Most Tax-Friendly Cities in Texas (2026)

Why San Antonio ranks #2: the numbers tell a clear story. At 79 on the cost index, residents save roughly 32% less than the typical American. That alone makes it worth considering. Rent sits at $1,361/month while the median household pulls in $62,917/year. The Housing category is particularly strong at 79, 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). Cost index: 93. Rent: $1,591/month. Income: $67,760/year. Home price: $305,523. Population: 1,302,868. The strongest category is Housing at 93; the most expensive is Healthcare at 99. Translate that rent to annual numbers, and residents are saving renters $3,648 per year vs. the national median. In a market where everything is going up, this stands still — in a good way.

Here's Austin by the numbers — and there's a lot to like (and a little to watch). Cost index: 89. Rent: $1,531/month. Income: $91,461/year. Home price: $500,627. Population: 979,882. The strongest category is Housing at 89; the most expensive is Healthcare at 98. Translate that rent to annual numbers, and residents are saving renters $4,368 per year vs. the national median. Year over year, that savings rate is portfolio-grade (and that gap widens if you factor in state taxes).

Fort Worth earns its position at #5 through a combination that's hard to replicate. The 91 cost index sits 20 points below the national baseline, and the $76,602 median income means purchasing power here is amplified by the low cost base. Homes list at $295,822 — $171,548 below the national median — a genuine ownership opportunity. On the cost side, Housing leads the way at 91, while Healthcare trails at 98.