Texas is known for its affordable lifestyle, strong job opportunities, and no state income tax. But within the Lone Star State, some cities and towns stand out for their low housing costs, cheap rent, and overall lower cost of living. Below are the cheapest places to live in Texas with details on home prices, rent, and living expenses.
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1. Pecos
Located in West Texas, Pecos is famous for its cowboy culture and affordability. The median home price is around $110,000, and the cost of living is significantly lower than the state average.
2. Breckenridge
A small town in Stephens County, Breckenridge offers median home prices under $100,000. It’s perfect for those looking for quiet living, with very low property costs and a friendly rural community.
3. Wichita Falls
Median Home Price: ~$150,000
Average Rent: ~$850/month
This North Texas city provides small-town charm, excellent parks, and affordable housing. With a low cost of living and easy commute times, it’s a popular spot for families.
4. Brownsville
Median Home Price: ~$118,000
Average Rent: ~$736/month
Located in South Texas near the Gulf Coast, Brownsville combines cultural richness, warm weather, and affordable housing. The cost of living is nearly 30% below the national average, making it a favorite for families and retirees.
5. Beaumont
Located in Southeast Texas, Beaumont has a median home price around $160,000 and a cost of living below the national average. The city offers affordable housing, access to jobs in energy and industry, and proximity to Houston.
6. Amarillo
Median Home Price: ~$147,000
Average Rent: ~$850/month
Amarillo sits in the Texas Panhandle and is known for wide-open spaces and a friendly community. The cost of living is about 20% below the national average, making it one of the most budget-friendly big towns in Texas.
7. McAllen
McAllen, in the Rio Grande Valley, is among the cheapest cities in Texas. Homes average $140,000–$160,000, and the cost of living is about 25% lower than the U.S. average. It’s a cultural hotspot with affordable healthcare.
8. Odessa
Median Home Price: ~$180,000
Average Rent: ~$900/month
Located in West Texas, Odessa has affordable housing and is a hub for the oil and energy industry. While the economy is cyclical, the cost of living stays below the national average.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the cheapest places to live in Texas, towns like San Benito, Elsa, and Harlingen provide some of the lowest housing and rent costs in the state. For those who want affordable living in larger cities with more amenities, Amarillo, Lubbock, and Brownsville are excellent choices.
No matter your preference—small-town peace or a mid-sized city—Texas offers plenty of budget-friendly options for individuals, families, and retirees.
The cheapest places to live in Texas in 2025 include Elsa ($55,000 median home price, $580 rent), San Benito ($59,300 home, $747 rent), Harlingen ($90,000 home, $669 rent), and Brownsville ($118,000 home, $736 rent). Larger affordable cities include Amarillo, Lubbock, Wichita Falls, Odessa, Killeen, and Temple, where home prices range from $147,000–$200,000 with costs of living up to 30% lower than the U.S. average.
| City/Town | Median Home Price | Avg. Rent (Monthly) | Cost of Living vs. US Average | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brownsville | ~$118,000 | ~$736 | ~30% lower | Affordable housing, coastal living |
| Harlingen | ~$90,000 | $669–$922 | Among the lowest in US | Low healthcare costs, near beaches |
| Wichita Falls | ~$150,000 | ~$850 | ~20% lower | Small-town feel, family-friendly |
| Amarillo | ~$147,000 | ~$850 | ~20% lower | Panhandle hub, wide-open spaces |
| Lubbock | ~$180,000 | ~$950 | ~20% lower | College town, strong job market |
| Odessa | ~$180,000 | ~$900 | ~18% lower | Energy industry jobs, affordable |
| Killeen | ~$190,000 | ~$1,300 | ~10–12% lower | Military town, close to Austin |
| Temple | ~$200,000 | ~$1,050 | ~12% lower | Healthcare hub, near Waco/Austin |
| San Benito | ~$59,300 | ~$747 | ~21% lower | Very affordable housing, quiet town |
| Elsa | ~$55,000 | ~$580 | ~20% lower | Cheapest homes in Texas, rural living |
FAQs:
Q1. What is the cheapest place to live in Texas in 2025?
The cheapest places to live in Texas include Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito, and Elsa, where home prices start as low as $55,000 and rent can be under $600/month.
Q2. Which Texas city has the lowest cost of living?
Harlingen and Brownsville are often ranked as having the lowest cost of living in Texas, with expenses nearly 30% below the national average.
Q3. What are the most affordable big cities in Texas?
Amarillo, Lubbock, and Killeen are among the most affordable larger cities, offering reasonably priced housing while still providing access to jobs and amenities.
Q4. Where can I find the cheapest rent in Texas?
Cities like Harlingen, Mission, and Brownsville have some of the lowest rents in Texas, averaging $650–$750 per month for apartments.
Q5. Is Texas a good state for affordable living?
Yes. Texas not only offers affordable housing but also has no state income tax, making it one of the most budget-friendly states in the U.S.
Image credit: Yandex.com
Also Read: Best Home Insurance in Texas
