From the bustling city Houston, Dallasand Austin From a vibrant arts, music, and culinary scene to the natural beauty of Big Bend National Park and the Gulf Coast beaches, Texas offers a variety of experiences and activities for everyone who lives in the state. If you’re considering living somewhere in Texas, you’ll likely have a budget you want to work within when searching for a house or apartment. Buying a home in Texas can be a daunting task. Median home sales price The price is $356,800.
If that price is out of your budget, don’t worry: Redfin has compiled 14 of the most affordable places to live in Texas. And the best part is, the median home sale price for those 14 places is below the state average. See which cities made the list.
1st place: Wichita Falls
Average home price: $212,500
Average sales price per square foot: $95
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $791
Median household income: $47,335
Nearest major subway stations: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (139 miles)
Homes for Sale in Wichita Falls, Texas
Apartments for Rent in Wichita Falls, TX
Located in the northern part of the state, Wichita Falls is ranked number one on the list of the best cities to live in Texas. Living in this city of 102,300 people means you can explore the beautiful scenery of Lucy Park, Wichita Falls Art Museum Learn about the history of the area at Midwestern State University. Museum of North Texas HistoryLake Wichita Park offers boating, fishing and hiking.
2nd place: Baytown
Average home price: $230,000
Average sales price per square foot: $131
Median household income: $54,454
Nearest major subway stations: Houston (30 miles)
Baytown, TX Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Baytown, TX
The second city on our list is Baytown, where home prices are about $120,000 less than the state average. Baytown is home to about 83,700 people, making it a great area to buy a home. Baytown Nature Center There’s plenty to do and see in the city, whether you’re exploring the trails and wildlife, discovering local history at the Baytown Historical Museum, enjoying outdoor activities like fishing and boating in Baytown’s many parks and waterways, or visiting Battleground State Historic Site.
3rd place: Laredo
Average home price: $235,000
Median household income: $51,120
Nearest major subway stations: Corpus Christi (150 miles)
Laredo, TX Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Laredo, TX
The city of Laredo is another great, affordable city to consider living in. With an average home sales price of $235,000 and a population of 255,200, there are plenty of reasons to move to Laredo. There are plenty of activities to do, including fishing, swimming, picnicking at Casa Blanca Lake International State Park, exploring downtown Laredo, and visiting local museums.
4th place: Victoria
Average home price: $238,000
Average sales price per square foot: $150
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $835
Median household income: $47,335
Nearest major subway stations: Corpus Christi (85 miles)
Homes for Sale in Victoria, TX
Apartments for Rent in Victoria, TX
Another great area to add to your list is Victoria. This affordable town of 65,500 people is a great option worth considering if you’re looking to live in Texas without the high housing costs of a bigger city. In Victoria, you can run the Riverside Running Trail, check out the historical buildings around town, and visit museums.
5th place: Lubbock
Average home price: $240,000
Average sales price per square foot: $83
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $716
Median household income: $47,335
Nearest major subway stations: Amarillo (122 miles)
Homes for Sale in Lubbock, TX
Apartments for Rent in Lubbock, TX
Just a little more expensive than Victoria is the city of Lubbock. With a population of nearly 257,100, the city has plenty to do. Explore the exhibits at the Texas Tech University Museum, Buddy Holly Center Learn about the life and accomplishments of the legendary musician, and also explore Lubbock’s Downtown Historic District to discover unique shops, restaurants and entertainment options.
6th place: Abilene
Average home price: $245,000
Average sales price per square foot: $149
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $750
Median household income: $52,518
Nearest major subway stations: Fort Worth (150 miles)
Abilene, TX Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Abilene, TX
Abilene, one of many cities in Central Texas, is home to approximately 125,200 people. The median home sale price is $245,000, about $115,000 less than the median home sale price in Texas. If you’re moving to the third most affordable city, you can enjoy paddle boarding or kayaking on Fort Phantom Lake, Abilene ZooStroll downtown to discover local shops, museums and more. Grace Museum of Art.
#7: Killeen
Average home price: $246,000
Average sales price per square foot: $140
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $575
Median household income: $50,335
Nearest major subway stations: Austin (70 miles)
Homes for Sale in Killeen, TX
Apartments for Rent in Killeen, TX
If you’ve lived in Texas for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with Killeen. This affordable community is home to about 153,100 residents, and the average home sales price is about $110,000 less than the state average. Check out the exhibits and artifacts at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and visit Stillhouse Hollow Lake for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. Lives in Killeen.
8th place: San Angelo
Average home price: $259,256
Average sales price per square foot: $130
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,150
Median household income: $55,682
Nearest major subway stations: Austin (205 miles)
San Angelo, TX Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in San Angelo, TX
San Angelo is one of the most affordable places to live in Texas with an average home sale price of $259,256. Located on the Concho River in Central Texas, San Angelo is home to approximately 99,900 residents. If you’re considering moving to the area, San Angelo Art Museum Tour the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, explore the beautiful Concho River Walk, or enjoy the natural beauty of San Angelo State Park, where you can hike, camp, and fish.
9th place: Pasadena
Average home price: $260,000
Average sales price per square foot: $153
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $963
Median household income: $57,781
Nearest major subway stations: Houston (15 miles)
Pasadena, TX Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Pasadena, TX
Coming in at number 9 on our list of the best cities to live in Texas is Pasadena, located southeast of Houston. With a population of about 151,900, Pasadena is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city. If you decide to move to this city, enjoy the views at Clear Lake Park and explore the trails at Armand Bayou Nature Center.
#10: Spring
Average home price: $262,990
Average sales price per square foot: $143
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,281
Median household income: $73,467
Nearest major subway stations: Houston (16 miles)
Homes for Sale in Spring, Texas
Apartments for Rent in Spring, TX
With a median home sales price of $262,990, Spring is another affordable place to consider moving to in Texas. The city is home to approximately 62,600 people, and Spring exudes a welcoming atmosphere. If you love Spring, be sure to visit Mercer Botanical Gardens, Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center, and Punt Park, stroll through vibrant Old Town Spring, and learn about the area at the Spring History Museum.
11th place: Odessa
Average home price: $270,000
Average sales price per square foot: $151
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $925
Median household income: $63,829
Nearest major subway stations: Lubbock (140 miles)
Homes for Sale in Odessa, TX
Apartments for Rent in Odessa, TX
Coming in at number 11 on our list of the most livable cities in Texas is Odessa. The city has a population of about 114,400 and is a great mid-sized city in the heart of West Texas. Odessa has plenty to do on a sunny afternoon or weekend. For example: Ellen Noel Art Museum Explore Monahans Sandhills State Park, go sand sledding or enjoy a picnic on the dunes.
12th place: Waco
Average home price: $287,620
Average sales price per square foot: $169
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,200
Median household income: $40,349
Nearest major subway stations: Fort Worth (90 miles)
Homes for Sale in Waco, Texas
Apartments for Rent in Waco, TX
The 12th city on the list is Waco, with an average home sales price of $287,620. If you’re considering living in Waco and thinking about getting to the nearest major city, you’ll find that Fort Worth is about 90 miles north. There’s plenty to do in Waco, including visiting the spectacular Waco Mammoth National Monument to see preserved mammoth fossils or strolling through picturesque Cameron Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Brazos River. Magnolia Marketvisit one of the town’s museums. Dr. Pepper Museum, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museumand Mayborn Museum Complex.
#13: Brian
Average home price: $287,900
Average sales price per square foot: $158
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $995
Median household income: $46,813
Nearest major subway stations: Waco (85 miles)
Bryan, TX Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Bryan, TX
The penultimate city on our list is Bryan. This area is one of the best places to live in Texas, with a population of about 84,000. The closest metropolitan area is Waco, located about 85 miles northwest of Bryan. There’s plenty to see and do in the city, whether that’s strolling through downtown Bryan, spending an afternoon on Lake Bryan, or visiting the nearby Texas A&M campus. College Station.
#14: Midland
Average home price: $334,995
Average sales price per square foot: $179
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,205
Median household income: $83,616
Nearest major subway stations: Lubbock (120 miles)
Homes for Sale in Midland, TX
Apartments for Rent in Midland, TX
Coming in at number 14 and the last spot on our list of the best cities to live in Texas is Midland. The city has a population of 132,500. Permian Basin Petroleum Museum Learn about the region’s oil industry and visit the George W. Bush Birthplace to learn about the former president’s childhood. Southwest Museumor enjoy the outdoors at I-20 Wildlife Refuge or the Jenna Welch Nature Study Center . There’s always something to check out while living in Midland.
methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 residents according to the U.S. Census and a median home sales price below the average median home sales price in Texas. Redfin Data Centers July 2024. Average rental data Rent.com July 2023. The population and median household income are U.S. Census Bureau.
