Quick answer
If you are leaving Texas, start your research with Oklahoma, Indiana, South Carolina, Arkansas and Georgia. Each shows population growth and a lower median home value than Texas's $355,250 across top-scoring places in the app.
| Metric | Texas | Oklahoma | Indiana | South Carolina | Arkansas | Georgia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $355,250 | $228,550 | $312,150 | $269,350 | $248,500 | $336,800 |
| Median rent | $1,877/mo | $1,242/mo | $1,347/mo | $1,381/mo | $1,007/mo | $1,680/mo |
| Household income | $128,573 | $82,303 | $111,392 | $85,350 | $81,075 | $95,488 |
| Population change | +6.6% | +2.0% | +1.9% | +2.2% | +2.0% | +2.4% |
| Violent crime / 100k (state) | 349 | 412 | 300 | 389 | 535 | 301 |
| Home value ÷ income | 2.8× | 2.8× | 2.8× | 3.2× | 3.1× | 3.5× |
| State wage income tax | None | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Compare take-home pay after state income tax in both places.
- 2Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 3Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 4Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 5Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 6Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
- 7Line up a job or client base before you sign a lease.
Frequently asked questions
Want Texas Space Without Texas Heat?
If you are leaving Texas, start your research with Oklahoma, Indiana, South Carolina, Arkansas and Georgia. Each shows population growth and a lower median home value than Texas's $355,250 across top-scoring places in the app.
What are the best places to live in Texas?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring Texas cities are Celina, Sienna, Pecan Grove, Fulshear, Corinth, and the top counties are Clay County, Bailey County, Burleson County, Carson County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
Texas does not tax wage income at the state level. Property, sales and other local taxes still apply, so compare the full cost.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
