It’s no secret that Texas is a powerhouse when it comes to its economy, job market, and cost of living. But how do its cities stand up in terms of quality of life compared to the rest of the nation?
According to the U.S. News & World Report, the latest list for the 2025-26 rankings reveals the best places in America for quality living. Cities were evaluated based on their climate, local businesses, affordability, entertainment options, sports teams, and green spaces—all important factors in determining what makes a city feel like home.
While no Texas city landed in the famed Top 10, Austin claimed the honor of being the highest-ranked Texan city, sitting comfortably in the 13th spot. With a population of nearly 1 million and a median income over $96,000, Austin is not just the state capital, it also boasts one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country along with a rich music and entertainment scene. The city is home to over 200 venues hosting live music and festivals year-round, and major companies like Tesla, Dell, and IBM are headquartered here.
Furthermore, Austin is recognized for its excellent air quality, thanks to abundant green spaces spanning more than 20,000 acres where locals can hike, swim, kayak, and run. Plus, it ranks high in college readiness and healthcare access, which contributes positively to the overall quality of life.
Hot on Austin’s heels is Houston, which was placed 15th for quality of life. With a population exceeding 2.4 million and a median household income near $64,000, H-Town is a culinary paradise with over 10,000 restaurants offering everything from Tex-Mex to Vietnamese and Louisiana-Creole cuisines.
Houston’s vibrant diversity, supported by substantial inbound migration owing to its lower living costs, makes it an attractive option. Additionally, the city ranks 5th for healthcare access, with top medical institutions like Houston Methodist Hospital and Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center leading the way.
Next up is Dallas, sliding in just under the top 20 cities. With a population of 1.3 million, it’s known for a great mix of chill suburban communities and lively urban action; plus it has impressive healthcare facilities like UT Southwestern Medical Center and Baylor University Medical Center that boost its quality of life ratings.
When it comes to fun, Dallas offers a rich culinary scene featuring Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, not to mention its flourishing urban arts district and popular sports teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and Mavericks, keeping entertainment levels high for both residents and visitors.
Lastly, we have McAllen making the list, with over 144,000 residents and a median income around $59,000. This border city thrives on international trade and manufacturing, coupled with sunny weather and high education readiness rankings.
McAllen stands out due to its affordability, proudly landing 9th place for cost of living and 23rd for being one of the most affordable cities. While costs here are lower, it’s essential to note that this also aligns with a lower median household income and a slightly elevated unemployment rate compared to other desirable places, according to the rankings.
