Cheap Places to Live in Texas

When you’re searching for cheap places to live in Texas, affordable cities where rent and daily expenses stay low without sacrificing quality of life. Also known as low-cost Texas cities, these areas let you stretch your dollar further than in major metros like Austin or Dallas. Texas isn’t just big—it’s full of pockets where you can live well for less, whether you’re a young professional, a retiree, or just trying to save money while building a future.

The key isn’t just finding cheap rent. It’s understanding what comes with it: property taxes, utility costs, commute times, and access to jobs. Places like Lubbock, a steady, no-frills city in West Texas with low housing prices and a strong job market in education and healthcare, or San Angelo, a smaller community with affordable homes and a slower pace, offer real value. You won’t find trendy coffee shops on every corner, but you’ll find stable rents, friendly neighborhoods, and room to breathe. Compare that to Austin, where rent prices jumped over 40% in five years—Lubbock’s average rent is still under $1,000 for a two-bedroom.

And it’s not just about rent. Texas cost of living, especially outside major cities, stays low because there’s no state income tax, and property taxes are often offset by lower home values. Utilities? Cheaper than in California or New York. Groceries? More affordable than the national average. Even car insurance is lower in many smaller Texas towns. The trick is knowing where to look. Cities like Brownsville, on the Mexican border, with some of the lowest housing costs in the state, or Harlingen, where you can buy a home for under $150,000, are often overlooked but deliver real savings.

People think affordable means run-down, but that’s not true here. Many of these towns have growing infrastructure, decent schools, and access to highways that connect you to bigger cities when you need them. You can still get good internet, decent healthcare, and even local festivals without paying premium prices. And if you’re thinking about buying instead of renting, Texas offers more entry-level homes than most states—especially in places like Abilene, where homes are priced below the national median and still hold value.

What you’ll find below are real, up-to-date insights from people who’ve lived there—what they pay for rent, where they shop, how far they drive to work, and which neighborhoods actually deliver on the promise of affordability. No fluff. No hype. Just facts from recent listings, local reports, and firsthand experiences. Whether you’re planning to move next month or just curious about your options, this collection gives you the clear, practical picture you need to decide where to live in Texas without overspending.