Texas Cheapest Cities: What are the Most Affordable Places to Live?

Texas has a lot to offer, from the vast open regions of the great plains to the thriving metropolises that dot the coast. The Lone Star State is home to some of the country's most culturally and racially diverse cities and some of the most breathtaking natural scenery. 

One would expect the cost of living to be pricey with all those fun adventures, rich history, and beauty, right? Surprisingly, Texas is an affordable place to live, surrounded by culture, cuisine, and activities. Indeed, The Lone Star State offers more affordable locations than average compared to the rest of the country. Continue reading to find out the most affordable places to live in Texas. 

6 Most Affordable Places to Live in Texas

Are you ready to discover your options for a cheap city in Texas with fun activities and striking landmarks? According to data from bestplaces.net and rentcafe.com and separate research, here are some exciting options that offer the lowest cost of living in Texas. This list is based on the average housing price, the cost of living, and the quality of life. 

Brownsville

Brownsville makes it to the top of our list of cheap Texas cities. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do in the city. It is a city in South Texas close to the Mexican border that displays battle sites throughout the city, which serve as reminders of the American Civil War. 

There are numerous historical and cultural landmarks in Brownsville, such as museums, the Mexican American War battlefields, and Battlefield Trails. There you can find Mexican restaurants, a nature trail, a music theater, and a museum of fine arts. Additionally, Brownsville has beaches that can be visited year-round but are best enjoyed in the summer. 

Things to consider: 

• Hot and long summers with short and dry winters 
• Numerous top-ranked public schools in Texas are in the city 

The cost of housing is lower than the national average. Brownsville's cost of living is 26.6% lower than the U.S. average compared to the rest of the country. The cost of living in Brownsville is 20% lower than the Texas average, making it one of Texas' cheapest cities. 

Pricing data: 

• Median Home Price: $118,205
• Average Rent: $898 
• Median Income: $32,288 

Amarillo 

Amarillo is located on the high plains of northern Texas. The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo is renowned for its mouthwatering steak challenge and is a famous stop along Route 66. The beautiful Palo Duro Canyon State Park is accessible from Amarillo as well. This affordable city is also home to renowned theaters and exhibitions, the famous space museum, the Don Harrington Discovery Center, and the Space Theater.

Things to consider: 

• Cold, cloudy, and windy winters while the summers are clear
• Many opportunities for both education and employment 

The cost of housing is less than the national average. Compared to the rest of the country, Amarillo's cost of living is 22.2% lower than the U.S. average. The cost of living in Amarillo is 9% lower than the Texas average. Purchasing a home is 16% cheaper than in other cities in Texas. 

Pricing data: 

• Median Home Price: $156, 500
• Average Rent: $901 
• Median Income: $47,053

Harlingen

Harlingen is a small city in Texas. It is renowned for its pleasant climate, wide range of outdoor recreation activities, and proximity to bigger towns such as Brownsville and McAllen. Popular pastimes in Harlingen include hiking and going fishing. Harlingen has a lot to offer for those who desire to live there. 

Things to consider: 

• Two malls, two high schools, and three colleges are located in the city 
• Salespersons and registered nurses will have no trouble finding employment 
• The city is around 17 square miles in size and has a population of about 67,000 

Harlingen's cost of living is 29.3% lower than the U.S. average compared to the rest of the country. Harlingen's cost of living is 18% lower than the average in Texas.

Pricing data: 

• Median Home Price: $129,700
• Average Rent: $862
• Median Income: $34,868

Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls is considered one of the cheapest places in Texas to purchase a home. This city is famous for the “world’s littlest skyscraper,” built in 1919. 

Lake Wichita Park offers hiking and biking for your enjoyment. Moreover, A frisbee golf course, a duck pond, and picnic areas can be found in Lucy Park.

Although Wichita Falls has a long history as an oil and cattle town, its arts and culture sector are now the main attraction. Backdoor Theatre and the Wichita Theatre Performing Arts Center are popular live theater businesses, while the Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre offers ballet lessons.

Things to consider: 

• Certain colleges here offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees 
• Both public and private schools are available
• Citizens can get around with the intercity bus service, the Skylark van service as well as airports 
• Long and humid summers with cool winters 

Home prices are way below the national average. Compared to the rest of the country, Wichita Falls’ cost of living is 24.3% lower than the U.S. average.

Pricing data: 

• Median Home Price: $116,290
• Average Rent: $794
• Median Income: $43,751 

El Paso

El Paso is the 6th most populous city in the state of Texas. With a low cost of living, low crime rate, and a wide range of activities to do, it is an excellent choice to live in. Both children and adults can enjoy many parks and recreational activities. In addition, El Paso offers a diverse cuisine.

Things to consider: 

• The city has been rated as one of the best cities for families
• Registered nurses are in high demand 
• Hot summers with little humidity and cool to mild dry winters

El Paso's cost of living is 18.0% lower than the U.S. average compared to the rest of the country. The cost of living in El Paso is similar to other cities in Texas, at 2% lower than the Texas average. The rental average price for an apartment is 9% lower than in other places in Texas. 

Pricing data: 

• Median Home Price: $162,100
• Average Rent: $978
• Median Income: $39,191 

McAllen

McAllen is a large city with many activities for locals to enjoy. There are numerous parks ideal for outdoor activities. One example is McAllen Park, which has a water park and an 18-hole golf course. The city of McAllen is situated in the southernmost point of Texas. It is one of the cities with the fastest population growth in America. 

Things to consider: 

• The automotive, aerospace, medical, and electronics industries offer many career opportunities
• The summers are very hot, and the winters are short, cool, and dry

McAllen's cost of living is 21.2% lower than the U.S. average compared to the rest of the country. The cost of living in McAllen is 13% lower than Texas’ average.

Pricing data: 

• Median Home Price: $165,400
• Average Rent: $918
• Median Income: $43,476 

Cheapest Place in Texas to Buy a House

Looking for the cheapest place to live in Texas? According to data from bestplaces.net, which pulls data from the National Association of Realtors, State Association of Realtors, and more, we’ve compared the median home prices in each of the following cities to find some of the cheapest places in Texas to buy a house. 

City	Median Home Price
Kermit	$64,400
Pampa	$84,900
Breckenridge	$86,700
Elsa	$101,400
Mercedes	$102, 600
Gainesville	$118,500
Wichita Falls	$123,400
Brownsville	$127,300
Harlingen	$129,700
Pecos	$132,700