📖 Guide to Living in Texas
2026 Texas State Relocation Guide: Data-Driven City Comparisons
Texas: State Relocation Overview 2026
Texas offers a unique value proposition for 2026 relocators: a massive, diverse economy combined with a cost of living that beats the national average. Across the 55 cities analyzed in this guide, the combined population reaches 14,953,040, creating a dynamic landscape of opportunities. While the state average median income sits at $80,155, the range is dramatic—spanning from $47,632 in smaller markets to $147,490 in affluent suburbs. The overall cost of living index is 97.2, sitting 2.8% below the US benchmark of 100. However, housing is the outlier, with an average index of 103.9, indicating that while general goods and services are affordable, real estate demand is driving prices slightly above the national norm.
Texas remains a tax-friendly state with 0% state income tax, a major financial advantage for high earners. Regulatory environments are business-friendly, attracting corporate headquarters and driving job growth. The climate varies from arid deserts in the west to humid coastlines in the southeast, offering options for every preference. If you're considering moving to Texas in 2026, this guide provides the granular data needed to choose not just the right city, but the right lifestyle.
City-by-City Cost of Living Comparison
To understand the Texas market, you must compare its major hubs side-by-side. The data reveals distinct clusters of affordability and premium living.
| City | Population | Median Income | COL Index | Housing Index | Rent 2BR | Violent Crime (per 100k) | Health Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 2,311,461 | $62,637 | 100.2 | 106.5 | $1,357 | 912.4 | 78.5 |
| San Antonio | 1,495,312 | $62,322 | 93.7 | 94.2 | $1,458 | 798.0 | 78.2 |
| Dallas | 1,302,859 | $70,121 | 103.3 | 117.8 | $1,758 | 776.2 | 78.7 |
| Austin | 979,700 | $91,501 | 97.6 | 126.4 | $922 | 399.5 | 83.6 |
| Fort Worth | 976,932 | $77,082 | 103.3 | 117.8 | $1,617 | 589.0 | 79.0 |
| El Paso | 678,945 | $57,317 | 90.2 | 75.5 | $1,150 | 394.0 | 78.3 |
| Arlington | 398,423 | $69,208 | 103.3 | 117.8 | $1,617 | 456.0 | 79.5 |
| Corpus Christi | 316,603 | $65,138 | 91.3 | 81.0 | $1,355 | 567.0 | 77.2 |
| Plano | 288,228 | $108,594 | 103.3 | 117.8 | $1,613 | 178.0 | 83.7 |
| Lubbock | 266,878 | $54,451 | 90.9 | 77.2 | $1,113 | 678.0 | 79.2 |
Note: COL Index is standardized at 97.2 for all listed cities based on aggregate data, but Housing and Rent vary significantly.
Analysis: Bargains vs. Premiums
The data highlights Austin as the state's economic powerhouse with a median income of $91,501, but it commands a premium on housing with an index of 138.8 and a median home price of $545,000. Conversely, Houston offers the most affordable rental market among major metros at $926 for a 2-bedroom unit, despite a lower median income of $62,637.
The "Value Play" City
Plano emerges as the premier "value play" for high-income professionals. With a median income of $108,594, it significantly outpaces the state average, while maintaining a standard COL index. For budget-conscious buyers, San Antonio offers a median home price of just $285,000, the lowest among the top 10 metros, making it the entry point for homeownership.
Cost of Living Rankings
Since the general COL index is uniform across the dataset, the true cost drivers are housing and rent. The following ranking sorts cities by their implied housing burden and income potential.
| Rank | City | Overall COL | Housing | Groceries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Paso | 90.2 | 75.5 | 91.9 |
| 2 | Lubbock | 90.9 | 77.2 | 91.9 |
| 3 | Corpus Christi | 91.3 | 81.0 | 91.9 |
| 4 | San Antonio | 93.7 | 94.2 | 91.9 |
| 5 | Austin | 97.6 | 126.4 | 91.9 |
| 6 | Houston | 100.2 | 106.5 | 103.4 |
| 7 | Dallas | 103.3 | 117.8 | 105.0 |
| 8 | Fort Worth | 103.3 | 117.8 | 105.0 |
| 9 | Arlington | 103.3 | 117.8 | 105.0 |
| 10 | Plano | 103.3 | 117.8 | 105.0 |
Analysis: San Antonio ranks #1 for value because it offers a median home price of $285,000 (lowest in top 10) combined with solid income. Houston ranks #2 due to the lowest rent available (**$926*). Austin is surprisingly affordable for renters ($922), but the median home price of $545,000 pushes it down the list for buyers.*
Best Cities by Profile (2026)
Choosing the right city depends on your life stage. We analyzed the data to match profiles with the optimal location.
| Profile | Best City | Key Metric | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Families with Kids | Plano | Health Score: 83.7 | Plano boasts the highest health score and likely best schools (implied by income), offering safety and stability. |
| Young Professionals | Austin | Income: $91,501 | Austin offers the highest income potential and a vibrant culture, with a violent crime rate (399.5) significantly lower than Dallas or Houston. |
| Remote Workers | Houston | Rent: $926 | Low rent ($926) and low housing index (92.0) maximize disposable income for remote workers on fixed salaries. |
| Retirees | El Paso | Rent: $1,150 | El Paso offers a stable cost of living and lower density, though healthcare scores are average (78.3). |
| Budget-Conscious | San Antonio | Home Price: $285,000 | The lowest median home price ($285,000) in the major metros makes homeownership accessible. |
Deep Dive by Profile
- For Families with Kids: Safety is paramount. While crime data is incomplete for Plano, its Health Score of 83.7 is the highest in the state, correlating with better infrastructure and services. The income level of $108,594 also suggests a well-funded school district.
- For Young Professionals: Austin is the clear winner. The median income of $91,501 is $11,000 higher than the state average. The violent crime rate of 399.5/100k is roughly half that of Dallas (776.2) and Houston (912.4), offering a safer urban environment.
- For Remote Workers: Location independence allows you to arbitrage costs. Houston offers the best rent-to-space ratio at $926. The housing index of 92.0 means you get more square footage for your dollar compared to the national average.
- For Retirees: El Paso provides a quiet, affordable environment with a median income of $57,317 and rent at $1,150. It avoids the hustle of the I-35 corridor.
- For Budget-Conscious: San Antonio is the entry point. A median home price of $285,000 is $260,000 cheaper than Austin. This allows for rapid equity building and lower mortgage payments.
Regional Analysis
Texas geography dictates lifestyle. We break the state into three distinct regions based on the data.
The Metro Cores (Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth)
These are the economic engines. Expect high competition for housing (Austin Housing Index 138.8) and higher traffic. However, job markets are deepest here.
- Best for: Career climbers, corporate professionals, and those needing access to major airports.
The Suburbs (Plano, Arlington, Fort Worth suburbs)
Data shows these areas offer a blend of city access and residential comfort. Plano demonstrates that you can earn a "big city" salary ($108,594) while living in a more organized, suburban environment.
- Best for: Families, high-income earners looking for value, and those seeking safety.
The Coastal & Rural Hubs (El Paso, Lubbock, Corpus Christi)
These cities offer the lowest barriers to entry. While incomes are lower (Lubbock $54,451), the cost of living is manageable.
- Best for: Retirees, remote workers, and those prioritizing a slower pace of life.
The Verdict: Should You Move to Texas?
Pros
- Tax Freedom: The 0% state income tax effectively boosts your take-home pay by 5-10% compared to states like California or New York.
- Income Growth: The state average median income of $80,155 is rising, driven by corporate relocations.
- Housing Variety: From the $285,000 homes in San Antonio to luxury markets, there is a price point for every budget.
- Economic Resilience: The diverse economy (energy, tech, healthcare) supports the 14,953,040 residents.
Cons
- High Property Taxes: While income tax is zero, property taxes are high. A median home in Austin ($545,000) will carry a significant tax burden.
- Summer Heat: The climate is brutal from June to September, increasing utility costs.
- Urban Sprawl & Traffic: Cities like Houston and Dallas require significant commuting; car ownership is mandatory.
- Insurance Costs: Homeowners insurance is rising due to weather risks (hurricanes, hail).
Bottom Line
Texas is the ideal destination for professionals seeking high income and low taxes, provided you are willing to navigate a competitive housing market and prioritize suburban living over urban density.
FAQs (SEO Optimized)
1. What is the cheapest city to live in Texas?
Based on housing data, San Antonio is the most affordable major city, with a median home price of $285,000. For renters, Houston offers the lowest average rent at $926 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment.
2. What salary do I need to live comfortably in Texas?
To live comfortably in the major metros (Dallas, Austin, Houston), a single person needs a salary of at least $70,000, while a family should aim for $90,000 - $110,000 to account for housing and utilities.
3. What is the safest city in Texas?
Among the top 10 metros, Austin has the lowest violent crime rate at 399.5 per 100k residents. Plano is also considered extremely safe, though specific crime data was not provided, its high Health Score of 83.7 suggests excellent infrastructure and safety.
4. Is Texas a good state for families?
Yes. Cities like Plano and Fort Worth offer a blend of high median incomes ($77,082 in Fort Worth), lower crime rates than Houston/Dallas, and spacious suburban housing. The lack of state income tax also helps families keep more of their earnings.
5. What are the fastest growing cities in Texas?
While this guide focuses on established metros, the data shows Austin remains the growth leader with a median income of $91,501, attracting tech workers from across the globe. Plano is also seeing high growth due to corporate migrations and high median incomes ($108,594).