Most Affordable Cities in Texas
As more and more people move to Texas every day, others wonder whether they should be doing the same. Over recent years, the Lone Star State has enjoyed one of the highest migration rates across the United States, and it’s not difficult to see why. In addition to great weather and zero state income taxes that all Texans enjoy, Texas cities boast a much more affordable cost of living than their counterparts in other areas of the United States.
To come up with our list of Most Affordable Cities in Texas, we looked at the overall cost of living in each city, as well as median home prices, the median price of new construction homes, and median household incomes. We’ve ranked these cities not only according to affordability, but also according to a selection of criteria that are most relevant to determining the quality of living for each city, including economic growth and opportunity, access to amenities and entertainment, and safety.
Here’s our list of the Most Affordable Cities in Texas. Which one will you choose to call home?
Houston
Houston offers a much lower cost of living than other big cities in the U.S. alongside the economic opportunities, amenities, and entertainment options you typically find in more expensive large cities. In fact, Houston is considered to be the second most affordable city to live in amongst all the large metro areas in the United States.
Cost of Living Statistics
- Overall cost of living index: 96.5
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median new construction home price: $349,500
- Median household income: $53,600
Economic Growth and Opportunity
As a large city with a diverse industry base, Houston boasts a strong economy that has shown strong growth and resilience even during economic slowdowns. Houston is a hub for the energy industry, and also offers excellent career opportunities in a variety of other industries including aerospace, healthcare, biomedical research, transportation, and trade. Houston also offers excellent prospects for entrepreneurs and business owners and has been recognized for its strong culture of innovation.
Access to Amenities and Entertainment
Houston is a cosmopolitan city with small-town friendliness. As the most diverse city in the United States, Houston is known and admired for the way that it welcomes and celebrates diversity. The city boasts high-quality amenities, along with world-class cultural attractions and entertainment options, and many parks and waterways.
Safety
Although overall crime rates are relatively high in Houston, neighborhoods vary significantly in their individual rates. Suburbs closer to the city center tend to be of higher risk, while outlying suburbs experience significantly lower rates. If you’re considering buying a home in Houston, a new construction is your best option for finding a safe neighborhood to live in. Houston builders carefully select the neighborhoods where they build new homes and communities to ensure they are located in safe and desirable neighborhoods. A local NewHomesMate agent can help you explore the many new homes and communities in Houston to find one that is ideal for you.
Dallas-Fort Worth
With a cost of living that is only marginally higher than the national average, Dallas-Fort Worth offers greater affordability than most other large cities in the U.S. Given the many advantages DFW offers residents, including its thriving economy and its diverse and sophisticated culture, DFW is both an affordable and attractive place to live.
Cost of Living Statistics
- Overall cost of living index: 101.6
- Median home price: $529,000
- Median new construction home price: $515,000
- Median household income: $54,747
Economic Growth and Opportunity
DFW’s recent economic and population growth paints a clear picture of the excellent opportunities the city offers its residents. Once dominated by the oil and gas industry, DFW has now become a diverse economy that draws strength from a range of industries including technology, financial services, manufacturing, transportation, and defense. The city has grown faster than any other U.S. city of its size over recent years and also experienced less employment loss during the COVID-19 pandemic than other large metro areas.
Access to Amenities and Entertainment
DFW is a vibrant city with excellent amenities and endless possibilities for recreation and fun. The city boasts many cultural attractions, as well as professional sports, family-friendly entertainment options, and plenty of parks and green spaces. The diversity of DFW’s population has expanded dramatically over recent years, making it a culturally rich place to live.
Safety
Although crime rates are relatively high in some parts of Dallas, there are many safe neighborhoods in the city as well. Since builders carefully select the areas in which to build a new home community, choosing to buy a new construction home is a great way to ensure you are selecting a safe neighborhood for you and your family. A local NewHomesMate agent is a great resource for obtaining information on Dallas neighborhoods to help you make an informed decision.
Austin
As the fastest growing metropolitan area in the U.S., and the second fastest growing city in Texas, Austin is an incredibly attractive place to live. Although it is certainly not the cheapest place to live in Texas, it is a highly affordable place to call home given all the benefits that it offers. Austin is one of the safest places to live in the country and boasts outstanding economic opportunities and a unique vibrant culture.
Cost of Living Statistics
- Overall cost of living index: 119.3
- Median home price: $650,000
- Median new construction home price: $650,000
- Median household income: $80,954
Economic Growth and Opportunity
Austin has experienced rapid population and economic growth over the last two decades and is poised to continue growing as companies and people flock to this highly attractive city. Austin is known as a technology hub that is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, as well as many smaller tech companies and startups. There are also many other key industries with a presence in Austin including healthcare, education, government, engineering, and business.
Access to Amenities and Entertainment
Combining laid-back vibes with urban sophistication, Austin offers a unique culture and lifestyle that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you enjoy outdoor recreation, dining, nightlife, or family-friendly activities, you can be sure you’ll find it in Austin. In addition to being the Live Music Capital of the World, the city is also a wonderful place for outdoor adventurers, with more than 220 parks, 30 swimming holes, several lakes, and numerous hiking and biking trails.
Safety
No matter where you choose to live in Austin, you can feel confident that you and your family are safe. Austin ranks as the fourth safest city in Texas and the eighth safest city in the United States. Austin neighborhoods do vary in their crime rates however, therefore it’s wise to draw upon the knowledge of a local NewHomesMate agent to help you choose the best neighborhood for you.
Which Affordable Texas City Will You Choose to Call Home?
Whether economic opportunities, safety, or lifestyle are most important to you, Texas cities offer a much more affordable cost of living than other parts of the United States. That’s why NewHomesMate is operational in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, and offers the industry’s best tools for buying a new construction home in these cities.
We understand that moving to a new city and buying a new home are some of the most important decisions you will make, and you need knowledgeable experts by your side to help you make informed decisions every step of the way. We’ve gathered together the best local agents in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, who have in-depth knowledge of their local areas and the new construction housing market. They are committed to understanding your needs and desires to help you find the ideal new construction home for you. Learn more about us and start searching for your new construction home with NewHomesMate today!