Top 10 Best Places To Live In Texas

If you are moving to Texas soon and would like to evaluate some options as to where to spend the rest of your life, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take you to some of the best places to live in Texas according to USNews.

Finding the best place to settle down with your family or retire is one of the most challenging tasks. This Southern state is not just great in size, but in countless other areas as well: a variety of nature, tons of things to do, plentiful places to explore, and, of course, its rich and unique history. Deep in the heart of Texas are prairies, forests, rugged hills, desert land, a coastline, and grasslands that give residents multiple venues to enjoy life.

10. Brownsville, Texas

Brownsville, Texas

Population: 184,125 Residents
Median Home Value: $162,617
Crime Rate: 20.4/ per 100,000 people

Brownsville is a historical city filled with opportunities that just need to be found and taken advantage of. Living in Brownsville is much more affordable than living in Austin or Houston. The lower cost of living in the city directly correlates with the low cost of housing throughout the region.

Cost of Living in Brownsville, Texas

Brownsville, Texas cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means Brownsville is cheaper than the US average.

Taxes

  • The Sales Tax Rate for Brownsville is 8.2%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The Income Tax Rate for Brownsville is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.

Housing Cost

The typical home value of homes in Brownsville is $162,617. Brownsville home values have gone up 24.1% over the past year according to Zillow.

Utilities & Transportation

Median Rent

$856.77/ Month

Energy Bill

$137.69/ Month

Phone Bill

$151.51/ Month

Gas

$4.49/ Gallon

Health Care

Doctor Visit

$105.40

Dentist Visit

$90.13

Optometrist Visit

$97.62

RX Drug

$419.42

Veterinary Visit

$50.75

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9. McAllen, Texas

McAllen, Texas
McAllen, Texas

Population: 145,482 Residents
Median Home Value: $201,051
Crime Rate: 13.1/ per 100,000 people

McAllen is a city in southern Texas. The International Museum of Art & Science has interactive exhibits, Picasso lithographs and European paintings. To the south, Quinta Mazatlan is a Spanish Revival mansion surrounded by woodland rich in birdlife. Set in a 1930s former post office, the McAllen Heritage Center has local history displays. McAllen’s many parks include Fireman’s Park, home to large Town Lake.

Cost of living in McAllen, Texas

McAllen, Texas cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means McAllen is cheaper than the US average.

Taxes

  • The Sales Tax Rate for McAllen is 8.3%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The Income Tax Rate for McAllen is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.

Housing Cost

The typical home value of homes in McAllen is $201,051. McAllen home values have gone up 20.0% over the past year.

Utilities & Transportation

Median Rent

$704.64/ Month

Energy Bill

$179.49/ Month

Phone Bill

$197.51/ Month

Gas

$3.96/ Gallon

Health Care

Doctor Visit

$85.90

Dentist Visit

$73.46

Optometrist Visit

$79.56

RX Drug

$341.84

Veterinary Visit

$42.62

8. El Paso, Texas

El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas

Population: 687,287 Residents
Median Home Value: $195,146
Crime Rate: 22.1/ per 100,000 people

El Paso, Texas attracts a wide variety of residents with its array of recreational and cultural offerings, the low crime rate pairs with a pretty large city that offers tons of things to do, not to mention the cost of living in El Paso is lower than the national average. This city is a great place to live, but keep in mind that other large Texas cities are super far away.

Cost of Living in El Paso, Texas

El Paso, Texas cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. A cost of living index above 100 means El Paso, Texas is more expensive.

Taxes

  • The Sales Tax Rate for El Paso is 8.2%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The Income Tax Rate for El Paso is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.

Housing Cost

The typical home value of homes in El Paso is $195,146. El Paso home values have gone up 19.4% over the past year according to Zillow.

Utilities & Transportation

Median Rent

$854.33/ Month

Energy Bill

$154.58/ Month

Phone Bill

$170.10/ Month

Gas

$4.47/ Gallon

Health Care

Doctor Visit

$114.38

Dentist Visit

$97.81

Optometrist Visit

$105.94

RX Drug

$455.15

Veterinary Visit

$54.00

Are you thinking about moving to El Paso, Texas? Real Movers has moving services and facilities all over the country, so we can help with your move. Get a quote today!

7. Corpus Christi, Texas

Corspus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas

Population: 327,423 Residents
Median Home Value: $216,437
Crime Rate: 35.0/ per 100,000 people

Corpus Christi, the largest city on the Texas coast, is known for its beaches and high wind speeds that make it ideal for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The city has a thriving economy, and many energy companies have invested in developments near the ports in order to facilitate transportation, and the cost of living in Corpus Christi is lower than in similarly sized metro areas across the country.

Cost of living in Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi, Texas cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. A cost of living index above 100 means Corpus Christi, Texas is more expensive.

Taxes

  • The Sales Tax Rate for Corpus Christi is 8.3%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The Income Tax Rate for Corpus Christi is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.

Housing Cost

The typical home value of homes in Corpus Christi is $216,437. Corpus Christi’s home values have gone up 15.3% over the past year according to Zillow.

Utilities & Transportation

Median Rent

$1,039/ Month

Energy Bill

$220.95/ Month

Phone Bill

$243.14/ Month

Gas

$4.34/ Gallon

Health Care

Doctor Visit

$101.14

Dentist Visit

$86.49

Optometrist Visit

$93.68

RX Drug

$402.49

Veterinary Visit

$51.40

Are you thinking about moving to Corpus Christi, Texas? Real Movers has moving services and facilities all over the country, so we can help with your move. Get a quote today!

6. Beaumont, Texas

Beaumont, Texas

Population: 114,299 Residents
Median Home Value: $144,535
Crime Rate: 50.2/ per 100,000 people

Beaumont has a lot of parks. If you’ve got a secure job, you should be able to make ends meet and Beaumont, the region, has a lower cost of living than the nation in the state of Texas. While the state’s consumer sales and use tax rate is slightly higher than the national average. Home to Lamar University, Beaumont is a magnet for young people. The city agrees with the habits of young people with its low cost of living and its many opportunities for weekend fun.

Cost of living in Beaumont, Texas

Beaumont, Texas cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. A cost of living index above 100 means Beaumont, Texas is more expensive.

Taxes

  • The Sales Tax Rate for Beaumont is 8.1%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The Income Tax Rate for Beaumont is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.

Housing Cost

The typical home value of homes in Beaumont is $144,535. Beaumont home values have gone up 7.2% over the past year according to Zillow.

Utilities & Transportation

Median Rent

$1,335/ Month

Energy Bill

$174.37/ Month

Phone Bill

$191.88/ Month

Gas

$4.48/ Gallon

Health Care

Doctor Visit

$105.16

Dentist Visit

$89.93

Optometrist Visit

$97.40

RX Drug

$418.48

Veterinary Visit

$51.29

5. Killeen, Texas

Killeen, Texas
Killeen, Texas

Population: 160,615 Residents
Median Home Value: $217,894
Crime Rate: 30.8/ per 100,000 people

Located in the heart of central Texas, Killeen is an ethnically diverse city, a family-friendly city with a thriving economy. With a cost of living that’s lower than the national average and that of other large Texas metro areas, Killeen residents are able to stretch their dollar further than the average American.

Cost of living in Killeen, Texas

Killeen, Texas cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. A cost of living index above 100 means Killeen, Texas is more expensive.

Taxes

  • The Sales Tax Rate for Killeen is 8.3%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The Income Tax Rate for Killeen is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.

Housing Cost

The typical home value of homes in Killeen is $217,894. Killeen home values have gone up 31.2% over the past year according to Zillow.

Utilities & Transportation

Median Rent

$956.15/ Month

Energy Bill

$209.35/ Month

Phone Bill

$230.37/ Month

Gas

$4.19/ Gallon

Health Care

Doctor Visit

$130.21

Dentist Visit

$111.35

Optometrist Visit

$120.60

RX Drug

$518.16

Veterinary Visit

$49.01

4. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas

Population: 1,598,964 Residents
Median Home Value: $298,626
Crime Rate: 37.0/ per 100,000 people

People are flocking to the city for its low cost of living and a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, San Antonio residents pay slightly less for everyday expenses, such as food and health care than those who live in other metro areas. San Antonio offers big-city amenities and world-renowned attractions, the spirit of the region expands beyond its tourist labels, offering a community rich in Spanish and Old West heritage.

Cost of living in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. A cost of living index above 100 means San Antonio, Texas is more expensive.

Taxes

  • The Sales Tax Rate for San Antonio is 8.2%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The Income Tax Rate for San Antonio is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.

Housing Cost

The typical home value of homes in San Antonio is $298,626. San Antonio home values have gone up 24.8% over the past year according to Zillow.

Utilities & Transportation

Median Rent

$999/ Month

Energy Bill

$151.68/ Month

Phone Bill

$166.91/ Month

Gas

$4.15/ Gallon

Health Care

Doctor Visit

$110.01

Dentist Visit

$94.07

Optometrist Visit

$101.89

RX Drug

$437.76

Veterinary Visit

$55.41

Are you thinking about moving to San Antonio, Texas? Real Movers has moving services and facilities all over the country, so we can help with your move. Get a quote today!

3. Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas

Population: 2,325,353 Residents
Median Home Value: $266,964
Crime Rate: 50.4/ per 100,000 people

Houston attracts people with an entrepreneurial spirit and those who want to work at some of the country’s largest companies. Not only is Houston the hub of the oil and gas industries, but it’s also a major center of manufacturing and health care despite falling oil prices. Houston’s housing market is performing exceptionally well.

The commute times and traffic are known to be rough, but for the fastest-growing job markets in the U.S., it’s worth it. Moreover, located about 30 minutes north of downtown Houston, is the favorite choice for fishing, boating, swimming, or kayaking along the lakes, tree-lined creeks, and tributaries.

Cost of living in Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. A cost of living index above 100 means Houston, Texas is more expensive.

Taxes

  • The Sales Tax Rate for Houston is 8.2%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The Income Tax Rate for Houston is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.

Housing Cost

The typical home value of homes in Houston is $266,964. Houston home values have gone up 21.7% over the past year according to Zillow.

Utilities & Transportation

Median Rent

$991.85/ Month

Energy Bill

$183.59/ Month

Phone Bill

$202.02/ Month

Gas

$4.19/ Gallon

Health Care

Doctor Visit

$113.67

Dentist Visit

$97.20

Optometrist Visit

$105.28

RX Drug

$452.33

Veterinary Visit

$54.65

Are you thinking about moving to Houston, Texas? Real Movers has moving services and facilities all over the country, so we can help with your move. Get a quote today!

2. Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas

Population: 1,348,886 Residents
Median Home Value: $329,378
Crime Rate: 37.0/ per 100,000 people

This area is the economic center of Texas and is home to tons of big businesses and Fortune 500 companies. Corporate friendly cities provide some of the best job opportunities in the state, the two leading industries are tech and finance. Those who live in Dallas and Fort Worth tend to be young professionals.

This area offers plenty of recreational opportunities that speak to the area’s overall quality of life, including more than 200 golf courses, hundreds of area parks, and fun entertainment venues. As more and more professionals move here, the downtown rental rates have risen.

Cost of living in Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. A cost of living index above 100 means Dallas, Texas is more expensive.

Taxes

  • The Sales Tax Rate for Dallas is 8.3%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The Income Tax Rate for Dallas is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.

Housing Cost

The typical home value of homes in Dallas is $329,378. Dallas home values have gone up 25.1% over the past year according to Zillow.

Utilities & Transportation

Median Rent

$1,251/ Month

Energy Bill

$187.85/ Month

Phone Bill

$206.71/ Month

Gas

$3.91/ Gallon

Health Care

Doctor Visit

$131.98

Dentist Visit

$112.86

Optometrist Visit

$122.24

RX Drug

$525.21

Veterinary Visit

$58.23

Are you thinking about moving to Dallas, Texas? Real Movers has moving services and facilities all over the country, so we can help with your move. Get a quote today!

1. Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas

Population: 1,028,225 Residents
Median Home Value: $686,669
Crime Rate: 29.4/ per 100,000 people

Austin, with its peaceful, rolling landscape lakes and numerous opportunities for sport and outdoor exercise. Austin is a healthy place to live. People are moving to Austin for many reasons. The glorious weather, the warmth, and friendliness of the people, the promising job market, and the one-of-a-kind culture. When it comes to jobs in Austin, the city is far ahead of the country’s big metro areas.

The economy of Austin is based on technology, medicine, and education. This thriving city is also home to the headquarters of many top major corporations, green initiatives, and environmental benefits. And millennials are taking notice. The weather in Austin is beautiful, but the heat definitely takes some getting used to.

Cost of living in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. A cost of living index above 100 means Austin, Texas is more expensive.

Texas

  • The Sales Tax Rate for Austin is 8.3%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The Income Tax Rate for Austin is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.

Housing Cost

The typical home value of homes in Austin is $686,669. Austin home values have gone up 29.4% over the past year according to Zillow.

Utilities & Transportation

Median Rent

$1,362/ Month

Energy Bill

$162.26/ Month

Phone Bill

$178.55/ Month

Gas

$3.77/ Gallon

Health Care

Doctor Visit

$123.71

Dentist Visit

$105.79

Optometrist Visit

$114.58

RX Drug

$492.30

Veterinary Visit

$54.71

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Henry Blok
Henry Blok
As a Moving Advisor for our client base, I am in charge of helping with logistics and moving counseling at realmovers.org