The Best And Worst Cities In Texas

Let’s be real: Texans love their cities, and there's something for everyone in the Lone Star State, from bustling metropolises to charming small towns. But as RentCafe recently pointed out, not every area scores equally when it comes to livability metrics like cost of living, access to amenities, and quality of life. So, with RentCafe’s national ranking data in hand, we took a fun dive into the Texas cities that rank highest and lowest for livability:

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The Best Texas Cities for Living the Good Life

1. Dallas

Ranking in the U.S.: 72nd
Dallas has the perks of a big city without too much of the big-city price tag. With a cost of living slightly lower than the national average and minimal severe housing issues, it seems Dallas has found a sweet spot where residents can keep a bit more in their pockets – maybe for some iconic Dallas BBQ.

2. Killeen

Ranking in the U.S.: 106th
Killeen stands out with its affordable lifestyle and strong community vibe. With a cost of living that’s 4% below the national average and a great percentage of residents with access to exercise, Killeen proves that small-town Texas can still hold its own in the livability department.

3. Austin

Ranking in the U.S.: 109th
Austin keeps its spot as a Texan favorite thanks to strong income growth and solid access to healthy food. Sure, it’s not the most affordable city in Texas, but its unique vibe and progressive culture keep it a top choice, especially for those who want to "keep Austin weird" while living well.

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The Worst Texas Cities to Live In (According To RentCafe)

1. Brownsville
Ranking in the U.S.: 137th
Affordability here is a double-edged sword. While Brownsville’s cost of living is impressively low, it also has some challenges, like a 25.3% poverty rate and limited entertainment options. But hey, if simplicity is what you’re after, Brownsville’s slower pace might just be the ticket.

2. El Paso

Ranking in the U.S.: 138th
El Paso’s beautiful landscape and rich culture make it a wonderful place to live for many – if you can handle the numbers. Its 22.1% severe housing problem rate and high uninsured population add some obstacles, but the city’s sunsets and friendly community might be all the perks residents need.

3. McAllen

Ranking in the U.S.: 139th
McAllen may have the most affordable cost of living on the list, but it also has the highest poverty rate among cities studied by RentCafe. Limited entertainment and economic challenges give McAllen a tough ranking, but its warm community and vibrant local culture are draws that don’t show up in numbers alone.

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Bottom Line: More Than Just a Number

While rankings like these offer a snapshot, they’re not the full picture. Each of these cities has unique qualities that don’t always fit neatly into data points, and no chart can capture the sense of home a place can bring. After all, livability is about what you value in a home and what you make of the place you live in. So, Texas – ranked or unranked, high or low – still holds its own as one of the best places to live, one city at a time.