Cowboy boots, rodeos, BBQs and live music – this is probably how most of us picture Texas. And while these are all things unique to the state, Texas still has a lot more to offer and be proud of. Afterall, the saying “Everything’s bigger in Texas”, does truly represent the state. Both in terms of its size and population, Texas is the second largest state in the US. With a booming economy and affordable cost of living, it surely is a popular destination for many to call home.
If you’re also among those attracted to the Lone Star State, you must be wondering which city to reside in, right? Do you consider big cities your thing? Then keep reading to know more about the largest cities in Texas.
Top 10 Largest Cities In Texas
1. Houston
Being the fourth most populous city in the US and the most populated in Texas, Houston surely had to take the first spot on our list of the largest cities in Texas. The city is spread over a vast area of 671.70 square miles (or 1739.69 square kilometres), and has a population of around 2,320,268 inhabitants, as of 2019. With affordable real estate, exciting nightlife and an array of amenities to offer, Houston is a welcoming place for many.
When it comes to the cost of living in Houston, the average monthly expenses without rent, for an individual is around $820, as per Numbeo. You can expect to pay around $155/month for your utilities including your electricity and water bills. This affordable cost of living offered by Houston, probably makes it one of the most popular cities to live in Texas. With a thriving economy and dozens of Fortune 500 companies headquartered here, Houston offers plentiful opportunities for anyone wanting to enhance their career. So, whether you’re shifting alone or looking for a place to settle with family, Houston, which is popularly referred to as the ‘city with no limits’, can easily be your place to go.
- Median Home Value: $180,880
- Median Rent: $1,195/month
- Median Household Income: $52,338
Related: Guide for Relocating to Houston
2. San Antonio
Known for a thriving job market and community styled neighborhoods, San Antonio is a diverse city located in southern Texas. With a population close to 1,547,253, spread over an area of 1,307 square kilometres, San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas. The city not only embraces diversity with open arms, but is also a promising place for job hunters. Healthcare, financial services and the military are some of the major industries of San Antonio and they provide employment to the majority of the residents here.
Another popular reason why along with tourists, there are many people flocking to San Antonio, is the affordable living expenses in San Antonio. Yes, with the overall cost of living in the city being lower than the national average, it isn’t very difficult for individuals and families to afford a living here. On an average, your utility bill expenses would be close to $150 each month and you can also save quite a bit on your housing expenses. While San Antonio surely has something to offer to everyone, the only thing you would want to keep note of is the high crime rate in the city. As per Neighborhoodscout, the total crime rate of san Antonio is around 50.92% per 1000 residents. That said, not all neighborhoods show such high stats. Depending on what it is that you’re looking for, you can easily make your choice.
- Median Home Value: $210,742
- Median Rent: $1,055/month
- Median Household Income: $52,455
3. Dallas
A melting pot of cultures, with a touch of suburban lifestyle, that’s how the big city of Dallas is known by many. As a booming commercial and cultural hub of Texas, Dallas takes the spot of the third largest city in the Lone Star State, with a population close to 1,382,270, spread over an area of 993 square kilometres. Amazing art and culture, mouth watering cuisine and Texan hospitality, you name it and Dallas has a perfect blend of all. And that’s probably why many people consistently are moving to this big suburb.
But if you’re among those planning to move to Dallas, know that all of these facilities would come at a price. What we mean is that the overall cost of living in Dallas is a little over the national average. To give you a perspective, Numbeo estimates that the average monthly expense excluding the rent, would be around $3,155 for a family of four. The average of your utility bills would be around $160 per month. But when you compare these expenses to other major cities of the same size, they don’t seem to be so high. So, all in all, Dallas has a warm metropolitan vibe with huge city conveniences to offer.
- Median Home Value: $220,860
- Median Rent: $1,256/month
- Median Household Income: $52,580
Also See: Moving From California To Texas
4. Austin
Along with being the capital city of Texas, Austin is also known as the live music capital of the world. So naturally, the musical festivals, record stores and stellar performances are a delight for all music lovers out there. But Austin also has so much more to offer. From liberal politics, trendy art scenes to vibrant food and diverse culture, Austin has a multitude of activities for all. Probably that’s the reason for around 978,908 inhabitants who dwell in Austin, making it the fourth largest city in Texas. The city is spread over an area of 704 square kilometres and is also home to a number of lakes and waterbodies.
There’s one more reason for many to love this city, as the cost of living in Austin is a little below the national average. Apart from the housing costs, all other expenses including groceries and utilities are very affordable as compared to many other major cities of this size. The capital city also fairs pretty well when it comes to top notch educational and employment opportunities. Besides, Austin is also regarded amongst the fastest growing cities in the nation.
- Median Home Value: $365,196
- Median Rent: $1,636/month
- Median Household Income: $71,576
Also Read: Moving to Austin
5. Fort Worth
The fifth largest city in Texas and the thirteenth largest in the United States, the city of Fort Worth is located in North Central Texas. The place that was once considered an important trading place for cowboys at the end of Chisholm trail, is today a modern city rich in art and culture. Fort Worth is spread over a massive area of 920.9 square kilometres and is home to around 909,585 people. Along with Dallas, the city helps make up the Dallas – Fort Worth metroplex, or the DFW which is among the fastest growing metro areas in the United States.
As far as the cost of living is concerned, living expenses in Fort Worth are very similar to the national average. According to Payscale, the housing expenses of Fort Worth are 5% lower than the national average, while the utility prices are just a percent above the national average. So, for anyone looking for a cowboy vibe, rodeo lifestyle and an affordable standard of living, Fort Worth could surely be worth considering!
- Median Home Value: $189,637
- Median Rent: $1,446/month
- Median Household Income: $62,187
See Also: Relocation Guide for Fort Worth
6. El Paso
Considered to be the boot capital of the world, the city of El Paso is rich in culture and is home to many ethnically diverse communities. Located in the far western part of the state, El Paso is the sixth largest city in Texas, with a population close to 681,728 inhabitants. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, El Paso is also popularly referred to as the Sun City and is spread over an area of 671.5 square kilometres. Because the city is located close to the Mexico – US border, many local restaurants and small communities also display a blend of both Texan and Mexican culture.
With a strong federal and military presence, El Paso has also consistently been ranked among the safest cities not just in Texas, but also all over the United States, making it a good city for all families and individuals to reside. As per data available on Bestplaces, the cost of living in El Paso is also significantly lower than the national average. It is one of the most affordable places to own a house in Texas and at the same time gives you ample opportunities to save on all groceries, utilities and transportation costs. All in all, El Paso is a self-sufficient large city that knows how to keep all its residents safe and satisfied.
- Median Home Value: $140,334
- Median Rent: $1,216/month
- Median Household Income: $46,871
See Also: Top 5 Moving Companies in El Paso
7. Arlington
Home to a number of recreational and sports attractions, the city of Arlington is located in Tarrant County, to the west of Dallas. With a population of around 398,854 residents, spread across an area of 258 square kilometres, Arlington is the seventh largest city in Texas. Interestingly, it is also the largest city in the state that is not a county seat. Arlington is primarily recognized as an industrial and commercial center with administrative support, sales and management being some of the key occupations of many people residing here.
Along with having a diverse economy, Arlington is also pretty rich in arts and culture, and has plentiful activities for entertainment. No wonder, the city attracts a lot of young, single, educated and career oriented individuals. The living expenses in Arlington are also hovering around the national average, according to Bestplaces. While the transportation costs are a little on the higher end, it balances out with the low costs on housing and utilities.
- Median Home Value: $205,764
- Median Rent: $1,538/month
- Median Household Income: $60,500
8. Corpus Christi
Cozily tucked into a bay, with its beaches sheltered by islands, is the coastal city of Corpus Christi. Out of the 1,266 square kilometres of land that it is spread on, 3/4th of Corpus Christi is covered with water. So, if you’re a water baby, looking for a beach city in Texas, you know where to head to now, right? You can join the other 326,586 inhabitants, which make Corpus Christi, the eighth largest city in the Lone Star State. Along with having scenic beauties, the city is also considered among the best cities for kiteboarding, windsurfing and sailing in North America.
Also popularly referred to as the ‘Sparkling City by the sea’, Corpus Christi has many welcoming neighborhoods and modern amenities for people of all kinds. The low cost of living offered by the city is just another reason why many families and retirees also choose to call Corpus Christi their home. If you’ve ever dreamt of having a house as close to the beach, then you may just find it easier to turn that dream into reality as the housing costs in Corpus Christi are around 9% lower than the national average, as estimated by Payscale.
- Median Home Value: $148,933
- Median Rent: $1,345/month
- Median Household Income: $56,333
9. Plano
Along with being a base city for many known corporations including Dell Services and Pizza Hut, Plano is a city with a thriving economy and a lot to offer. Spread over an area of 187 square kilometres, Plano takes the spot of the ninth largest city in Texas, with a population of around 287,677 inhabitants. The city has also consistently been ranked among the safest cities in the United States, making it an ideal choice for many individuals and families to call home.
Plano is also known for its authentic Texas vibe, friendly neighborhoods, strong education and affordable living. You can expect your living expenses in Plano to be more or less centered around the national average, with only the housing costs tilting more toward the higher end. The city also offers a high per capita income and with a recent job growth of 3,3%, seems to be a good choice for young professionals looking to enhance or expand their career. If you’re someone craving for a small town feel with big city amenities, Plano can definitely be a place for you to consider.
- Median Home Value: $357,809
- Median Rent: $1,959/month
- Median Household Income: $92,121
10. Laredo
Located on the Mexico – US border, the city of Laredo is the tenth largest city in Texas with a population close to 262,491 inhabitants. It is one of the most culturally diverse cities of the Lone Star State and is spread over an area of 280 square kilometres. You can experience real authentic Mexican food and culture when living in Laredo because of its close proximity to the neighboring country. What’s more? Laredo is the only city in Texas to fly under seven flags and is filled with stories of rich history and culture.
You will also be saving a lot in your pockets if you choose to live in Laredo, as the cost of living in the city is way lower than the national average. Everything from housing, utilities, transportation to healthcare, is highly affordable in Laredo. The city can be a good place for anyone who is wanting to settle down in a more relaxed or laid back atmosphere. You can also enjoy several historic attractions in Laredo, including the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, Lake Casa Blanca and San Agustin Plaza.
- Median Home Value: $145,400
- Median Rent: $1,088/month
- Median Household Income: $47,593
What Are The Top 5 Biggest Cities In Texas?
Based on the population size, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Forth Worth, are the top 5 biggest cities in Texas.
What Is The Prettiest City In Texas?
Fredericksburg, a small city located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, is considered to be one of the prettiest cities in Texas. With a unique German heritage and award winning wineries, Fredericksburg is filled with scenic beauties, waiting to be explored. Some of the other pretty cities of Texas include Jefferson, Wimberley, Port Isabel, Marble Falls and Willow City.
Conclusion
Texas is one of the few states that offers a no state income tax benefit to all its residents. So, it really shouldn’t be surprising to see why the Lone Star State is the second most populated in the country. The cities that we’ve mentioned here are the largest in terms of population in Texas. One thing that all of them have in common is the abundance of opportunities for all. Texas being a state bigger than the size of many countries, is sure to offer you a place that you would love to call home. So, taking into consideration your needs, income and expenses, we suggest you choose a city that best suits you in the Lone Star State.
Also Read: Best Interstate Moving Companies in America | Moving Stats and Facts
