This Texas City Was Just Ranked the Most Affordable Place to Live in America

If you’ve been feeling crushed by rent, bills, and the cost of literally everything, you’re not alone. Some places in the U.S. are still surprisingly affordable and Texas is home to three of them.

A new study crunched the numbers on housing costs, average income, and overall living expenses. The results? Texas dominates the list of America’s most affordable cities in 2025.

3 Texas Cities Ranked Among the Cheapest Places to Live in the U.S.

1. Brownsville, TX

Brownsville didn’t just make the list, it topped it. With a super low cost of living and cheaper rent compared to most U.S. cities, Brownsville is officially the most affordable city in the country right now.

Why it’s so cheap:

• Low housing-to-income ratio
• Affordable groceries and gas
• Access to Mexico = extra cheap options

2. Wichita Falls, TX

Wichita Falls might be a small city but it's got big savings. It's got a lower-than-average cost for housing, utilities, and even healthcare.

What makes it a budget win:

• Steady job market
• Reasonable rent prices
• No need to live paycheck-to-paycheck here

Also on the list: Beaumont, TX

Rounding out the top 10 is Beaumont, just an hour and a half from Houston. It might not be the prettiest, but at least it's cheap.

Here’s the full Top 10 list:

1. Brownsville, TX
2. Wichita Falls, TX
3. Evansville, IN
4. South Bend, IN
5. Dayton, OH
6. Toledo, OH
7. Fort Wayne, IN
8. Springfield, IL
9. McAllen, TX
10. Beaumont, TX

Bottom line: If you're dreaming about moving somewhere affordable (or just wish your rent wasn't ridiculous), Texas might be calling your name.