12 Affordable Places To Live in Texas Near Big Cities

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Seven of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. are in Texas. The Lone Star State is booming largely because of a bustling economy and a housing market that’s abundant with fresh inventory. Though the cost of living in Texas is lower than the national average (by 5%, according to RentCafe), the cost of housing in major metros can really stretch your budget and potentially break the bank.

Fortunately, there are many cities in Texas that are more affordable than the biggest and most famous ones, and they’re all under 18 miles away from those pricier metros. GOBankingRates analyzed cities near big cities (populations of 250,000 or more) in Texas to find the most affordable places to live.

12. Ingleside

• Average value of a single-family home: $209,015 
• Total annual cost of living: $38,150 
• Livability: 73 
• Distance from a major city: 12.48 miles 
• Closest major city: Corpus Christi 

11. San Elizario

• Average value of a single-family home: $168,210 
• Total annual cost of living: $37,880 
• Livability: 62/100  
• Distance from a major city: 17.39 miles  
• Closest major city: El Paso

10. Socorro

• Average value of a single-family home: $198,763 
• Total annual cost of living: $37,662 
• Livability: 63/100  
• Distance from a major city: 12.97 miles  
• Closest major city: El Paso 

9. Jacinto City

• Average value of a single-family home: $161,574 
• Total annual cost of living: $36,549 
• Livability: 71/100  
• Distance from a major city: 7.77 miles  
• Closest major city: Houston 

8. Galena Park

• Average value of a single-family home: $159,164 
• Total annual cost of living: $36,080 
• Livability: 67/100 
• Distance from a major city: 8.24 miles 
• Closest major city: Houston 

7. Kirby

• Average value of a single-family home: $176,043 
• Total annual cost of living: $35,850
• Livability: 63/100  
• Distance from a major city: 7.04 miles  
• Closest major city: San Antonio 

6. Sparks

• Average value of a single-family home: $161,996 
• Total annual cost of living: $34,456 
• Livability: 53/100 
• Distance from a major city: 15.70 miles 
• Closest major city: El Paso

5. Westway

• Average value of a single-family home: $164,081 
• Total annual cost of living: $34,188 
• Livability: 52/100 
• Distance from a major city: 14.82 miles  
• Closest major city: El Paso 

4. Sinton

• Average value of a single-family home: $148,831 
• Total annual cost of living: $33,758 
• Livability: 64/100  
• Distance from a major city: 17.71 miles  
• Closest major city: Corpus Christi 

3. Rio Bravo

• Average value of a single-family home: $112,463 
• Total annual cost of living: $32,191 
• Livability: 55/100  
• Distance from a major city: 9.97 miles 
• Closest major city: Laredo

2. Robstown

• Average value of a single-family home: $99,133 
• Total annual cost of living: $30,108 
• Livability: 79/100  
• Distance from a major city: 16.67 miles 
• Closest major city: Corpus Christi 

1. Slaton

• Average value of a single-family home: $99,281
• Total annual cost of living: $30,105
•  Livability: 72/100 
• Distance from a major city: 15.59 miles
• Closest major city: Lubbock 

Editor’s note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact locations listed in this article.

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed cities near big cities in Texas to find the most affordable places to live. For this study, cities with a population of at least 250,000 were considered big cities. Using TheCitiesNow.com, cities within 20 miles were identified and analyzed. Using the U.S. Census American Community Survey, a number of factors were found including; total population, population ages 65 and over, total households and household median income. The cities analyzed had to have at least 1,000 households to qualify for this study. The cost of living indexes were sourced from Sperling’s BestPlaces and include the grocery, healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation and miscellaneous cost of living indexes. Using the cost of living indexes and the national average expenditure costs, as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average expenditure cost for each location can be calculated. The livability index was sourced from AreaVibes for each location. The average single-family home value was sourced from Zillow Home Value Index for April 2025. Using the average single-family home value, assuming a 10% down payment, and using the most recent national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage can be calculated. Using the average mortgage and average expenditure costs, the average total monthly and annual cost of living can be calculated. The cities were sorted to show the most affordable cities first. All data was collected on and is up to date as of June 6, 2025.

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