Fastest Growing Cities in Texas (2026)

Why San Antonio ranks #2: the numbers tell a clear story. You get the picture. At 93 on the cost index, residents save roughly 19% less than the typical American. Rent sits at $1,361/month while the median household pulls in $62,917/year. The Housing category is particularly strong at 83, though Healthcare (96) lags behind. Home prices average $247,132 — $220,238 below the national median.

Here's Dallas by the numbers — and there's a lot to like (and a little to watch). And roughly speaking, cost index: 99. Rent: $1,591/month — we had to double-check this one — . Income: $67,760/year. Home price: $305,523. Population: 1,302,868. The strongest category is Utilities at 91; the most expensive is Healthcare at 102. Translate that rent to annual numbers, and residents are saving renters $3,648 per year vs. the national median. This is quietly one of the better values out there.

Austin earns its position at #4 through a combination that's hard to replicate. And as far as the data shows, the 107 cost index sits 5 points below the national baseline, and the $91,461 median income means purchasing power here is genuinely above average. Homes list at $500,627 — $33,257 above the national median, reflecting the metro premium. On the cost side, Utilities leads the way at 99, while Housing trails at 118.

Here's Fort Worth by the numbers — and there's a lot to like (and a little to watch). Cost index: 98. Rent: $1,554/month. Income: $76,602/year. Home price: $295,822. Population: 978,468. The strongest category is Utilities at 90; the most expensive is Healthcare at 101. Translate that rent to annual numbers, and residents are saving renters $4,092 per year vs. the national median. That's the sort of advantage that turns renters into homeowners.