Tại sao 10 thành phố của Texas này đang trở thành điểm đến nghỉ hưu hấp dẫn cho người Mỹ có ngân sách hạn chế

Texas continues to attract retirees seeking financial stability without lifestyle compromise. A comprehensive review by U.S. News examining 859 communities nationwide identified the most cost-effective retirement destinations for 2026—and Texas secured an impressive 10 spots on that list. The combination of zero state income tax, moderate climate, and genuine affordability creates an environment where fixed incomes stretch further than in most other states.

What makes these Texas cities particularly appealing isn’t just their low price tags. These communities offer accessible housing markets, reasonable rental options, and quality-of-life amenities that typically require significantly higher income elsewhere. For those prioritizing financial security during their post-work years, the following municipalities represent strategic choices.

South Texas Options: Balancing Affordability and Community

Harlingen, Texas stands out with a median home value of $155,614 and monthly rentals averaging $695. Supporting a population of 72,756 residents, this community maintains a median household income of $56,134.

Brownsville, Texas, despite being the most populous on this list with 185,547 residents, keeps housing remarkably affordable at $152,319 median value. Rental costs mirror Harlingen at $695 monthly, while local median household income sits at $51,636.

Eagle Pass, Texas appeals to those seeking smaller-town living with 28,930 residents. Home values average $185,037, with monthly rentals at $632 and median household income of $58,119—creating genuine opportunity for budget-conscious retirees.

The Rio Grande Valley Advantage

Mission, Texas hosts 91,448 people in a region offering median home values around $185,399. Monthly rent averages $777 against a median household income of $63,734.

Laredo, Texas, the largest city in this grouping with 259,807 residents, maintains median home values at $205,335. Despite slightly higher housing costs, monthly rentals remain reasonable at $790, with median household income reaching $64,712.

Pharr, Texas presents one of the most attractive entry points, featuring the lowest median home value at $137,982 and monthly rentals at $802. Supporting 82,750 residents, this community shows median household income of $52,517.

Edinburg, Texas serves 107,879 people with median home values of $188,770. Monthly housing costs average $795, paired with median household income of $59,162.

Central and Northern Texas Alternatives

Wichita Falls, Texas introduces retirees to north-central Texas living with 102,994 residents. Median home values stand at $170,047 with monthly rent at $782 and median household income of $60,545.

McAllen, Texas provides urban amenities within the Valley region, serving 145,810 residents with median home values at $191,706. Monthly rentals average $834 against median household income of $62,055.

Victoria, Texas rounds out the list with 65,116 residents and represents the higher end of this selection at $200,084 median home value. Monthly rent averages $968, though median household income reaches $69,354—the highest on this list.

Why These Texas Cities Matter

The consistent thread across all 10 communities is the state’s absence of income tax, fundamentally altering retirement mathematics. Combined with housing markets that remain accessible compared to national averages, these Texas cities permit retirees to allocate savings toward lifestyle and experiences rather than excessive housing burdens.

Data reflects conditions as documented by U.S. News on November 28, 2025, providing current baseline metrics for retirement planning decisions.