13 Cheapest Places To Live in Texas

13 Cheapest Places To Live in Texas (2024)

1. Breckenridge
2. Beaumont
3. Wichita Falls
4. Harlingen
5. Texarkana
6. Abilene
7. Amarillo
8. Odessa
9. El Paso
10. Lubbock
11. Corpus Christi
12. Pasadena
13. Waco

1. Beaumont

The cheapest place to live in Texas is Beaumont, which has a median home price of only $145,200. Beaumont also has the cheapest rent in Texas, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing a mere $745 a month. This small town is located on the southeastern coast of Texas and is only a short 45-minute drive from the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for popular attractions such as the Clifton Steamboat Museum, the McFaddin-Ward House Historic Museum, and the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum. With some of the lowest average home prices and rental rates in the state, Beaumont is the most affordable place to live in Texas.

2. Breckenridge

Another one of the most affordable places to live in Texas is Breckenridge. Located in north-central Texas, this city is historically known for being “The Fastest Growing and Busiest Oil City in the United States”. Today, Breckenridge has a population of roughly 6,000 people, and the local economy is primarily sustained by the oil, gas, and ranching industries. Home prices in this area average at around $127k, making it an affordable option for first-time homebuyers who prefer a quiet lifestyle.

3. Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls is another one of the cheapest cities in Texas. Located in north-central Texas, Wichita Falls is a wonderful destination for nature lovers. A calming respite from the chaos of big-city life, this area provides its residents with an abundance of green spaces for a calming breath of fresh air. Additionally, those who move to Wichita Falls can take advantage of the city’s low-cost housing market, healthy economy, and sparse unemployment rates. Overall, Wichita Falls is a great place for anyone who wants great business opportunities without the headache of the inner city. 

If Wichita Falls appeals to you as a great location to settle down, make sure you are informed on real estate laws in Texas. Squatters are a common occurrence despite the location of your residency. Check out our article on squatter’s rights in Texas to understand the legal processes that govern illegal occupants.

4. Harlingen

A suburb of Brownsville, Harlingen is also one of the most affordable places to live in Texas. Lovingly dubbed the “Tropical Playground of Texas”, this city is known for its great school systems and abundance of outdoor adventures. Local recreation includes the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge, Lon C. Hills Park, and the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. Residents can enjoy a bustling job market with plenty of employment opportunities thanks to a wealth of local employers like the UTRGV School of Medicine, United Healthcare, and Penske Logistics. Low average home prices and rental rates make Harlingen a great option for money-conscious families.

5. Texarkana

Not only is Texarkana cheap, but it is also a great area for students. Known for its exemplary courthouse and post office buildings, this city sits on the border between Texas and Arkansas and has a twin city across the state line. It is home to two community colleges, a four-year public college, and a state medical school. With a low cost of living and low crime rates, Texarkana is a great place for Texas scholars. 

6. Abilene

Often named one of the top cities to live in the United States, Abilene has the affordability of a small town with the amenities of a big city. This city is home to roughly 125,000 residents, the majority of whom are business professionals. Abilene is also one of the most conservative cities in Texas, so it's great for people with Republican values. 

The area is popular amongst healthcare professionals, financiers, and military personnel, who are drawn to major local employers such as Hendrick Health System, First Financial Bankshares, and the Dyess Air Force Base. Boasting a wide variety of home architectures and rental options, Abilene is a great option for homebuyers in search of great business opportunities and low costs of living.

7. Amarillo

Everything, from home prices to local cost of living, is cheaper in Amarillo. The star of the Texas panhandle, this sweet southern city is well known for its business opportunities, education systems, and wide range of outdoor activities. In addition to industries such as agriculture, medicine, and energy, Amarillo also has a strong artistic community, which includes attractions such as Cadillac Ranch and the Amarillo Museum of Arts. And, with plenty of local sporting events to go around, Amarillo is sure to have something for everyone.

8. Odessa

A town harboring a classic cowboy attitude, Odessa is another one of the cheapest places to live in Texas. Boasting a population of roughly 112k people, Odessa’s metropolitan atmosphere attracts a younger resident base, keeping the local community upbeat and enthusiastic. Thanks to major employers in the area, such as Halliburton, Anthem Oil, and Chevron, Odessa possesses a thriving local economy. However, the city’s spirit is still rooted in rodeo, keeping it an epicenter for livestock shows, equestrian competitions, and plenty of live country music. 

9. El Paso

In addition to being the 22nd largest city in the United States, El Paso is also one of the cheapest cities to live in Texas. Located on the state’s southwestern border, this city boasts average rents and home prices well below both state and national averages. El Paso also possesses a robust job market, making it the perfect place to find affordable living and employment opportunities. With some of the best cuisine, culture, and outdoor activity in the state, El Paso is a well-rounded city for residents of all ages and walks of life.

10. Lubbock

Lubbock is both cheap and growing. With its unique combination of exciting nightlife, beautiful outdoor scenery, and robust employment opportunities, residents of this city can have it all. For those who prefer an upbeat urban feel, Lubbock has a great selection of pet-friendly restaurants, bars, and cafes. And, for those who like classic country living, there are many parks, rivers, and walking trails.

Although Lubbock is an affordable place to live that offers a lot, it does suffer from high crime rates and is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas. 

11. Corpus Christi

A coastal town located a few miles from the Mexican border, Corpus Christi is the cheapest city in Texas for waterfront living. Home to hundreds of thousands of residents, this major city offers a variety of dining options, from international cuisine to choice steakhouses. Though its size and diversity make it a bustling epicenter for business, education, and nightlife, Corpus Christi is still one of the cheapest places to live in terms of home prices and rental rates. The local community is active and health-conscious, making it the perfect area to stay fit and enjoy the Texas heat.

12. Pasadena

Located just outside of Houston, Pasadena is one of the cheapest areas in Texas for commuters. This city has often been praised for its strong affordability, from cost-efficient housing to low living expenses. Its proximity to downtown Houston makes it ideal for those who prefer a variety of metropolitan amenities, such as restaurants, museums, and sporting venues. But what really sets Pasadena apart is its beautiful assortment of over 47 different parks and 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. This collection of lush greenery provides residents with some of the best outdoor recreation in the state, making Pasadena another excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

13. Waco

With living expenses roughly 10% lower than the national average, Waco is one of the cheapest places to live in Texas. This bustling city is a highly populated tourist center and hosts roughly 2 million visitors annually. Its low cost of living, reasonable home prices, and economic opportunity make Waco attractive to homebuyers all over the country. And, of course, residents are welcome to enjoy the city’s main attraction: Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Market.

Cheapest Cities to Live in Texas Compared

Cheapest Places to Live in Methodology

To determine the cheapest places to live in Texas we considered various factors including cost of living, median home prices, and average rents (for one-bedroom apartments). Median home prices are based on sales recorded in each city between January 1, 2023, and January 10, 2024. Average rents are based on the average rent in each city in 2023. 

Cheapest Places To Live in Texas Bottom Line

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the most affordable cities to live in Texas as of 2024, highlighting cities like Beaumont, Breckenridge, and Wichita Falls among others for their low cost of living and appealing qualities. Beaumont tops the list as the cheapest, with low median home prices and inexpensive rental options, complemented by local cultural attractions. Other cities like Harlingen and Amarillo also offer affordable living with vibrant local economies and ample outdoor activities, proving Texas to be a diverse and economical state for both families and professionals seeking cost-effective living environments.

Before decided on where you want to live, make sure that you are familiar with Texas rent increase laws.