Thinking about living in Texas? The Lone Star State has plenty to offer—from employment opportunities to delicious BBQ and Mexican cuisine! Even with a median home price of $294,444, there are plenty of budget-friendly cities in Texas to call home. Here are the top eight affordable Texas cities!
Brownsville
- Population: 182,230
- Home Price: $92,400 median purchase price; $754 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 24% of Texas cities
- Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
The largest city in the Rio Grande Valley and one of the cheapest places to live in Texas, Brownsville is ideal for anyone looking for spacious condos and luxury homes in a city with beautiful weather year-round. Brownsville’s average 223 days of sunshine and location along the Mexico border have brought great economic growth through international trading and the citrus industry. The city hosts events throughout the year to celebrate the city’s blend of Mexican and American cultures—including the Sombrero Festival and the Charro Days Fiesta, where you can enjoy fireworks, live music, costumes, and more! Education and tourism are also big draws to the area, with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley situated near Downtown Brownsville and South Padre Island less than an hour away.
Things to Do in Brownsville
Go on a self-guided tour, sign up for the Battlefield Program, or explore the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail at the Palo Alto Battlefield—the site where the first major battle of the Mexican-American War was fought. Build a sandcastle, go surfing, or have a picnic on the dunes at Boca Chica State Park. Learn about Amelia Earhart, farming, and the weather at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville. See unique animals like the tree kangaroo, saltwater crocodiles, and Gila monsters at the Gladys Porter Zoo. Grab a Dilly of A Burger, Chicken Fried Chicken Salad, and Fajita Melt at Brownsville hot spot, The Vermillion. Dig in to Stuffed Mushrooms, an El Paso Turkey Panini, or Chicken Parm at Cobbleheads. Indulge in authentic Mexican dishes like Al Pastor Tacos, Frijoles Charros, and Tostadas at El Ultimo Taco Taqueria. Or get a pint, the Scotch Eggs, or Shepherds Pie with some friends after work at Shenanigan’s Irish Pub.
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El Paso
- Population: 679,879
- Home Price: $132,800 median purchase price; $857 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of Texas cities
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
Located along the Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico borders, El Paso is one of the best cities to live in Texas without breaking the bank. The area offers a colorful art scene thanks to the El Paso Museum of Art and El Paso Downtown Arts District, which features 50 exhibitions of local and international art! Nature lovers can enjoy tons of outdoor activities like the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden and Carlsbad Caverns National Park, just two hours away. El Centro and Union Plaza also offer quirky places to dine or have a fun night out. Jobs in El Paso are plentiful, too, as the region represents one of the largest manufacturing centers in the U.S.—not to mention, The University of Texas at El Paso brings in residents interested in the education field.
Things to Do in El Paso
Take your family to see meerkats, tamarins, and elephants at the El Paso Zoo. Spend the day hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing at Franklin Mountains State Park. Get your arts fix with Broadway shows like Clue, Six the Musical, and Beauty and the Beast at the Plaza Theatre. Explore the WigWam or join the Chinatown or San Elizario ghost tours at Ghosts915. Try unique brunch dishes like Pineapple Downside Up Pancakes, Nola Chicken Biscuits & Gravy, and Blueberry Stout French Toast at The Hoppy Monk. Indulge in an Ahi Tuna Tostada, Chile Bomber Burger, or a side of Sweet Potato Waffle Fries at Crave Kitchen & Bar. Feast on some of the best Mexican food in El Paso, like Chile Con Queso Steak, Pollo en Mole, and Huevos Rancheros at local favorite, L&J Cafe. Or sip a Pecan Porter, White Rabbit, or Strawberry Kolsh at Blazing Tree Brewery.
Galveston
- Population: 50,307
- Home Price: $196,400 median purchase price; $1,024 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 16% of Texas cities
- Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
You won’t find beachfront homes in Texas as affordable as the ones in Galveston! About two hours south of Houston, tucked along the Gulf of Mexico, the city has a vast amount of outdoor activities, like the Galveston Seawall and Galveston Island State Park. Galveston is well-known for its historical Victorian architecture—with popular spots like Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion that residents can tour. Plus, residents who enjoy a thrill can go on a ghost tour of the Grand Galvez, one of the city’s notoriously haunted places. The Port of Galveston and American National Insurance Company headquarters create tons of jobs in the area, and tourism is a major source of economic growth due to Galveston being a top location for cruise ships to stop. Be sure to visit Historic Downtown Galveston—where you can find some of the city’s top local restaurants, shops, art galleries, and more!
Things to Do in Galveston
Have an underwater virtual reality experience, race across zip lines, or explore a giant aquarium at Moody Gardens. Get your adrenaline pumping with high-flying amusement rides like the Iron Shark Rollercoaster, Pirate’s Plunge, or Gulf Glider at Pleasure Pier. Experience speedy water slides like the Dragon Blaster, Infinity Racers, or Thunder Tub at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Play beach volleyball, swim, or have a family picnic at Stewart Beach. Have a delicious brunch of Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp N Grits, or Lemon Blueberry Pancakes at Sugar & Rye. Order Citrus Snapper, Greek Turkey Burger, or Diablo Shrimp Tacos at The Spot. Enjoy Coconut Shrimp, Fried Oysters, and Crawfish Tail at Shrimp ‘N Stuff. Or indulge in cocktails like an Old Fashioned, White Negroni, and Espresso Martini at Daiquiri Time Out.
Harlingen
- Population: 65,028
- Home Price: $92,00 median purchase price; $748 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 26% of Texas cities
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
If you’re looking for the cheapest cities in Texas, look no further than Harlingen! Located just 30 minutes outside of Brownsville, the “Tropical Playground of Texas” has a cozy, small-town feel while having all the amenities of a big city. Families with young kids will love Harlingen’s great schools—including St. Anthony Catholic School and Harlingen School of Health Professions—and close proximity to outdoor recreation like the Laguna Atacosa National Wildlife Refuge. And students and young professionals can benefit from the job opportunities brought to the area with UTRGV School of Medicine, United Healthcare, Penske Logistics, and Panasonic. Plus, the city is home to the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, where you can observe over 200 different types of birds and hear live mariachi music.
Things to Do in Harlingen
Watch hummingbirds and butterflies flutter in the garden, have a cookout at the barbecue pits, or frolic through the splash pad at Lon C. Hill Park. Let your furry friend run around in the dog park, swim laps at the aquatic center, or play catch on one of the five baseball fields at Victor Park. Stop by the Iwo Jima Monument, check out historical artifacts, and watch a film about Iwo Jima at the Iwo Jima Museum. Enjoy a craft beer, attend an art night, or listen to live music at Luna Sky Lounge. Feast on Chicken Parmesan Pizza, Stromboli, or Baked Ziti at Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza. Indulge in Fried Stuffed Avocados, Los Panchos, and Fried Ice Cream at La Playa Mexican Cafe. Order Italian dishes like Piccata, Sun-harvest Scallops, and Insalata Caprese at Colletti’s Italian Restaurant. Or head to happy hour at Sir’s Martini Lounge for speciality cocktails like Paloma, Bloody Mary, and Banana Split Martini.
Lewisville
- Population: 107,740
- Home Price: $232,800 median purchase price; $1,228 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 33% of Texas cities
- Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
Lewisville is a relaxing oasis in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and it’s one of the most affordable cities in Texas. Not only does the area offer less than an hour commute to DFW for jobs and exciting amenities, but it also has tons of fantastic local hot spots for having fun, trying new cuisine, and throwing back a few drinks—all within walking or biking distance of your front door. Lewisville has plenty of festivals and events throughout the year—including the annual Western Days Festival, where you can participate in inflatable obstacle courses and a tamale eating contest, and Lewisville ColorPalooza, which features sidewalk chalk displays, tie-dye stations, and live music. Residents also have the luxury of being surrounded by lush parks and the beautiful Lewisville Lake, so enjoying the Texas weather is a must!
Things to Do in Lewisville
Explore the Geocache Trail or go kayaking at Lewisville Lake at the LLELA Nature Preserve. Hit the links, do cannonballs in the pool, or sit down for luxury dining at the members-only The Lakes Castle Hills. Go on a jog, take your kids to the playground, or enjoy a nice picnic at Valley Ridge Greenbelt Park. Watch ballerinas leap across the stage, hear live music from Texas musicians, or laugh out loud with stand-up comedians at the Lewisville Grand Theater. Start your day with French Toast, Breakfast Tacos, or Texas Scrambler at Main Street Cafe. Fill up on St. Louis Ribs, Big BBQ Sandwich, and Fried Okra at family-owned Big Jack’s BBQ. Feast on a Cowboy Quesadilla, Brisket Sandwich, or Fried Catfish at Prairie House. Or enjoy Jambalaya Pasta, Blackened Chicken, or Fish Ah Yee! at Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe.
McAllen
- Population: 142,557
- Home Price: $131,500 median purchase price; $829 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of Texas cities
- Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Recognized as one of the best places to retire, McAllen is the place to settle down in if you’re searching for a city that will provide a high quality of life with a low cost of living. Families and retirees who move here will find that housing is 24% lower than the national average, which means finding a luxurious four-bedroom house with a big yard to fit your budget is easy! Plus, there are countless jobs in McAllen for those in the agriculture, trade, tourism, and manufacturing industries. Looking for a place to live with plenty of things to do? McAllen offers a wide variety of entertainment options, from greenspaces like the McAllen Nature Center and shopping in La Plaza Mall to the annual McAllen Holiday Parade, featuring giant character balloons, marching bands, Christmas in the Park, and more! And McAllen’s location along the Mexico border brings culture and diversity to the community—celebrated with festivals like MXLAN and Fiesta de Palmas.
Things to Do in McAllen
Play sand volleyball, go kayaking, or have a family barbecue at Town Lake at Firemen’s Park. Enroll your kids in a swim program, participate in water aerobics, or enjoy a pool day at the McAllen Municipal Swimming Pool. Cool down indoors while exploring Latin American folk art, lithographs by Pablo Picasso, and interactive science exhibits at the International Museum of Art & Science. Navigate the nature trails, admire the Cactus Garden, and learn about the flora and fauna in Southern Texas at Quinta Mazatlan. Sit on the outdoor patio to share brick-oven pizzas like the Smoked Salmon, Spinach and Shrimp Calzone, or Desert Fire Pasta at Republic of the Rio Grande. Try Cajun-inspired dishes like New Orleans Shrimp, Crawfish Etouffee, or Red Snapper Rockefeller at Dirty Al’s Bayou Grill. Sample Gyoza, Teppanyaki, or Soft Shell Crab at Yasuke. Or try Tacos Reynosa, Pollo en Mole, or Botana Zapata at Poncho’s.
Temple
- Population: 76,590
- Home Price: $145,900 median purchase price; $911 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of Texas cities
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
Family-friendly activities, comfort food, and spending time outdoors make Temple, one of the most affordable cities in Texas, a great place to live. Residents can enjoy Downtown Temple‘s local shops, restaurants, live entertainment, as well as First Friday—a monthly event with block parties, food and drink specials, and more. You’ll also find a robust art scene in Temple, with local artists adding color to the city through murals and the Temple Art Train Project. And the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center helps preserve the state’s Czech cultural influence. On top of the vibrant culture, Temple also offers great opportunities for those looking to work in healthcare, as Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, and Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine are all stationed here.
Things to Do in Temple
Set up a tee time and try to get a hole-in-one at Sammons Golf Links. Go boating around Belton Lake, lie on the beach to relax, or have a cookout with friends at Temples Lake Park. Enjoy concerts like Nosferatu, Echoes of Bohemia, or Once Upon A Symphony at the Temple Symphony Orchestra. View the latest musical and play productions like Cabaret, Fences, and Oklahoma! at the Temple Civic Theatre. Enjoy farm-to-table dishes like Southern Style Poutine, Avo Benedict, and Biscuits & Gravy Benedict at Megg’s Cafe. Try the popular Chicken Fried Steak, Beef Liver & Onions, or Meemaw’s Meatloaf at Central Texas favorite, The Old Jody’s. Order the Pub Burger or The Banger Pizza and sip a Rolling Rock Extra Pale Lager at O’Briens Irish Pub. Or try unique brews like Cowboy Cold, Cruise Control, and Task Manager at Bird Creek Brewing.
Wichita Falls
- Population: 104,657
- Home Price: $104,800 median purchase price; $828 median rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 17% of Texas cities
- Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
With a cost of living 15% lower than the national average and 7% lower than the state average, it’s no wonder that Wichita Falls is one of the most affordable cities in Texas! If you’re looking for a job in Wichita Falls, this mid-size Texas city has a robust job sector—with healthcare and education among the top sectors in the area. Plus, Wichita Falls is home to major companies like United Regional Health Care System and Midwestern State University, in addition to the home of Sheppard Air Force Base, making it an ideal location for military families and personnel. Located northwest of Fort Worth, just south of the Oklahoma border, Wichita Falls has plenty to offer residents—from the scenic views of the Wichita River to The World’s Littlest Skyscraper and the Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Market.
Things to Do in Wichita Falls
Play disc golf with friends, have a family picnic, or visit the nearby River Bend Nature Center at Lucy Park. Learn about North Texas with experiences like Heritage Hall, the William Carter Ship Collection, and Generations of Play at the Museum of North Texas History. Explore exhibits like The Story Reimagined, Follow the Waters, or The Boomer List at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art. Attend the monthly jam, karaoke with friends, or see local bands like Strange Lucy at The Iron Horse Pub. Start your day with a Breakfast Panini, Veggie Croissant, or a Blueberry Muffin Coffee at 8th Street Coffee House. Feast on Texas Style Ribs, Porterhouse Steak, or Butterflied Quail at McBrides Land & Cattle Co. Enjoy Southern comfort foods like Hush Puppies, Sweet Potato Casserole, or Chicken Fried Steak at The Loft at Pickler’s. Or try Pistachio Pesto Pizza, Texas Heat Pizza, or craft beers like Nitro Obsidian Stout at Half Pint Taproom & Restoration Hall.
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City statistics from AreaVibes
The team at Extra Space Storage understands that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you—considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education—to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
