Looking for the right place to settle down in Texas without hitting the pocketbook?
NewHomeSource has you covered with some of the affordable cities in this great state!
Why it matters: With rising housing costs nationwide, Texas stands out for its pockets of affordability without sacrificing quality of life. Whether you're a first-time buyer, remote worker, or retiree, these cities offer serious bang for your buck.
What’s ahead: We break down 10 Texas cities where your money goes further – featuring stats on home prices, living costs, and local lifestyle perks.
1. Pharr – Border Affordability Meets Cultural Richness
Pop: 81,142 | Median Home Value: $111,500 | Median Household Income: $49,884
Cost of Living Index: 76.5 (23.5% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 2.18%
Median Property Tax: $2,256
Major Industries: Transportation, distribution, healthcare, retail, and energy
Mean Commute Time: 22 min
Public Amenities: Entertainment, parks, shopping, dining, close to Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Why it’s great: Pharr stands out for its affordable housing market, lower-than-average cost of living, and rich cultural offerings.
2. Weslaco – Where affordability meets small-town charm
Pop: 43,864 | Median Home Value: $119,200 | Median Household Income: $54,995
Cost of Living Index: 76.5 (23.5% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.85%
Median Property Tax: $2,046
Major Industries: Education, healthcare, retail, and government
Mean Commute Time: 25 min
Public Amenities: Estero Llano Grande State Park, Valley Nature Center, Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets
The appeal: Weslaco is known for its affordable housing market and lower-than-average cost of living.
3. Brownsville – History, heritage, and housing you can afford
Pop: 191,967 | Median Home Value: $122,400 | Median Household Income: $48,685
Cost of Living Index: 74.9 (25.1% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.74%
Median Property Tax: $1,976
Major Industries: SpaceX, manufacturing, transportation, and growing tech sector
Mean Commute Time: 21 min
Public Amenities: Gladys Porter Zoo, border city, beaches
Why it shines: Brownsville offers a cost-effective living environment enriched by its cultural diversity and historical significance.
4. Harlingen – Big value near the Gulf
Pop: 72,234 | Median Home Value: $125,700 | Median Household Income: $55,891
Cost of Living Index: 74.9 (25.1% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.61%
Median Property Tax: $1,878
Major Employers/Industries: Manufacturing, retail, transportation and logistics
Mean Commute Time: 18 min
Public Amenities: 1,200+ acres of parkland, golfing, TSTC Harlingen Campus
Why it works: Harlingen's affordability and location near the Gulf Coast provide a balance between cost and convenience.
5. Edinburg – Affordability with an academic boost
Pop: 108,733 | Median Home Value: $174,800 | Median Household Income: $57,789
Cost of Living Index: 76.5 (23.5% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.77%
Median Property Tax: $2,871
Major Industries: Healthcare, education, and government
Mean Commute Time: 21 min
Public Amenities: location on NAFTA Highway, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The takeaway: Edinburg's affordable living costs and expanding infrastructure offers promising opportunities in a developing urban area.
6. San Juan – Tight-knit community, light on costs
Pop: 37,341 | Median Home Value: $118,200 | Median Household Income: $53,440
Cost of Living Index: 76.5 (23.5% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.95%
Median Property Tax: $2,139
Major Employers/Industries: Healthcare and social services, retail, construction
Mean Commute Time: 25min
Public Amenities: parks, cultural sites, and entertainment venues
Why it’s noteworthy: San Juan's is known for its affordability community-oriented environment, quieter lifestyle, and easy access to neighboring cities.
7. Mission – Growing fast, priced to stay
Pop: 88,574 | Median Home Value: $160,800 | Median Household Income: $60,813
Cost of Living Index: 76.5 (23.5% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.95%
Median Property Tax: $2,910
Major Employers/Industries: Healthcare, education, manufacturing, data centers
Commute Time: 21 min
Public Amenities: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, National Butterfly Center, festivals, shopping, and golf
Why it’s popular: Mission's combination of affordable housing and economic development allow for growth alongside the city.
8. Nacogdoches – Historic soul, modern savings
Pop: 32,381 | Median Home Value: $173,200 | Median Household Income: $38,855
Cost of Living Index: 79.6 (20.4 % below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.97%
Median Property Tax: $1,559
Major Industries: Educational services, retail, and healthcare
Mean Commute Time: 17 min
Public Amenities: Stephen F. Austin State University, historic downtown, parks, and cultural centers
The draw: Nacogdoches offers affordability with a high quality of life in a historic setting.
9. Laredo, TX – A Crossroads of Culture and Commerce
Pop: 261,260 | Median Home Value: $182,400 | Median Household Income: $63,264
Cost of Living Index: 82.2 (17.8% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.55%
Median Property Tax: $2,624
Major Industries: Logistics, transportation, and international trade
Mean Commute Time: 21 min
Public Amenities: Texas A&M International University, parks, cultural centers, and recreational facilities
Why it’s appealing: Laredo offers a unique cultural experience combined with economic opportunities, making it an appealing choice for those seeking affordability and vibrancy.
10. McAllen, TX – A Thriving City with a Low Cost of Living
Pop: 148,782 | Median Home Value: $173,800 | Median Household Income: $60,165
Cost of Living Index: 76.5 (23.5% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.94%
Median Property Tax: $3,129
Major Industries: Healthcare, education, retail, and transportation/logistics
Mean Commute Time: 21 min
Public Amenities: South Texas College, International Museum of Art & Science, shopping centers, and parks
Why it’s worthy of consideration: McAllen’s economic growth with a low cost of living, yields a high quality of life in a dynamic environment.
The Bottom Line
Affordable doesn’t mean boring. From historic towns to border metros, these 10 Texas cities prove you can live well without overspending.
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Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.