordability, employment opportunities, and lifestyle options.
» Antonio Homes for Sale: Find your perfect home in this affordable city.
#4 Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is one of the best places to live in Texas.
- Median Home Price: $269,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Corpus Christi: $64,449.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 54/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Corpus Christi, TX: 78418 | 78414 | 78415
The coastal city is situated on the Gulf of Mexico. It has over 100 miles of beaches. So, it’s a hotspot for outdoor activities like surfing, windsurfing, fishing, and paddleboarding.
The city’s downtown has the USS Lexington, a WWII aircraft carrier museum. It also has the Texas State Aquarium. It shows marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
The median home price in Corpus Christi is 21% lower than the national average. With no state income tax, Corpus Christi is one of the best places in Texas to live for retirees.
» Corpus Christi Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in this island city.
#5 El Paso
El Paso is one of the good places to live in Texas.
- Median Home Price: $261,503.[2]
- Median Household Income in El Paso: $55,417.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 52/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the El Paso, TX: 79928 | 79938 | 79934
If you like Mexican food and Hispanic culture, El Paso is the city for you. Also, thanks to its proximity to Mexico. The city has a rich history, shown in landmarks like the Plaza Theatre and the Ysleta Mission.
The city offers affordable housing with a median home price 29% lower than the national average. El Paso’s economy is strong, along with its vibrant culture and art.
» El Paso Homes for Sale: Find your home among thousands of listings.
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#6 Plano
Plano is one of the nicest cities in Texas.
- Median Home Price: $516,250.[2]
- Median Household Income in Plano: $105,679.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 69/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Plano, TX: 75023 | 75025 | 75074
Located near Dallas, Plano has it all: schools, diversity, nightlife, and family friendliness. The city is quiet and ideal for retirees and families. You can enjoy activities such as hiking, shopping for antiques, visiting museums, etc.
The city’s real estate market is steeper, with a median home price 31% higher than the national average. It can be a good place to live in Texas for those who are making a decent amount of money.
» Plano Homes for Sale: Find a home in the best place to move in Texas.
#7 Houston
Houston is one of the best cities to live in Texas.
- Median Home Price: $354,990.[2]
- Median Household Income in Houston: $60,440.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Houston, TX: 77009 | 77007 | 77084
Houston is also well-known as ‘Space City.’ The city is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, a key hub for human spaceflight activities.
The city offers numerous things, such as luxury dining, professional sports teams, and more. From myriad volunteer programs to senior discounts, Houston is ideal even for those aged 65 and older.
The median home price in Houston is 17% lower than the rest of the country. Also, the cost of healthcare is 5% lower than the national average. This is one of the reasons why Houston is among the top places to live in Texas.
» Houston Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in this Space City.
#8 Fort Worth
Fort Worth is one of the best areas to live in Texas.
- Median Home Price: $349,900.[2]
- Median Household Income in Fort Worth: $72,726.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Fort Worth, TX: 76179 | 76131 | 76244
Fort Worth is known for its rich Western heritage and vibrant cultural scene. It is home to top-rated public schools and family attractions like the Fort Worth Zoo and Botanic Garden. The city’s strong economy is driven by industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing.
The median home price in Fort Worth is 16% below the national average. Also, the grocery costs are 1% lower than the national average.
» Fort Worth Homes for Sale: Explore housing options in this growing city.
#9 Frisco
Fort Worth is one of the best cities in Texas to live.
- Median Home Price: $700,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Fort Worth: $144,567.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 70/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Fort Worth, TX: 75035 | 75033 | 75034
Frisco, located north of Dallas, has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. The city has top schools, a low crime rate, and family-friendly activities, like the National Videogame Museum and KidZania.
Also, Frisco has 73.74% expected job growth rate. The city’s major employers include Frisco Independent School District and T-Mobile.
Despite the higher housing costs, the city’s excellent amenities and strong educational system make it worth considering for families prioritizing education and quality of life.
» Frisco Homes for Sale: Find a home in this family-oriented city.
#10. McAllen
McAllen is one of the best places to live in Texas.
- Median Home Price: $274,500.[2]
- Median Household Income in McAllen: $56,326.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 43/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the McAllen, TX: 78504 | 78501 | 78573
McAllen, located in the Rio Grande Valley, offers affordable living and a vibrant culture. The city also enjoys a warm climate and a rich mix of cultural influences.
The median home price is 42% lower than the national average. Additionally, the cost of living is 18% lower than the national average.
The major attractions of the city include Quinta Mazatlán, IMAS, McAllen Nature Center, and more. Also, McAllen has a growing job market with a 22.60% future growth rate. McAllen also boasts a warm climate and a rich blend of cultural influences.
» McAllen Homes for Sale: Explore affordable housing in this vibrant city.
Best Places to Live in Texas Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities and healthcare facilities.
Is Texas the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Texas is one of the best places to live in the US due to its tax benefits and sunny weather. Moreover, a booming job market and low home prices (17% lower than the national average) are major pluses.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in the home buying demand in Texas. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Texas
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Texas. The comparison criteria and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Texas Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[6]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Texas for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas a good place to live?
Yes, the Lone Star State is a good place to live and has year-round sunshine. Houston, Dallas and San Antonio are some of the best places in Texas.
What is the best city to live in Texas?
Austin is the best city to live in Texas. It has a strong job market and offers immense education. Also, it offers a lively atmosphere and music events..
What part of Texas gets the worst tornadoes?
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is the most prone to tornadoes. On the other hand, cities like Austin and San Antonio are least likely to get tornadoes.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Texas?
With a cost of living 15% below the national average, Brownsville is among the cheapest places to live in Texas.
