The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and for good reason. From some of America’s largest and active metropolitan cities to the host of recreational activities for people of all ages across the state to the many bigger-than-life personalities who call Texas home, Texas has plenty to offer for everyone.

Because the state itself is one of the largest in the United States and because the southernmost part of the state borders Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico, people in Texas can visit different areas of the state to enjoy varying weather environments, diverse cultures, forested areas, and beach life.

There’s a lot to do in Texas, especially in the metropolitan areas – that’s the positive – the downside is that living in big Texas cities can be expensive.

While the cost of living can be high in some of the larger cities, such as Houston, Austin, and Dallas, there are plenty of towns and cities across the state that offer an affordable alternative to big city life without sacrificing a high quality of living.

Many of these places also provide a measure of security for families with low crime rates, quality educational opportunities, and access to well-paying and enjoyable employment.

Here you’ll find our list, along with the highlights that are the 10 cheapest places to live in Texas in 2024.

1. El Paso

El Paso is located along the Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico borders and has a population of 683,000. As one of the largest cities in Texas, El Paso is rich in culture, with a diverse art scene and a variety of outdoor activities for people to enjoy, such as the El Paso Zoo, the city’s many beautiful parks, campgrounds, and water sports. The city boasts a low crime rate, making it a family-friendly location to live.

The median household income in El Paso is $45,031, and the median property value is $130,900. The median monthly rent is $790.

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2. Cedar Park

Cedar Park is conveniently located just a few miles outside of downtown Austin and has a population of 70,000. Cedar Park was named one of Family Circle’s Top 10 Places to Raise a Family, and it boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with high quality schools, desirable neighborhoods, and great employment opportunities due to its proximity to Austin. It also sits in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

The median household income in Cedar Park is $96,612, and the median property value is $258,200. The median monthly rent is $1,318.

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3. Galveston

Galveston Island is located just two hours south of Houston along the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of 45,700, Galveston is primarily known as a resort town, but with its affordable beachfront properties, it’s also a desirable place to live for anyone who loves being close to the ocean.

There’s also plenty of activities for people to do in Galveston, from visiting Moody Gardens, to sitting on the beach, to having a blast at the historic Pleasure Pier, and much more.

The median annual income in Galveston is $42,500 and a median property value of $163,300. The median monthly rent is $1,102.

4. Pearland

Pearland is a fast-growing suburb of Houston and has a population of 114,000. Being close to Houston, citizens of Pearland are never at a loss for fun things to do, and many commute to work in downtown Houston.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to do in Pearland itself. Shopping and dining are popular activities with a variety of local and franchise restaurants and The Pearland Town Center, which is an open-air lifestyle mall. Golf is another popular pastime with the Pearland’s multiple golf centers.

The median household income in Pearland is $102,124, and the median property value is $208,900. The median monthly rent is $1,342.

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5. Frisco

Frisco is a Dallas suburb with a population of 155,000. People who live in Frisco have access to multiple employment opportunities both in Frisco and in nearby Dallas, making it one of the highest-income places to live in Texas.

It’s also home to several sports teams, such as Major League Soccer team FC Dallas and the AA affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers. The city also features 9 million square feet of shopping and dining.

The median household income in Frisco is $120,701, and the median property value is $335,900. The median monthly rent is $1,396.

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6. Brownsville

Brownsville is the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley with a population of 182,000 and is located at the southernmost tip of Texas along the border of Mexico. Sitting next to the Gulf of Mexico, Brownsville is also known for its beautiful weather year-round.

With a distinct culture influenced by its proximity to Mexico and its primarily Hispanic citizens, Brownsville comes alive with regular festivals and parades celebrating Mexican traditions that have been integrated into American culture.

People in Brownsville enjoy many activities, such as visiting the beach, art galleries, historical museums, and wildlife reserves. It’s also a short distance from South Padre Island, where many people go to visit. Brownsville is also known as the “Sunset Capital of the World” because of its beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

The Median household income of a Brownsville resident is $35,636 a year with a median property value of $85,900. The median monthly rent is $683.

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7. Lewisville

Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Lewisville, with its population of 104,000 is one of the most affordable places to live in Texas. With its proximity to beautiful Lewisville Lake and the surrounding lush parks, Lewisville is a relaxing haven for its citizens.

Being in the Dallas-Fort Worth area also makes it an ideal place for people to commute to work every day. There are plenty of local hot spots for people to enjoy, such as a compelling art scene, a walk into the past at Old Town Lewisville, and a variety of dining options.

The median household income in Lewisville is $59,964, and the median property value is $172,100. The median rent is $1,195.

8. Pecos

Pecos is a small border town in Texas with a population of 9,800. As a small town, Pecos is known for its friendly atmosphere. Most people in Pecos support themselves through farming and agriculture. It’s also the site of the world’s very first rodeo. If you’re looking for a small town feel in Texas, Pecos is the way to go.

The median household income in Pecos is $54,967, and the median property value is $54,200. The median monthly rent is $550.

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9. Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a small town in North Central Texas with a population of 6,000. It is the county seat of Stephens County, and it boasts high quality employment and education opportunities, making it a great place for families. The town is perfectly situated between three beautiful lakes, and many citizens enjoy hunting.

The median household income in Breckenridge is $41,867, and the median property value is $62,700. The median monthly rent is $668.

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10. Odessa

Odessa is located in west Texas and has a population of 116,000. The community of Odessa is very close knit, which may have something to do with its emphasis on high school football. Odessa was, after all, the site of the movie Friday Night Lights. It’s also known for its cowboy culture, but there’s more to the town than that.

Featuring several attractions, such as a recreation of William Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the second largest meteor crater in Texas, and a replica of Stonehenge, Odessa has a diverse and booming economy.

The median household income in Odessa is $61,541, and the median property value is $136,300. The median monthly rent is $1,284.

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Conclusion

Texas has so much to offer to draw a steady stream of new residents from all over the world, and with demand high, home prices can get expensive in the more popular areas. But you don’t have to live in a big city in Texas to enjoy everything that makes Texas great. The Lone Star State has plenty of desirable living options in suburbs and rural areas.