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14 Cheapest Places To Live in Texas

By: ROS Team

Texas is a vast state with abundant offerings ranging from bustling cities to charming towns. However, if you’re in search of an affordable place­ to reside, exploring these 14 budget-friendly de­stinations in Texas is highly recommended. These cities offer an array of amenitie­s and attractions at affordable prices, making them ide­al for families, entrepre­neurs, or anyone see­king a more relaxed lifestyle.

Cheapest City to Live in Texas

1. Breckenridge

(Media Home Price: $136,118)

Breckenridge, Texas
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Breckenridge is the cheapest city to live in Texas. The city is a small town in Texas and is known for its beautiful scenery, including the Caprock Canyons State Park. The town is also home to a number of wineries and breweries. Sales and property taxes in Breckenridge are also low as compared to the other parts of Texas.

2. Beaumont

(Median Home Price: $149,076)

Beaumont, Texas
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Beaumont is a port city on the Gulf Coast. It’s home to a number of industries, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and healthcare. The city also has a number of museums and art galleries. The population of Beaumont stands at 112,556, and many corporations call the neighborhood their name, including Gulf States Utilities.

3. Wichita Falls

(Median Home Price: $166,341)

Wichita Falls, Texas
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With a population of 104,553, Wichita Falls is another cheapest place to live in Texas. The city is located in north-central Texas, and according to stats, the housing expenses here are 19% lower than the national average. Wichita Falls is also known for its lakes and rivers, as well as its art museum and zoo. The city is also home to a number of colleges and universities.

4. Harlingen

(Median Home Price: $174,679)

Harlingen, Texas
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Harlingen is a city in South Texas. It’s known for its beaches and its proximity to the Rio Grande Valley. The city is also home to a number of golf courses and resorts. According to Rentcafe estimate, the cost of living in Harlingen is 17% lower than Texas’ average and 23% lower than the U.S. average.

5. Texarkana

(Median Home Price: $187,490)

Texarkana, Texas
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Texarkana is a city on the border between Texas and Arkansas. The city has a population of 36,193 and it’s known for its historic downtown and its many festivals. Texarkana is relatively considered the cheapest city to live in Texas for a variety of reasons. First, the average rent here is only $800, which is 14% lower than the state average, as reported by Bestplaces.net. Secondly, utilities like health, transportation, and grocery items are also available cheaply.

6. Abilene

(Median Home Price: $194,652)

Abilene, Texas
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The number six city on our list is Abilene, located in  Taylor and Jones County. It’s known for its art museum and its rodeo. The cost of living in Abilene is 9% lower than the national average. However, utilities are a bit pricey. The city is home to 125,182, the majority of whom are military professionals and healthcare professionals.

7. Amarillo

(Median Home Price: $196,429)

Amarillo, Texas
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Amarillo is another cheapest city to live in Texas. The city is home to 200,393 residents, and it is also the 14th most populous city in Texas. Amarillo offers a blend of old and new Texas traditions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking exciting outdoor adventures or unique experiences for their bucket list.

8. San Angelo

(Median Home Price: $206,885)

San Angelo, Texas
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San Angelo, located in West Texas, is another great place for people who are looking to stretch their dollar. It’s known for its art museum and its Fort Concho National Historic Landmark. The city is also home to a number of wineries and breweries. San Angelo also offers budget-friendly living with median housing values around $206,885 and average rents at approximately $850, which is more affordable than some nearby cities like Christoval and Mereta to the southeast.

9. Lubbock

(Median Home Price:  $209,036)

Lubbock, Texas
Photo Credit: Canva

 

Lubbock is a city in West Texas and is also considered one of the top places to live in Texas. It’s known for its agriculture industry and its Tech football team. Lubbock is also home to Texas Tech University, the sixth-largest college in the state. The city is also the cheapest place to live in Texas, with housing expenses dropping down to 17% as compared to the national average.

10. Odessa

(Median Home Price: $211,197)

Odessa, Texas
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Founded in 1881, this historic city is also one of the cheapest in Texas. The population of Odessa stands at 114,428, and the cost of living here is 8% lower than the national average. If you want to explore history and adventure, Odessa is an ideal place. From mural trails to Stonehenge replicas, Odessa has something to offer for everyone.

11. El Paso

(Median Home Price: $211,670)

El Paso, Texas
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El Paso is a city in West Texas. It’s known for its Mexican culture and its proximity to Mexico. The city is also one of the safest as there is a strong military presence. The population of El Paso is 1,092,742. If you want to live in Texas without breaking your budget, El Paso should be your destination. Housing options are in abundance here, and other expenses like transportation and groceries won’t cost you much.

12. Pasadena

(Median Home Price: $214,720)

Pasadena, Texas
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Coming at number 12 in Pasadena. It is located near Houston and is known for its NASA Space Center. It’s also the second-largest city in Harris County, with a population of 151,950. The combined expenses for housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and basic needs for a single adult in Pasadena amount to $34,399 annually, which closely aligns with Texas’ annual cost of living at $34,448 and is lower than the national average of $38,433.

13. Waco

(Median Home Price: $218,001)

Waco, Texas
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Waco, located in Central Texas, is the penultimate city on our list of cheapest places to live in Texas. It’s known for its Baylor University and its chili. As reported by Rentcafe, the cost of living in Waco is 3% lower than the state average and 10% lower than the national average. One key factor that makes Waco a desirable city for potential buyers is its cheap housing costs, which are 21% lower than the national average.

14. Corpus Christi

(Median Home Price: $218,426)

Corpus Christi, Texas
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With a cost of living 10% lower than the national average, Corpus Christi is another cheapest place to live in Texas. The city is located on the Gulf Coast and is known for its beaches and fishing industry. The city’s population is 317,863, making it the eighth-most populous city in Texas.

Cheapest Places To Live in Texas: Takeaway

In conclusion, these 14 cities offer a variety of affordable options for people looking to relocate to Texas. Whether you’re looking for a small town or a big city, you’re sure to find a place that fits your needs and budget. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your move to one of these great places today!