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Living in Texas
Texas is having a moment — and it's not hard to see why. Whether you're coming from California, the East Coast, or somewhere in between, the promise of lower costs, no income tax, and a booming job market has put Texas at the top of a lot of relocation lists. But before you pack up the moving truck, here's what you actually need to know.
Texas has an overall cost of living index of 93.9, which falls below the U.S. average of 100. The biggest driver of that savings? Housing.
That gap is enormous — and it's the single biggest reason Californians are relocating to Texas in record numbers. You can get significantly more house for significantly less money.
Where Texas does lag is transportation infrastructure. The state's sprawling geography and car-dependent cities push transportation costs above the national average, which slightly offsets those housing savings.
One of the most compelling draws to Texas is its tax structure — particularly for high earners.
The one caveat worth knowing upfront: Texas has some of the sixth-highest property taxes in the nation. So while you're not paying income tax, your property tax bill will be meaningful. Factor that into your budget when comparing monthly housing costs.
Texas is a big state, and where you land matters. Here's a breakdown of the top cities worth putting on your radar.
If schools are your top priority, Southlake deserves serious attention. It's home to the #1 ranked school district in all of Texas and has a reputation for strong academics and a tight-knit community. The tradeoff is price — the median home price is around $1.1 million. It's also conveniently located near DFW Airport, which makes it a strong pick for frequent travelers.
Grapevine punches above its weight in terms of things to do. Families are drawn here for attractions like Great Wolf Lodge, Gaylord Texan Resort, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium, and the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Those indoor options are genuinely clutch during the brutal Texas summers. The median home price in Grapevine was $479,000.
For professionals who thrive in an urban environment, Dallas delivers. Think high-rises, world-class restaurants, a thriving nightlife scene, and a deep pool of job opportunities. The median home price in downtown Dallas is around $560,000, with prices climbing depending on the type of housing and neighborhood. Traffic during business hours is real — plan accordingly.
If you want proximity to Dallas without the Dallas price tag, Fort Worth is worth a look. It sits just 32.1 miles from downtown Dallas, making it a workable commute. It's more low-key than Dallas, but it has its own charm — the Fort Worth Zoo, Safari Splash, Botanical Gardens, and the Fort Worth Water Gardens among them. The median home price in Fort Worth is approximately $345,000.
San Antonio is famous for the Alamo and the River Walk (Paseo del Río), but if you were actually living there, the Pearl District is where daily life gets interesting. It's a vibrant stretch of locally owned restaurants, shops, and markets that give the city a genuine neighborhood feel. The median home price in San Antonio is $295,000, and it's been trending upward at a strong 16.2% year-over-year.
Austin is in a category of its own. It was ranked the #1 city for housing growth and stability by SmartAsset, holds the title of Live Music Capital of the World, and is one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country. If you're a founder or looking to break into the startup ecosystem, Austin's tech community is unmatched among Texas cities.
All of that momentum comes with a price. The median home price in Austin exceeds $630,000 — a dramatic shift over just a few years. But the opportunity here, both economically and culturally, justifies the premium for many buyers.
Leander sits 22 miles northwest of Austin and consistently earns recognition as one of the best suburbs in the country. The 78641 zip code ranked #2 nationally for home buyers flocking to the area according to Opendoor, and #5 on Homes.com's list of best suburbs. It's served by the award-winning Leander ISD, features a commuter rail to downtown Austin, and offers a small-town feel with serious development momentum. The median home price is $550,000 and growing.
Waco often gets overlooked, but it offers a compelling combination of affordability and access. Located about 90 minutes north of Austin, it sits at the midpoint between Austin and Dallas — great for day trips in both directions. Beyond its affordability and the well-known Magnolia Market at the Silos, Waco offers outdoor recreation, solid schools, and a growing dining scene. The median home price is approximately $250,000.
For those considering the Houston metro, The Woodlands is the standout suburb. Niche.com named it the #1 city to live in this year, factoring in affordability, housing, school quality, diversity, and walkability. It's a polished, well-planned community ideal for families. Expect to spend $580,000 or more for a home here.
The Hill Country deserves its own category. Known for its rolling terrain, beautiful climate, and warm (but notably less humid) summers, it's one of the most livable regions in the state. Several cities covered above fall within or near Hill Country boundaries:
If the outdoors, scenic beauty, and a slower pace of life appeal to you, Hill Country towns offer a compelling quality of life at a range of price points.
Texas has a genuinely diverse climate — and it's worth being honest about what that means.
Summers are hot. Depending on where you land, they can also be humid. For people moving from mild coastal climates, the adjustment is real. Triple-digit temperatures in the summer months are common across much of the state.
Winters are short, which is a major draw. Record lows have dipped to -21°F (back in 1933), and record highs have reached 120°F (also in the 1930s), but day-to-day, Texas winters are mild compared to much of the country.
This is the part people either laugh at or immediately Google. Texas has some wildlife you should know about before relocating.
Venomous snakes in Texas include:
Scorpions are also common in many parts of the state — though no medically dangerous scorpion species are native to Texas. And cockroaches (large ones) tend to appear during hot summer months, seeking cool, damp environments. Pest control is just a part of Texas homeownership.
The process is more straightforward than you might think. To establish Texas residency, you'll need to:
Many people making the move from higher-tax states find the transition not just logistically simple, but financially significant — especially given the absence of a state income tax.
Texas offers a rare combination of economic opportunity, housing value, cultural richness, and quality of life that's hard to match in most other states. The cities vary widely in character and cost — from the urban sophistication of Dallas to the music-driven energy of Austin to the quiet affordability of Waco. The key is finding the city (and neighborhood) that fits your lifestyle and budget.
For anyone seriously considering Austin or its surrounding suburbs like Leander, the market is competitive and moves quickly. Understanding local price points, school districts, and community character before you start your search will give you a meaningful head start.
Expert in: Living in Texas
Austin real estate expert helping families find their perfect home in the Texas Hill Country.
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