Have you been looking for the perfect place to retire in Texas, or maybe you have considered it before? From the affordable Lubbock to vibrant hubs like Austin and San Antonio, Texas luckily offers you a wide variety of cities with a decent cost of living, great healthcare, and opportunities to progress your career even at an older age.
Retiring in Texas is quite intriguing. It presents a special chance for people looking for an active yet reasonably priced lifestyle. The state is renowned for its diverse cities, each offering distinct advantages for retirees, whether it’s an active urban environment or a peaceful, small-town feel. With no state income tax, a lower cost of living, and ample healthcare options, Texas Cities are an ideal place to settle down and enjoy retirement. From affordable housing in Lubbock to the cultural richness of San Antonio and the growing tech scene in Austin, the state boasts a variety of places to fit every retiree’s needs.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the top 10 best Texas cities for retirees, offering a thorough breakdown of key metrics like cost of living, housing affordability, and healthcare access. Whether you’re looking for a more affordable place to live on a fixed income or a city that offers plenty of activities to stay engaged in your retirement, we’ve got the information you need. Keep reading to discover which cities in Texas offer the best combination of affordable living and rich lifestyle opportunities to make your retirement both comfortable and exciting.
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Top 10 Cities in Texas for Retirees Based on Median Home Price and Cost of Living
Below is a detailed breakdown of the top 10 cities in Texas for retirees, highlighting key metrics such as median home prices, cost of living index, median income, and healthcare availability. This will help retirees make an informed decision based on affordability, lifestyle preferences, and healthcare access:
| City | Median Home Price (2025) | Cost of Living Index | Median Income | Key Job Sectors | Healthcare Availability |
| Lubbock | $203 000 | 81.0 | $48,000 | Education, Agriculture, Healthcare | Covenant Health, UMC Health System |
| Corpus Christi | $220 000 | 82.0 | $50,000 | Energy, Tourism, Healthcare | Christus Spohn Health System |
| Brownsville | $140 000 | 74.0 | $35,000 | Healthcare, Education, Retail | Valley Baptist Medical Center |
| McKinney | $358 000 | 110.0 | $85,000 | Tech, Finance, Healthcare | Medical City McKinney |
| San Antonio | $300 000 | 92.0 | $55,000 | Military, Healthcare, Tourism | University Health System, BAMC |
| Fort Worth | $317 000 | 100.0 | $63,000 | Aerospace, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Texas Health Harris Methodist |
| Dallas | $368 000 | 111.5 | $87,000 | Finance, Tech, Healthcare | UT Southwestern, Baylor Medical Center |
| Houston | $290 000 | 95.0 | $60,000 | Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace | Texas Medical Center, MD Anderson Cancer |
| Frisco | $460 000 | 120.0 | $95,000 | Tech, Finance, Healthcare | Medical City Frisco |
| Austin | $427 000 | 129.1 | $75,000 | Tech, Healthcare, Creative | Seton Medical Center, Dell Seton |
Read article: Rise of Cities in Texas
Top 10 Best Cities in Texas for Retirees:
Lubbock:
- Median home price: $203 000
- Cost of Living Index: 81.0
Lubbock offers retirees the lowest median home price in Texas, at just $203,000, and an affordable cost of living index of 81.0. As the home of Texas Tech University, Lubbock has a strong economy focused on education, agriculture, and healthcare. Retirees can enjoy an active lifestyle with access to Covenant Health and UMC Health System, two of the city’s primary healthcare providers. Beyond the numbers, Lubbock offers an excellent cultural experience, including First Friday Art Trail, a monthly event where local artists showcase their work. The National Ranching Heritage Center and Buddy Holly Center add to the city’s rich cultural and historical backdrop, offering retirees a fulfilling and affordable life.
Corpus Christi:
- Median home price: $220 000
- Cost of Living Index: 82.0
Retirees seeking coastal living will find Corpus Christi an appealing destination, offering a median home price of $220,000 and a cost of living index of 82.0. Located on the Gulf Coast, the city provides a relaxed, beachside atmosphere perfect for retirees who enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and beach walks. The Christus Spohn Health System ensures access to top-tier healthcare services, and retirees can take advantage of the city’s cultural offerings, including the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum. The Corpus Christi Bayfest brings local music, food, and festivities, adding to the city’s charm and appeal.
Brownsville:
- Median home price: $140 000
- Cost of Living Index: 74.0
Brownsville, with the lowest median home price of $140,000 and a cost of living index of 74.0, provides exceptional affordability. Known for its warm climate and proximity to the South Padre Island beaches, Brownsville is perfect for retirees seeking simplicity and comfort. The city is also home to Valley Baptist Medical Center, offering essential healthcare services to its residents. Beyond living costs, retirees can enjoy the natural beauty of Resaca de la Palma State Park or immerse themselves in the region’s cultural events, such as the Charro Days Fiesta, which celebrates the region’s Mexican-American heritage.
McKinney:
- Median home price: $358 000
- Cost of Living Index: 110.0
With a median home price of $358,000 and a cost of living index of 110.0, McKinney offers a suburban lifestyle that combines affordability with access to the amenities of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The city’s economy is driven by tech, finance, and healthcare, providing retirees opportunities to remain professionally engaged if desired. McKinney also boasts a lively social scene, with Historic Downtown McKinney being home to art galleries, cafes, and events like the McKinney Wine and Music Festival. Healthcare services at Medical City McKinney ensure that retirees have access to high-quality medical care.
San Antonio: Rich Culture and Affordable Living
- Median home price: $300 000
- Cost of Living Index: 92.0
San Antonio is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a median home price of $300,000 and a cost of living index of 92.0. Retirees can enjoy the city’s historical sites like the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Additionally, the city’s military, healthcare, and tourism sectors provide ample opportunities for retirees to remain active. University Health System and BAMC offer high-quality healthcare services. San Antonio’s vibrant food scene and numerous festivals, including Fiesta San Antonio, provide retirees with plenty of social activities to enjoy.
Fort Worth: A Blend of Culture and Affordable Housing
- Median home price: $317 000
- Cost of Living Index: 100.0
With a median home price of $317,000 and a cost of living index of 100.0, Fort Worth offers retirees the perfect mix of affordable living and cultural experiences. Known for its aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, Fort Worth has plenty of job opportunities for retirees looking to stay engaged. The city is rich in cultural offerings, such as the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, Kimbell Art Museum, and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. The Texas Health Harris Methodist hospital system ensures retirees have access to excellent healthcare.
Dallas: Urban Living with Vibrant Opportunities
- Median home price: $368 000
- Cost of Living Index: a
Although Dallas is one of the more expensive cities in Texas with a median home price of $368,000 and a cost of living index of 111.5, it offers retirees access to exceptional amenities and job opportunities. Dallas has a robust finance, tech, and healthcare sector, with prominent medical institutions such as UT Southwestern and Baylor Medical Center. The city’s dynamic cultural scene, including the Dallas Arts District, museums, and diverse culinary options, makes it an exciting place to live post-retirement. Dallas also boasts several parks and outdoor spaces like Klyde Warren Park, perfect for retirees who enjoy outdoor activities.
Houston: A Thriving City with Affordable Living
- Median home price: $290 000
- Cost of Living Index: 95.0
Houston offers retirees a strong job market with a median home price of $290,000 and a cost of living index of 95.0. The city is a leader in the energy, healthcare, and aerospace industries, making it an excellent choice for retirees looking to stay active and engaged. Healthcare is another key advantage, with Texas Medical Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center providing top-tier care. Houston’s cultural diversity is reflected in its vibrant food scene, live music venues, and various events like Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which create a rich and exciting atmosphere for retirees.
Frisco: Upscale Living with Excellent Amenities
- Median home price: $460 000
- Cost of Living Index: 120.0
Frisco is an upscale city offering a median home price of $460,000 and a cost of living index of 120.0. Known for its tech, finance, and healthcare sectors, Frisco provides retirees access to both a growing economy and top-notch healthcare at Medical City Frisco. The city is rapidly developing, with an increasing number of luxury amenities, parks, and recreational areas. The Frisco Heritage Museum and The Star—home to the Dallas Cowboys—offer retirees a range of cultural and sporting activities.
Austin: The Cultural and Tech Hub
- Median home price: $427 000
- Cost of Living Index: 129.1
Austin, known for its vibrant tech scene and cultural appeal, has become one of the most expensive cities for retirees, with a median home price of $426,941 and a cost of living index of 129.1. However, it remains highly desirable due to its cultural activities, live music scene, and high quality of life. The city is home to renowned tech companies, including Google and Apple, as well as prestigious healthcare institutions like Seton Medical Center. Austin’s vast array of festivals, including South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, make it a lively and dynamic city for retirees seeking a mix of work and play.
Read article: Best Cities in Texas for Young Professionals
Final thoughts
Texas offers retirees a variety of cities that cater to different lifestyles. Lubbock, with a median home price of $203,000, and Brownsville, at just $140,000, are among the most affordable options, making them ideal for retirees on a budget. These cities in Texas boast a low cost of living index of 81.0 and 74.0, respectively, allowing retirees to stretch their savings further. In contrast, cities like Austin, with a median home price of $426,941, provide a higher quality of life, with world-class healthcare facilities like Seton Medical Center and a vibrant cultural scene. Though pricier, cities like Frisco, with a median home price of $460,000, offer upscale living with excellent amenities and access to Medical City Frisco.
Texas also stands out due to its no state income tax, which is a significant advantage for retirees looking to preserve their income. In addition to affordable housing, retirees have access to a variety of healthcare options. For instance, Houston offers Texas Medical Center, one of the largest medical complexes globally, and Dallas has UT Southwestern, renowned for cutting-edge care. Texas’ growing economy and job opportunities also provide options for retirees who wish to stay active. Whether you prefer the affordability of Lubbock or the upscale lifestyle of Frisco, Texas offers a mix of practical benefits and an excellent quality of life for retirees.
Pallavi Singal is the Vice President of Content at ztudium, where she leads innovative content strategies and oversees the development of high-impact editorial initiatives. With a strong background in digital media and a passion for storytelling, Pallavi plays a pivotal role in scaling the content operations for ztudium’s platforms, including Businessabc, Citiesabc, and IntelligentHQ, Wisdomia.ai, MStores, and many others. Her expertise spans content creation, SEO, and digital marketing, driving engagement and growth across multiple channels. Pallavi’s work is characterised by a keen insight into emerging trends in business, technologies like AI, blockchain, metaverse and others, and society, making her a trusted voice in the industry.
