14 Most Affordable Places to Live in Texas
From bustling cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin with their vibrant arts, music, and culinary scenes, to the natural beauty of Big Bend National Park and the Gulf Coast beaches, Texas offers a diverse range of experience and activities for anyone living in the state. If you’re considering residing somewhere in Texas then chances are you also have a budget you’re hoping to stay under in your home or apartment search. When it comes to buying a home in Texas the median home sale price is $361,800.
If that price doesn’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. Redfin has collected the 14 of the most affordable places to live in Texas. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Let’s see what cities made the list.
#1: San Angelo
Median home price: $65,000
Average sale price per square foot: $65
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,150
Median household income: $55,682
Nearest major metro: Austin (205 miles)
San Angelo, TX homes for sale
San Angelo, TX apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $65,000, San Angelo is the most affordable place to live in Texas. Located in central Texas along the Concho River, San Angelo is home to roughly 99,900 residents. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to visit the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts and take a tour of Fort Concho National Historic Landmark. You can also spend time exploring the beautiful Concho River Walk and enjoying the natural beauty of San Angelo State Park where you can hike, camp, or fish.
#2: Wichita Falls
Median home price: $176,450
Average sale price per square foot: $118
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $791
Median household income: $47,335
Nearest major metro: Oklahoma City, OK (139 miles)
Wichita Falls, TX homes for sale
Wichita Falls, TX apartments for rent
Situated in the northern part of the state, Wichita Falls takes second place on our list of affordable cities to live in Texas. When living in this city of 102,300 people, you can explore the scenic beauty of Lucy Park, visit the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University. Make sure to discover the area’s history at the Museum of North Texas History, and boat, fish or hike at Lake Wichita Park.
#3: Abilene
Median home price: $223,000
Average sale price per square foot: $144
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $750
Median household income: $52,518
Nearest major metro: Fort Worth (150 miles)
Abilene, TX homes for sale
Abilene, TX apartments for rent
About 125,200 people reside in Abilene, one of the many cities in central Texas. The median home sale price is $223,000 which is about $130K less than the median home sale price in Texas. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable city, make sure to paddleboard or kayak on Lake Fort Phantom, visit the Abilene Zoo, and explore downtown where you’ll find local shops and museums like the Grace Museum.
#4: Lubbock
Median home price: $225,000
Average sale price per square foot: $138
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $716
Median household income: $47,335
Nearest major metro: Oklahoma City, OK (139 miles)
Lubbock, TX homes for sale
Lubbock, TX apartments for rent
A little more expensive than Abilene is the city of Lubbock. With a population close to 257,100, there is plenty to do in this city. Plan to explore the exhibits at the Museum of Texas Tech University or visit the Buddy Holly Center and learn about the iconic musician’s life and legacy. You can also enjoy a stroll through the Lubbock Downtown Historic District to discover unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
#5: Victoria
Median home price: $228,000
Average sale price per square foot: $133
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $835
Median household income: $47,335
Nearest major metro: Corpus Christi (85 miles)
Victoria, TX homes for sale
Victoria, TX apartments for rent
Another great area to add to your list is Victoria. With 65,500 people living in this affordable town, Victoria is a great option to consider when looking to stay in Texas without paying the premium for a home in a larger city. In Victoria, you can go for a run along the Riverside Running Trail, check out the historic landmarks throughout town, and visit one of the museums.
#6: Baytown
Median home price: $241,000
Average sale price per square foot: $125
Median household income: $54,454
Nearest major metro: Houston (30 miles)
Baytown, TX homes for sale
Baytown, TX apartments for rent
Another recognizable city on our list is Baytown, where the home prices are about $115K less than the state’s average. With roughly 83,700 people calling Baytown home, it’s a great area to consider buying a house in. Whether you visit the Baytown Nature Center and explore its trails and wildlife, discover the history of the region at the Baytown Historical Museum, enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing and boating at the Baytown’s numerous parks and waterways, and check out the Battleground State Historic Site, there are many activities to do and see in this city.
#7: Pasadena
Median home price: $245,000
Average sale price per square foot: $149
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $963
Median household income: $57,781
Nearest major metro: Houston (15 miles)
Pasadena, TX homes for sale
Pasadena, TX apartments for rent
Seventh on our list of affordable places to live in Texas is Pasadena, located just southeast of Houston. With a population of nearly 151,900, living in Pasadena is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city to live in. If you find yourself moving to this city make sure to take in the views at Clear Lake Park and explore the trails at Armand Bayou Nature Center.
#8: Killeen
Median home price: $250,000
Average sale price per square foot: $140
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $575
Median household income: $50,335
Nearest major metro: Austin (70 miles)
Killeen, TX homes for sale
Killeen, TX apartments for rent
If you’ve been living in Texas for some time, you probably know of Killeen. This affordable place is home to about 153,100 residents and has a median home sale price about $100K less than the state’s average. Be sure to explore the exhibits and artifacts at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, and visit the Stillhouse Hollow Lake for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking once living in Killeen.
#9: Bryan
Median home price: $262,400
Average sale price per square foot: $172
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $995
Median household income: $46,813
Nearest major metro: Waco (85 miles)
Bryan, TX homes for sale
Bryan, TX apartments for rent
Bryan is a great place to consider living in Texas where the population is about 84,000. The nearest major metro area is Waco, about 85 miles northwest of Bryan. There are plenty of attractions in the city including exploring downtown Bryan, spending the afternoon at Lake Bryan, and checking out the Texas A&M campus in nearby College Station.
#10: Midland
Median home price: $264,950
Average sale price per square foot: $122
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,205
Median household income: $83,616
Nearest major metro: Lubbock (120 miles)
Midland, TX homes for sale
Midland, TX apartments for rent
Taking the 10th spot is Midland, another one of the affordable places to live in Texas. This city has a population of 132,500 where you can explore the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum and learn about the region’s oil industry and visit the George W. Bush Childhood Home and gain insight into the former president’s early life. Don’t miss out on discovering the art and history at the Museum of the Southwest, and enjoying the outdoors at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve and Jenna Welch Nature Study Center. There’s always something to check out while living in Midland.
#11: Spring
Median home price: $275,000
Average sale price per square foot: $153
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,281
Median household income: $73,467
Nearest major metro: Houston (16 miles)
Spring, TX homes for sale
Spring, TX apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $275,000, Spring is another affordable spot to consider moving to in Texas. There are about 62,600 people living in this city, giving Spring a welcoming feel. If Spring is the city for you, be sure to visit the Mercer Botanic Gardens, Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center, and Pundt Park, explore vibrant Old Town Spring, and learn about the area at the Spring Historical Museum.
#12: Waco
Median home price: $275,000
Average sale price per square foot: $169
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,200
Median household income: $40,349
Nearest major metro: Fort Worth (90 miles)
Waco, TX homes for sale
Waco, TX apartments for rent
The 12th city on our list is Waco where you’ll find the median home sale price is $275,000. If you’re considering living in Waco and are looking to travel to the nearest major city, you’ll find that Fort Worth is about 90 miles north. There is plenty to do in Waco like visiting the magnificent Waco Mammoth National Monument and seeing the preserved mammoth fossils or taking a stroll through the picturesque Cameron Park and enjoying the scenic views along the Brazos River. You can also explore Magnolia Market, and check out one of the museums in town like the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, and the Mayborn Museum Complex.
#13: Laredo
Median home price: $275,000
Average sale price per square foot: $168
Median household income: $51,120
Nearest major metro: Corpus Christi (150 miles)
Laredo, TX homes for sale
Laredo, TX apartments for rent
The city of Laredo is another awesome affordable city to consider residing in. With a median home sale price of $275,000 and a population of 255,200 there are plenty of reasons that might convince you to move to Laredo. You’ll find lots of activities as well, such as fishing, swimming, and picnicking at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, exploring downtown Laredo, and visiting one of the local museums.
#14: Odessa
Median home price: $280,000
Average sale price per square foot: $152
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $925
Median household income: $63,829
Nearest major metro: Lubbock (140 miles)
Odessa, TX homes for sale
Odessa, TX apartments for rent
Taking the 14th and final spot on our list of most affordable places to live in Texas is Odessa. The city’s population is around 114,400, creating a great mid-sized city in the heart of west Texas. In Odessa, there is plenty to do on a sunny afternoon or weekend. For example, you can visit museums like the Ellen Noël Art Museum and explore the Monahans Sandhills State Park, where you can go sand sledding or enjoy a picnic in the dunes.
Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Texas. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
The post 14 Most Affordable Places to Live in Texas appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.