Americans Love Texas! And why wouldn’t you? Excellent job market and year-round sunshine helped Texas rank second in terms of inbound migration across the country. The net domestic migration stood at 230,961.
This was largely due to the high quality of life and low cost of living. Apart from its diverse culture and warmth, the Lone Star State offers affordable living.
The cost of living in Texas is 8% below the national average of $3,456. Let’s explore the best places to live in Texas.
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3 Reasons to Live in Texas 🤠
- No Income Tax: Texas is one of the nine states in the US that doesn’t charge income tax. This means you’ll have more disposable income.
- Affordable Living: Necessities like food, clothing, and groceries cost 9% less than the rest of the country. Healthcare services are 6% more affordable than the national average.
- Booming Job Market: Texas has shown job growth of 3.2% from September 2022 to September 2023. The state created 435,000 jobs in the past year.
Best Places to Live in Texas in 2024
Texas has a flourishing job market, a diverse population, and year-round sunshine. Here are the 7 best cities to live in Texas in 2024.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Austin | 974,447 | $543,000 | $6,417 | 3.8% | 66/100 |
| 2. | Dallas | 1,299,544 | $306,000 | $6,851 | 4.4% | 62/100 |
| 3. | San Antonio | 1,472,909 | $260,000 | $6,164 | 4.3% | 56/100 |
| 4. | Corpus Christi | 316,239 | $217,000 | $6,362 | 5.10% | 55/100 |
| 5. | El Paso | 677,456 | $263,000 | $5,500 | 5% | 52/100 |
| 6. | Plano | 289,547 | $509,000 | $7,575 | 3.9% | 69/100 |
| 7. | Houston | 2,302,878 | $263,000 | $6,341 | 5.3% | 38/100 |
1. Austin: Best Place in Texas to Live for a Happening Lifestyle
| Home Value | ⬇️ 6.2% |
| Median Income | $78,965 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,417 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 66/100 |
Austin offers a lively atmosphere and music events. In addition, the city boasts various institutions for higher education, a strong job market, etc. This makes it an ideal place for students and young professionals.
While being a happening place, Austin is also an expensive city. A median home costs around $543,000, which is 38% higher than the state average. Moreover, the city has a booming job market. Henceforth, the unemployment rate is the same as the national average.
» Homes For Sale in Austin, TX: Browse through thousands of listings in Austin.
2. Dallas: Best Place to Live in Texas for Young Professionals
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.5% |
| Median Income | $58,231 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,851 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.4% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 62/100 |
Dallas is the 4th largest Texas city. Out of more than 40 educational institutions, Southern Methodist University tops the list of the best universities. The most sought-after majors at the university include business, management, marketing, etc.
Dallas offers budget housing with a median home price of around $306,000, which is 3% lower than the national average. The city presents employment opportunities in various industries, such as business, healthcare, financial services, IT, etc.
» Homes for Sale in Dallas, TX: Discover what’s best for you in this all-rounder of a city.
3. San Antonio: Best Place to Live in Texas on a Budget
| Home Value | ⬇️ 2.8% |
| Median Income | $55,084 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,164 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 56/100 |
The median home price in San Antonio is close to $260,000. This is 20% lower than the national average and 5% lower than the state average. Apart from this, the cost of living is 8% lower than the national average.
The city is home to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. If you’re on a budget, San Antonio can be one of the great places to live in Texas.
» Homes For Sale in San Antonio, TX: View thousands of listings in this historic city.
4. Corpus Christi: Best Place to Live for Retirees
| Home Value | ⬆️ 0.4% |
| Median Income | $59,993 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,362 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.10% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 55/100 |
The coastal city is situated on the Gulf of Mexico. Corpus Christi offers sunny and humid weather; however, the gust from the water keeps it cool. The port of Corpus Christi and investments to ease transportation contribute to the thriving economy of the city.
The median home price in Corpus Christi is $217,000, 18% lower than the national average. The cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. Corpus Christi is one of the best places in Texas to live for retirees.
» Homes For Sale in Corpus Christi, TX: Find your dream home in this island city.
5. El Paso: Best for Hispanic Culture
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.1% |
| Median Income | $51,325 |
| Monthly Expenses | 5,500 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 52/100 |
If you like Mexican food and Hispanic culture, El Paso is the city for you. The city offers affordable housing with a median home price of around $212,000, 30% lower than the national average. The cost of living is 11% lower than the national average.
The city’s economy is strong, along with its vibrant culture and art. El Paso is easily one of the best areas to live in Texas due to its Mexican vibe.
» Homes For Sale in El Paso, TX: Find your home among thousands of listings.
6. Plano: Best Place to Lead an Engaging Life
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.1% |
| Median Income | $99,729 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,575 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 69/100 |
Plano is one of the safest cities in Texas. Located near Dallas, the city has it all: schools, diversity, nightlife, and family friendliness. The city is quiet and ideal for retirees and families. You can enjoy activities such as hiking, shopping for antiques, visiting museums, etc.
The city’s real estate market is steeper, with a median home price of around $656,000, 37% higher than the national average. It can be a good place to live in Texas for those who are making a decent amount of money.
» Homes For Sale in Plano, TX: Find a home in the best place to move in Texas.
7. Houston: Best Place to Live for All Types of People
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.0% |
| Median Income | $56,019 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,341 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.3% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 38/100 |
Houston or “Space City,” is one of the best cities in Texas to live in. The city offers numerous things, such as luxury dining, professional sports teams, and more. From myriad volunteer programs to senior discounts, Houston is ideal even for those aged 65 and older.
The median home price in Houston is around $263,000, 17% lower than the national average. The cost of living is 7% lower than the national average. This is the reason why Houston is among the top places to live in Texas.
» Homes For Sale in Houston, TX: Get yourself a home in the Space City.
Best Places to Live in Texas for Families
Here are the top cities to live in Texas for families:
- The Woodlands: This city offers excellent educational institutions, low crime rates, easy access to downtown Houston, and a booming economy. However, home prices are on the steeper side, with a median price of $528,000.
- Coppell: With a cost of living 5% less than the national average, Coppell can be an ideal choice for families. The city offers parks, golf clubs, and other recreational activities.
Best Places to Live in Texas for Young Adults
- Round Rock: The city is also known as the “Silicon Valley of the South”. This is because it houses various tech giants, including Dell, and provides ample employment opportunities.
- Denton: The city is home to the University of North Texas, which gives the whole city a college-town vibe. Moreover, Denton offers a lively musical atmosphere.
Bottom Line
Texas is one of the best places to live in the US due to its tax benefits and sunny weather. The state doesn’t charge any income tax on its citizens. Moreover, a booming job market and low home prices (16% lower than the national average) are major pluses.
The median home prices in some Texas cities are $217,000, whereas, in some places, they are $540,000. It’s advisable to do your own research before making a decision. You can browse properties online.
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Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Texas. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Texas and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Texas Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Texas for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to live in Texas?
Houston is the best place to live in Texas. It offers affordable living with a median home price of 17% less than the national average. Moreover, the cost of living is low in Houston as compared to other cities on the list.
What part of Texas doesn't get tornadoes?
The western cities of Texas, such as El Paso, are less prone to tornadoes.
What part of Texas gets the worst tornadoes?
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is the most prone to tornadoes. On the other hand, cities like Austin and San Antonio are least likely to get tornadoes.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Texas?
With a cost of living 15% below the national average, Brownsville is among the cheapest places to live in Texas.
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