Top 5 Cheapest places to live in Texas with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,295
• Average property buying cost: $154,900

Amarillo is the largest city in the Texas Panhandle, and it is also home to some of the most popular attractions in Texas. The city offers many outdoor activities for those looking to get outside and explore. One of these activities is hiking, which can be enjoyed at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Other outdoor activities include fishing and golfing at Amarillo Lake. The food industry is the main sector operating in Amarillo, with numerous restaurants and entertainment options located in downtown Amarillo.

Amarillo is also conveniently close to major highways such as 87, 27, and 40, providing easy accessibility to other amenities and cities in Texas. Locals have noted that the city is a great place to raise a family but, it is not recommended for young couples as there are not many entertainment options available.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,295, and the average property price is $154,900 as of December 2023.

Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,045
• Average property buying cost: $187,000

Located to the north of Texas, Wichita Falls is surrounded by hills and green spaces that offer stunning views. If you are seeking a quiet city to settle down, this area is the perfect match for you. Be prepared for hot and dry weather in Wichita Falls, as the city experiences many periods of drought throughout the year.

Many locals have noted that the city has a small-town atmosphere due to the presence of local small businesses and an Air Force Base nearby. If you are looking to catch a movie or attend a live concert in your downtime, the city has its own theatre known as the Wichita Opera House.

As of December 2023, the average property price is $187,000 and 1-bed apartments are renting for around $1,045.

Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,300
• Average property buying cost: $234,775

Killeen, a city in central Texas, is known as the perfect family haven due to its easy accessibility to health care, as noted by many locals. Not only is Killeen an affordable city to live in, but it also boasts a great location with close access to the Hill Country. Killeen is just an hour’s drive to Austin, the state’s capital, a two-and-a-half-hour drive to San Antonio, or a three-hour drive to Houston.

It is important to note that many residents have explained that Killeen does not have a great public transportation system in place, so it is highly recommended to have a car if you are thinking of moving to Killeen. 

As of December 2023, the average property price is $234,775 and 1-bed apartments are renting for around $1,300.

Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,300
• Average property buying cost: $280,000

Brownsville is a small, welcoming city in Texas, close to the Mexican border, with a rich history that includes the Battle of Palmito Ranch during the Civil War. The city offers numerous parks and easy access to bike and walking paths, such as the Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.

One of the advantages of living in Brownsville is that commuting is very easy, with the ability to reach any place in about 10 minutes. The city also has many educational institutions available like Triumph Public High School, Premier High School or the Harmony Science Academy. As of December 2023, the average property price is approximately $280,000, with 1-bedroom apartments renting for around $1,300.

Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,413
• Average property buying cost: $379,000

McAllen is a large city with many activities for residents to enjoy.McAllen is a city located on the southernmost tip of Texas. It has many parks that are perfect for outdoor activities. One such park is McAllen Park, which features an 18-hole golf course and a water park.

This city is rich in Latino culture, with most of the population being Spanish speaking due to its proximity to the border of Mexico. McAllen offers a lot of employment opportunities in the automotive, aerospace, medical, and electronics industries, as the city is home to the South Texas College Technology Campus.

As of December 2023, the average property price is $237,900, and the cost of renting a 1-bed apartment is around $935.

Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)