No income tax, excellent healthcare, and affordable living have influenced over 500K people who have flocked to the Lone Star State recently. Many are settling for cities that offer low living costs and cheap rentals.
With cities like Amarillo and Brownsville costing 26.4% and 25.1% less than the US median, it’s clear why so many are making the move. So, why wait? Scroll down to discover the 10 cheapest places to live in the Lone Star State, all without breaking the bank. Don’t let your dream home wait!
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Texas in 2025
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
3 Cheapest Places to Live in Texas for Families 👨🏻👩🏻👧🏻👦🏻
1. Abilene
- Median House Rent: $1,295
- Median Home Value: $188,764
- Cost of Living: 19.8% cheaper than the national average.
Abilene offers the cheapest real estate in Texas. Food and groceries here also cost 4% lower than the US average, so you can stock up on snacks without feeling guilty.
Besides, you can visit the Abilene Zoo and Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden for kids’ entertainment. Moreover, Wylie High School and Abilene High School are some of the top schools here, which makes it a great place for families.
» Abilene Homes for Sale: Explore the cheapest cities to live in Texas and secure your dream home.
2. Killeen
- Median House Rent: $1,200
- Median Home Value: $217,009
- Cost of Living: 16.3% cheaper than the national average.
Killeen is among the best affordable places to live in Texas, especially for military families. This is due to its proximity to Fort Cavazos. The city offers excellent schools like Harker Heights High School and Pathways Academic Campus.
For weekend fun, head to Stillhouse Hollow Lake for boating or Lions Club Park for a picnic. Just watch out for the ducks; they can be bold when it comes to stealing sandwiches.
» Killeen Homes for Sale: Search for cheap homes in Texas for families.
3. El Paso
- Median House Rent: $1,525
- Median Home Value: $223,218
- Cost of Living: 18.1% cheaper than the national average.
El Paso offers utilities at 7% less than the US median and is known for its excellent schools. This includes the Coronado High School and the Franklin High School.
Additionally, you can visit the Franklin Mountains State Park for a short hike or trek for the weekend. Besides, the El Paso Zoo is a popular attraction for picnics and animal watching.
» El Paso Homes for Sale: Find your homes in one of the cheapest Texas cities to live in.
3 Cheapest Places to Live in Texas for Young Adults👨🏻💻
1. Amarillo
- Median House Rent: $1,375
- Median Home Value: $193,956
- Cost of Living: 26.4% cheaper than the national average.
Amarillo is one of the most affordable cities in Texas, with housing and utilities at 46% and 8% below the US median, respectively. The city is also home to key employers like BSA Health System and Pantex. But this doesn’t stop!
You can visit the Sixth Street Historic District to relive history. Also, make sure you try The Big Texan Steak Ranch for your taste buds. Here affordability comes with fun.
» Amarillo Homes for Sale: Discover the best and cheapest cities to live in Texas.
2. San Antonio
- Median House Rent: $1,678
- Median Home Value: $249,398
- Cost of Living: 8.7% cheaper than the national average.
San Antonio is a hotspot for young adults, thanks to key employers like USAA, H-E-B, and Valero Energy. You can also visit Pearl District, which offers several restaurants, breweries, galleries, and shops.
San Antonio’s mix of culture, history, and affordability makes it a top choice for young professionals. Besides, it’s affordable housing in Texas makes it an excellent option for first-time homebuyers.
» San Antonio Homes for Sale: Find your cheapest housing in Texas today!
3. Corpus Christi
- Median House Rent: $1,595
- Median Home Value: $215,604
- Cost of Living: 16.5% cheaper than the national average.
Corpus Christi is one of the most affordable cities to live in Texas, known for its coastal charm and beachside living. Major employers include Valero, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.
Visit one of the vibrant nightlife spots in the Downtown Marina Arts District. For a quieter weekend, head to Padre Island National Seashore, just don’t forget the sunscreen, unless you want to look like a lobster.
» Corpus Christi Homes for Sale: Explore affordable Texas cities and find your dream home.
4 Cheapest Places to Live in Texas for Retirees 🏖️
1. Brownsville
- Median House Rent: $1,500
- Median Home Value: $187,055
- Cost of Living: 25.1% cheaper than the national average.
‘The Sunset Capital of the World’ offers healthcare at 5% cheaper than the US median. Beyond affordability, Brownsville boasts a warm, year-round tropical vibe.
Retirees also benefit from nearby healthcare facilities like Valley Baptist Medical Center. Besides, the city is home to Resaca de la Palma State Park and Boca Chica Beach that offer stunning views.
» Brownsville Homes for Sale: Discover affordable homes in one of the the cheapest places to live in TX.
2. San Angelo
- Median House Rent: $1,350
- Median Home Value: $214,971
- Cost of Living: 18.9% cheaper than the national average.
San Angelo is among the cheapest towns to live in Texas that offers a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities. Take a scenic walk along the Concho River Walk or explore San Angelo State Park, just watch out for those deers.
With excellent healthcare facilities like Shannon Medical Center, San Angelo is a great place to enjoy your retirement. Plus, the city’s affordable housing means you can splurge on a golf cart or a fancy rocking chair.
» San Angelo Homes for Sale: Browse inexpensive homes in Texas to live.
#3 Wichita Falls
- Median House Rent: $1,200
- Median Home Value: $163,276
- Cost of Living: 23.7% cheaper than the national average.
Wichita Falls is not only one of the cheapest places in Texas to live but also a peaceful retirement destination. With affordable housing costs at 34% and top-notch healthcare at United Regional Health Care System, you can enjoy your retirement without worrying.
For recreation, visit Lucy Park for bike rides and hikes, just don’t try to race the squirrels; they’re surprisingly fast. With its peaceful atmosphere and low cost of living, Wichita Falls is a great place to relax and enjoy life.
» Wichita Falls Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in the cheapest city to live in Texas.
4. Lubbock
- Median House Rent: $1,399
- Median Home Value: $199,759
- Cost of Living: 18.9% cheaper than the national average.
Monthly utility costs in Lubbock are quite affordable at 10% below the national average. This makes it one of the cheapest cities in Texas. It is known for its thriving arts scene and wine, with attractions like the Buddy Holly Center and Llano Estacado Winery.
With quality healthcare at Covenant Medical Center and UMC Health System, Lubbock is a great place to enjoy your golden years. Plus, the city’s friendly community and low cost of living make it easy to settle in.
» Lubbock Homes for Sale: Find cheap houses for sale in Texas for retirees.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Texas?
You will find cheap houses for sale in Texas under 150K in cities like Amarillo, Brownsville, and Wichita Falls. They also offer stable job opportunities and a low cost of living, which is more affordable than other Texas cities.
Plus, moving to Texas comes with added perks like tax benefits, making it an even smarter financial move. Want to save more? Get a mortgage pre-approval. This will help you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Texas.
📢 Check Out Budget-Friendly Homes for Sale in Texas
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in TX.
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Research Methodology
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on four parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the cheapest places to live in the Lone Star State:
- Zillow[1]: Median House Price, Rental Price
- Bestplaces.net[2] : Cost of Living
- U.S. Census Bureau[3]: Median Household Income
- Texas Demographics[4]: Population
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive place to live in Texas?
The cheapest city in Texas to live is Amarillo. It offers affordable transportation, which is 13% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Texas: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Texas.
Where is the best place to live in Texas?
The best place to live in Texas is Lubbock, followed by McAllen, San Antonio, Beaumont, El Paso, and Fort Worth. Cities like Brownsville, Plano, Dallas, and Houston also feature among the best places to live in Texas.
Is Texas the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $298,511. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
What are the living expenses in Texas?
The living expenses in Texas are 2% lower than the national average. However, housing and healthcare are cheaper than the national average, 2% and 7% respectively.
