14 Most Affordable Places to Live in Texas in 2025

From bustling cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin with their vibrant arts, music, and culinary scenes, to the natural beauty of Big Bend National Park and the Gulf Coast beaches, Texas offers a diverse range of experience and activities for anyone living in the state. If you’re considering residing somewhere in Texas then chances are you also have a budget you’re hoping to stay under in your home or apartment search. When it comes to buying a home in Texas the median home sale price is $337,800. 

If that price doesn’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. Redfin has collected the 14 of the most affordable places to live in Texas. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Let’s see what cities made the list.

#1: Wichita Falls

Median home price: $187,900
Average sale price per square foot: $71
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $793
Median household income: $47,335
Nearest major metro: Oklahoma City, OK (139 miles)
Wichita Falls, TX homes for sale
Wichita Falls, TX apartments for rent

Situated in the northern part of the state, Wichita Falls takes the first place on our list of affordable cities to live in Texas. When living in this city of 102,300 people, you can explore the scenic beauty of Lucy Park, visit the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University. Make sure to discover the area’s history at the Museum of North Texas History, and boat, fish or hike at Lake Wichita Park.

#2: Abilene

Median home price: $235,000
Average sale price per square foot: $142
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $873
Median household income: $52,518
Nearest major metro: Fort Worth (150 miles)
Abilene, TX homes for sale
Abilene, TX apartments for rent

About 125,200 people reside in Abilene, one of the many cities in central Texas. The median home sale price is $235,000 which is about $100K less than the median home sale price in Texas. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable city, make sure to paddleboard or kayak on Lake Fort Phantom, visit the Abilene Zoo, and explore downtown where you’ll find local shops and museums like the Grace Museum.

#3: Lubbock (tie)

Median home price: $240,000
Average sale price per square foot: $83
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $810
Median household income: $47,335
Nearest major metro: Amarillo (122 miles)
Lubbock, TX homes for sale
Lubbock, TX apartments for rent

A little more expensive than Abilene is the city of Lubbock. With a population close to 257,100, there is plenty to do in this city. Plan to explore the exhibits at the Museum of Texas Tech University or visit the Buddy Holly Center and learn about the iconic musician’s life and legacy. You can also enjoy a stroll through the Lubbock Downtown Historic District to discover unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

#3: Victoria (tie)

Median home price: $240,000
Average sale price per square foot: $142
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,002
Median household income: $47,335
Nearest major metro: Corpus Christi (85 miles)
Victoria, TX homes for sale
Victoria, TX apartments for rent

Tying for third place with Lubbock is Victoria, located about 30 miles from the Gulf Coast. With 65,500 people living in this affordable town, Victoria is a great option to consider when looking to stay in Texas without paying the premium for a home in a larger city. In Victoria, you can go for a run along the Riverside Running Trail, check out the historic landmarks throughout town, and visit one of the museums.

#5: Killeen

Median home price: $254,000
Average sale price per square foot: $145
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $839
Median household income: $50,335
Nearest major metro: Austin (70 miles)
Killeen, TX homes for sale
Killeen, TX apartments for rent

If you’ve been living in Texas for some time, you probably know of Killeen. This affordable place is home to about 153,100 residents and has a median home sale price about $80K less than the state’s average. Be sure to explore the exhibits and artifacts at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, and visit the Stillhouse Hollow Lake for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking once living in Killeen.

#6: Pasadena

Median home price: $260,000
Average sale price per square foot: $153
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $952
Median household income: $57,781
Nearest major metro: Houston (15 miles)
Pasadena, TX homes for sale
Pasadena, TX apartments for rent

Sixth on our list of affordable places to live in Texas is Pasadena, located just southeast of Houston. With a population of nearly 151,900, living in Pasadena is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city to live in. If you find yourself moving to this city make sure to take in the views at Clear Lake Park and explore the trails at Armand Bayou Nature Center.

#7: Baytown

Median home price: $262,000
Average sale price per square foot: $136
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,092
Median household income: $54,454
Nearest major metro: Houston (30 miles)
Baytown, TX homes for sale
Baytown, TX apartments for rent

The seventh city on our list is Baytown, where the home prices are about $70K less than the state’s average. With roughly 83,700 people calling Baytown home, it’s a great area to consider buying a house in. Whether you visit the Baytown Nature Center and explore its trails and wildlife, discover the history of the region at the Baytown Historical Museum, enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing and boating at the Baytown’s numerous parks and waterways, and check out the Battleground State Historic Site, there are many activities to do and see in this city.

#8: Laredo

Median home price: $270,000
Average sale price per square foot: $161
Median household income: $51,120
Nearest major metro: Corpus Christi (150 miles)
Laredo, TX homes for sale
Laredo, TX apartments for rent

The city of Laredo is another awesome affordable city to consider residing in. With a median home sale price of $270,000 and a population of 255,200 there are plenty of reasons that might convince you to move to Laredo. You’ll find lots of activities as well, such as fishing, swimming, and picnicking at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, exploring downtown Laredo, and visiting one of the local museums.

#9: San Angelo (tie)

Median home price: $275,000
Average sale price per square foot: $130
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,002
Median household income: $55,682
Nearest major metro: Austin (205 miles)
San Angelo, TX homes for sale
San Angelo, TX apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $275,000, San Angelo is the next affordable place to live in Texas to make the list. Located in central Texas along the Concho River, San Angelo is home to roughly 99,900 residents. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to visit the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts and take a tour of Fort Concho National Historic Landmark. You can also spend time exploring the beautiful Concho River Walk and enjoying the natural beauty of San Angelo State Park where you can hike, camp, or fish.

#9: Spring (tie)

Median home price: $275,000
Average sale price per square foot: $144
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,325
Median household income: $73,467
Nearest major metro: Houston (16 miles)
Spring, TX homes for sale
Spring, TX apartments for rent

Tied for ninth spot with San Angelo is Spring. There are about 62,600 people living in this city, giving Spring a welcoming feel. If Spring is the city for you, be sure to visit the Mercer Botanic Gardens, Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center, and Pundt Park, explore vibrant Old Town Spring, and learn about the area at the Spring Historical Museum.

#11: Waco

Median home price: $276,550
Average sale price per square foot: $168
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,204
Median household income: $40,349
Nearest major metro: Fort Worth (90 miles)
Waco, TX homes for sale
Waco, TX apartments for rent

The 11th city on our list is Waco where you’ll find the median home sale price is $276,550. If you’re considering living in Waco and are looking to travel to the nearest major city, you’ll find that Fort Worth is about 90 miles north. There is plenty to do in Waco like visiting the magnificent Waco Mammoth National Monument and seeing the preserved mammoth fossils or taking a stroll through the picturesque Cameron Park and enjoying the scenic views along the Brazos River. You can also explore Magnolia Market, and check out one of the museums in town like the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, and the Mayborn Museum Complex.

#12: Bryan

Median home price: $295,700
Average sale price per square foot: $166
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,099
Median household income: $46,813
Nearest major metro: Waco (85 miles)
Bryan, TX homes for sale
Bryan, TX apartments for rent

Bryan is a great place to consider living in Texas where the population is about 84,000. The nearest major metro area is Waco, about 85 miles northwest of Bryan. There are plenty of  attractions in the city including exploring downtown Bryan, spending the afternoon at Lake Bryan, and checking out the Texas A&M campus in nearby College Station.

#13: Odessa

Median home price: $299,900
Average sale price per square foot: $62
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,217
Median household income: $63,829
Nearest major metro: Lubbock (140 miles)
Odessa, TX homes for sale
Odessa, TX apartments for rent

The 13th city on our list is Odessa. The city’s population is around 114,400, creating a great mid-sized city in the heart of west Texas. In Odessa, there is plenty to do on a sunny afternoon or weekend. For example, you can visit museums like the Ellen Noël Art Museum and explore the Monahans Sandhills State Park, where you can go sand sledding or enjoy a picnic in the dunes.

#14: Midland

Median home price: $335,000
Average sale price per square foot: $131
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,459
Median household income: $83,616
Nearest major metro: Lubbock (120 miles)
Midland, TX homes for sale
Midland, TX apartments for rent

Taking the 14th and final spot on our list of affordable places to live in Texas is Midland. This city has a population of 132,500 where you can explore the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum and learn about the region’s oil industry and visit the George W. Bush Childhood Home and gain insight into the former president’s early life. Don’t miss out on discovering the art and history at the Museum of the Southwest, and enjoying the outdoors at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve and Jenna Welch Nature Study Center. There’s always something to check out while living in Midland.

Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Texas. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during April 2025. Average rental data from Rent.com April 2025. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

The post 14 Most Affordable Places to Live in Texas in 2025 appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.