Sam SmithTexas is vast and diverse, with affordability varying dramatically between booming metros, rural towns, and border regions. While cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston have seen rapid price growth, many smaller communities across the Panhandle, South Plains, East Texas, West Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley remain budget‑friendly. By looking at median home values, rental costs, and overall cost‑of‑living indices, this list highlights 50 cities and towns where residents can stretch their dollar further while still enjoying Texas’s unique culture and geography.
Top 50 Cheapest Cities To Live In Texas
The Panhandle & South Plains
1. Amarillo
Amarillo, the largest city in the Panhandle, consistently ranks among the most affordable major metros in the U.S. Housing prices and rents are well below national averages, while residents enjoy full amenities, including hospitals, universities, and an airport. The city is known for its cattle industry, Route 66 heritage, and Palo Duro Canyon nearby. While windy weather and isolation are trade‑offs, Amarillo offers a stable economy, cultural attractions, and budget‑friendly living in a vibrant regional hub.
2. Lubbock
Lubbock, home to Texas Tech University, is a major hub in the South Plains with affordable housing and rental costs. The city offers cultural amenities, healthcare, and education, while maintaining a low cost of living compared to Texas’s larger metros. Known as the “Hub City,” Lubbock has a strong agricultural and medical base. Its affordability, combined with a lively college atmosphere, makes it appealing for families, students, and retirees seeking value in a city with full services and amenities.
3. Plainview
Plainview, located between Amarillo and Lubbock, is an agricultural and manufacturing center with very affordable housing. The town offers essential services, schools, and healthcare, while maintaining a small‑city atmosphere. Housing prices are low compared to state averages, making it attractive for families and retirees. While job opportunities are tied to agriculture and local industry, Plainview’s affordability and community spirit make it appealing for budget‑conscious households. Its blend of rural character and urban conveniences ensures a practical lifestyle in the South Plains.
4. Borger
Borger, a historic Panhandle oil town, offers affordable housing and a strong sense of community. The city has roots in the petroleum industry and continues to benefit from energy and manufacturing. Housing costs are low, and the town provides schools, healthcare, and essential services. While employment is tied to industry, Borger’s affordability makes it appealing for families and retirees. Its blend of history, industry, and budget‑friendly living ensures a practical lifestyle in one of the Panhandle’s most affordable communities.
5. Pampa
Pampa, located in the Texas Panhandle, is known for its affordable housing and small‑town character. The city offers essential amenities, schools, and healthcare, while maintaining a rural atmosphere. Housing prices are low compared to state averages, making it attractive for families and retirees. While employment opportunities are modest, Pampa’s affordability and community spirit make it appealing for budget‑conscious households. Its blend of affordability, accessibility, and small‑town charm ensures a practical lifestyle in one of the Panhandle’s most affordable towns.
6. Hereford
Hereford, nicknamed “The Beef Capital of the World,” is an agricultural hub in the Panhandle with very affordable housing. The town offers essential services, schools, and healthcare, while maintaining a rural character. Housing costs are low compared to state averages, making it attractive for families and retirees. While employment is tied to agriculture and food production, Hereford’s affordability and community spirit make it appealing for budget‑conscious households. Its blend of rural charm, industry, and budget‑friendly living ensures a practical lifestyle in West Texas.
7. Dumas
Dumas, located north of Amarillo, is a small city with affordable housing and a strong agricultural and oil base. The town offers essential services, schools, and healthcare, while maintaining a rural atmosphere. Housing prices are low compared to state averages, making it attractive for families and retirees. While employment is tied to agriculture and energy, Dumas’s affordability and community spirit make it appealing for budget‑conscious households. Its blend of industry, accessibility, and budget‑friendly living ensures a practical lifestyle in the Panhandle.
8. Levelland
Levelland, south of Lubbock, is home to South Plains College and offers affordable housing and rental options. The town provides essential services, schools, and healthcare, while maintaining a small‑city atmosphere. Housing costs are low compared to state averages, making it attractive for families, students, and retirees. While employment is tied to education, agriculture, and local commerce, Levelland’s affordability and community spirit make it appealing for budget‑conscious households. Its blend of affordability, education, and small‑town charm ensures a balanced lifestyle in the South Plains.
9. Seminole
Seminole, located in West Texas, is an agricultural and oil community with affordable housing and a strong sense of community. The town offers essential services, schools, and healthcare, while maintaining a rural character. Housing prices are low compared to state averages, making it attractive for families and retirees. While employment is tied to agriculture and energy, Seminole’s affordability and community spirit make it appealing for budget‑conscious households. Its blend of industry, rural charm, and budget‑friendly living ensures a practical lifestyle in West Texas.
10. Muleshoe
Muleshoe, named after a mule‑shaped shoe found by a cowboy, is a small town in the South Plains with very affordable housing. The town offers essential services, schools, and healthcare, while maintaining a rural atmosphere. Housing costs are low compared to state averages, making it attractive for families and retirees. While employment opportunities are modest, Muleshoe’s affordability and community spirit make it appealing for budget‑conscious households. Its blend of history, rural character, and budget‑friendly living ensures a practical lifestyle in the South Plains.
Most Affordable Cities & Towns in Texas (Table)
| # | City / Town | County | Region | Affordability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amarillo | Potter/Randall | Panhandle | One of the cheapest large metros in the U.S. |
| 2 | Lubbock | Lubbock | South Plains | College hub, low housing and COL |
| 3 | Plainview | Hale | South Plains | Agriculture & manufacturing |
| 4 | Borger | Hutchinson | Panhandle | Historic oil town, low prices |
| 5 | Pampa | Gray | Panhandle | Very low housing costs |
| 6 | Hereford | Deaf Smith | Panhandle | Beef industry, extremely affordable |
| 7 | Dumas | Moore | Panhandle | Agriculture and energy |
| 8 | Levelland | Hockley | South Plains | College town, inexpensive |
| 9 | Seminole | Gaines | South Plains | Farming and oil economy |
| 10 | Muleshoe | Bailey | South Plains | Small, very low COL |
| 11 | San Angelo | Tom Green | West TX | Stable economy, good value |
| 12 | Abilene | Taylor | West TX | Universities, consistently affordable |
| 13 | Big Spring | Howard | West TX | Cheaper alternative to Permian Basin |
| 14 | Snyder | Scurry | West TX | Historic town, low housing |
| 15 | Sweetwater | Nolan | West TX | Wind energy hub |
| 16 | Texarkana (TX) | Bowie | East TX | Extremely low COL |
| 17 | Tyler | Smith | East TX | Medical hub, still affordable |
| 18 | Longview | Gregg | East TX | Industrial & healthcare center |
| 19 | Marshall | Harrison | East TX | Historic, low home prices |
| 20 | Kilgore | Gregg | East TX | Oil heritage, affordable |
| 21 | Jacksonville | Cherokee | East TX | Agriculture-based economy |
| 22 | Nacogdoches | Nacogdoches | East TX | College town, low rents |
| 23 | Palestine | Anderson | East TX | Historic homes, cheap housing |
| 24 | Athens | Henderson | East TX | Small town, low COL |
| 25 | Corsicana | Navarro | East TX | Affordable with some metro access |
| 26 | Harlingen | Cameron | Rio Grande Valley | Regional hub, very low housing |
| 27 | Brownsville | Cameron | Rio Grande Valley | Port city, cheap real estate |
| 28 | McAllen | Hidalgo | Rio Grande Valley | Retail/medical center |
| 29 | Edinburg | Hidalgo | Rio Grande Valley | University town |
| 30 | Weslaco | Hidalgo | Rio Grande Valley | Agricultural heart of the Valley |
| 31 | Pharr | Hidalgo | Rio Grande Valley | Border economy, low COL |
| 32 | Mission | Hidalgo | Rio Grande Valley | Growing but still cheap |
| 33 | Waco | McLennan | Central TX | Amenities with moderate costs |
| 34 | Temple | Bell | Central TX | Major healthcare employer |
| 35 | Killeen | Bell | Central TX | Military-driven, very affordable |
| 36 | Copperas Cove | Coryell | Central TX | Adjacent to Fort Cavazos |
| 37 | Stephenville | Erath | Central TX | College town, rural value |
| 38 | Cleburne | Johnson | North Central TX | Affordable DFW fringe |
| 39 | Waxahachie | Ellis | North Central TX | Historic exurb, relative value |
| 40 | Sherman | Grayson | North TX | Stable economy, low housing |
| 41 | Denison | Grayson | North TX | Twin city to Sherman |
| 42 | Paris | Lamar | North TX | One of TX’s cheapest micropolitan areas |
| 43 | Greenville | Hunt | North TX | Manufacturing base |
| 44 | Wichita Falls | Wichita | North TX | Military presence, low COL |
| 45 | Gainesville | Cooke | North TX | Border town, inexpensive |
| 46 | Victoria | Victoria | South TX | Between Houston & Corpus |
| 47 | Beeville | Bee | South TX | Rural county seat |
| 48 | Kingsville | Kleberg | South TX | University & ranching economy |
| 49 | Uvalde | Uvalde | Hill Country fringe | Low housing, limited jobs |
| 50 | Del Rio | Val Verde | Border / South TX | Military base, cheap housing |
Closing
Affordability in Texas comes with trade‑offs. Rural towns may offer rock‑bottom housing costs but limited job opportunities or healthcare access, while oil‑dependent communities can experience boom‑and‑bust cycles. Still, the state’s lack of income tax, diverse landscapes, and strong regional hubs make it attractive for families, retirees, and remote workers. The “sweet spot” lies in places like Amarillo, Lubbock, Tyler, Longview, Waco, and McAllen, where low costs meet stable economies and amenities. Ultimately, the best affordable city is the one that balances your budget with the lifestyle you want to build in the Lone Star State.