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What’s the cheapest city in the Austin, Texas metro area, in terms of home prices?
As it turns out, the city of Taylor, Texas had the lowest median home value in early 2025, making it the cheapest major city in the Greater Austin area.
At the upper end of the spectrum, the city of Austin itself has the highest home prices among the major cities in the metro area.
But buyers should also know that home prices are still dropping across this region. So additional research and consideration are warranted.
5 Key Takeaways From This Report
Want the short version? Here are the five most important takeaways from this report:
- Taylor, Texas is the cheapest city in the Austin metro area as of early 2025, with a median home price of $289,534.
- Austin remains the most expensive city in the metro area, with a median home price of $508,541, despite recent price declines.
- Home prices are dropping across the metro area, a trend that may continue, making it an important time for buyers to evaluate options.
- Taylor is experiencing economic growth, driven by a new Samsung semiconductor plant and a forthcoming semiconductor research center.
- Each city in the metro area offers something unique, from Austin’s tech and cultural scene to Taylor’s small-town feel and growing job market.
Ranked: Home Prices in Austin Metro Area Cities
We created this report to show potential home buyers the overall pricing spectrum within the Austin metro area, and to identify the least and most affordable markets based on home prices.
Note: The Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area includes dozens of cities and towns. To simplify this report, we have focused on the 10 most populous cities in the metro area.
The list below shows the median home price for the 10 most populous cities in the Austin area, according to Zillow. It’s ranked in descending order based on prices.
- Austin: $508,541
- Cedar Park: $478,980
- Leander: $443,237
- Georgetown: $434,235
- Round Rock: $425,388
- Pflugerville: $388,145
- Hutto: $351,382
- San Marcos: $323,835
- Kyle: $317,737
- Taylor: $289,534
In early 2025, the median price for the entire Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown metro area was around $440,600. That gives you a sense of where the midpoint lies.
Taylor, Texas the Cheapest as of Early 2025
As of March 2025, Taylor, Texas was the cheapest big city in the Austin area, with a median house value of $289,534.
Taylor, Texas is located in Williamson County, about 30 miles northeast of downtown Austin. As of the last census count, Taylor had a population of around 17,000 residents.
The city has experienced steady population growth over the past decade and especially during the COVID pandemic, when many remote workers flocked to the Austin metro area.
The City of Taylor, Past and Present
Historically, Taylor developed as a railroad town in the late 19th century and became known for its cotton production and Czech, German, and Mexican cultural influences.
Agriculture and livestock remain important parts of the local economy. But the city of Taylor has also attracted attention due to its growing tech sector, which includes a new Samsung semiconductor plant.
The forthcoming Taylor Center, part of the University of Texas, will focus on training and research within the semiconductor field. These and other investments are expected to create thousands of jobs and position the city as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing.
According to Ben White, President of the Taylor Economic Development Corporation:
“The companies that we’re recruiting in, they’re actually partnering with our school districts for internship programs, so that kids will be able to see these future jobs and if it’s interesting to them.”
In short: Taylor maintains a small-town vibe while evolving into an economic and educational powerhouse. And for home buyers, it’s still the cheapest city in the Austin metro area.
Other Major Cities in the Area
To recap, Taylor, Texas is the most affordable major city in the Greater Austin area, based on 2025 house values.
But home buyers with a bigger budget should research all cities in the area, in order to find the best fit. They each have something unique to offer.
Here’s an overview of all 10 cities included in the home-price ranking above:
- Austin: The state capital and “Live Music Capital of the World,” known for its vibrant culture, tech industry, and outdoor recreation.
- Cedar Park: A rapidly growing suburban city known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and outdoor spaces.
- Georgetown: A historic city featuring a charming downtown square, known for its Victorian architecture and active retirement communities.
- Hutto: A rapidly expanding city known for its “Hippo Capital” branding and for its growth as a family-oriented community.
- Kyle: A quickly growing city with a focus on affordability and family-friendly living, with numerous parks and community events.
- Leander: A fast-developing city offering a mix of suburban living and natural beauty, with increasing amenities and community growth.
- Pflugerville: A diverse and growing city with a focus on community events, parks, and convenient access to Austin.
- Round Rock: A major regional hub with a strong economy, known for its large employers, parks, and family-friendly attractions.
- San Marcos: Home to Texas State University, offering a lively college town atmosphere, natural spring recreation, and a mix of urban and rural living.
- Taylor: A city experiencing revitalization, with a historic downtown and recent announcements of major industrial development.
Austin: Still the Most Expensive Housing Market
Austin is the geographical center and economic hub for the broader metropolitan area. And with a population of roughly 980,000 residents, it’s the most populous city as well.
As of early 2025, Austin had the highest home prices of any major city in Central Texas. Prices have declined significantly over the past two years. Despite this downturn, Austin still holds its position as the priciest housing market in the region.
There are several reasons for this dynamic, including the following:
- Economic Growth: Austin has become a major tech hub, attracting companies like Tesla, Apple, Google, and Oracle. This influx of high-paying jobs has driven demand for housing.
- Population Growth: Austin’s population has swelled over the past ten years and especially during the COVID pandemic. This has increased the demand for homes in the area.
- Desirable Lifestyle: Austin offers many cultural and recreational activities, a world-famous live music scene, and a high quality of life. This attracts new residents and fuels housing demand.
- Centralized Location: The city of Austin offers unique geographical advantages over its suburbs, including easy access to outdoor recreation like the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Lady Bird Lake. Living in the city also means shorter commutes, better walkability, and more cultural amenities compared to the more car-dependent suburbs.
Bottom line: Many people are willing to pay a premium for the convenience of living in Austin proper, with all it has to offer. This increases housing demand and home prices.
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