Top 30 Texas Cities & Suburbs
All 30 have zero state income tax. Ranked for a family of 4 — safety, schools, dance training, healthcare, and remote W2 income.
Annual Gross Income:$200,000After-tax (TX): $157,194
$100K$300K$500K
Top match score
Sugar Land
Houston — Southwest · 85/100
Best annual surplus
+$100,194/yr
Amarillo · 2.8× king
State income tax
$0 for all 30
Texas has no state income tax
1
Sugar LandHouston — SouthwestTop PickElite DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
85/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 20/20Dance Training: 12/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$111,000/yr
$9,250/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$46,194/yr
$2,200–$3,200/mo rent
King multiplier
1.4×
Median SFH: $490,000
Sugar Land is one of the most diverse, safest, and best-schooled suburbs in Texas. Fort Bend ISD is repeatedly ranked #1…
2
Flower MoundDFW — NorthwestElite DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
80/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 12/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$114,000/yr
$9,500/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$43,194/yr
$2,400–$3,400/mo rent
King multiplier
1.4×
Median SFH: $650,000
Flower Mound offers the rare combination of excellent schools, very low crime, large lots, and proximity to DFW Airport.…
3
AllenDFW — Collin CountyElite DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
80/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 12/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$108,000/yr
$9,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$49,194/yr
$2,200–$3,000/mo rent
King multiplier
1.5×
Median SFH: $530,000
Allen is a larger Collin County suburb known for its exceptional school district and serious investment in athletics and…
4
McKinneyDFW — Collin CountyElite DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
80/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 12/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$102,000/yr
$8,500/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$55,194/yr
$2,000–$2,800/mo rent
King multiplier
1.5×
Median SFH: $500,000
McKinney has a charming, walkable historic downtown and consistently wins "Best Place to Live" rankings. McKinney ISD is…
5
SouthlakeDFW — Mid-CitiesElite DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmpremium cost
79/100
Cost of Living: 5/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 20/20Dance Training: 12/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$174,000/yr
$14,500/mo mid
Annual surplus
-$16,806/yr
$3,500–$5,000/mo rent
King multiplier
0.9×
Median SFH: $1,200,000
Southlake is consistently ranked among the wealthiest and safest suburbs in America. Carroll ISD is nationally recognize…
6
ColleyvilleDFW — Mid-CitiesElite DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmpremium cost
79/100
Cost of Living: 5/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 20/20Dance Training: 12/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$144,000/yr
$12,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$13,194/yr
$2,800–$4,000/mo rent
King multiplier
1.1×
Median SFH: $900,000
One of the quietest, most affluent small cities in DFW. Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is excellent. Positioned between Fort …
7
Trophy ClubDFW — Mid-CitiesStrong DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
79/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 20/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 9/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$123,000/yr
$10,250/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$34,194/yr
$2,500–$3,500/mo rent
King multiplier
1.3×
Median SFH: $700,000
Trophy Club has one of the lowest violent crime rates in all of Texas — near zero incidents per year. A quiet, golf-comm…
8
Round RockAustin — NorthStrong DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
79/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 11/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 20/20Dance Training: 9/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$108,000/yr
$9,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$49,194/yr
$2,200–$3,000/mo rent
King multiplier
1.5×
Median SFH: $470,000
Round Rock is Dell's home city and a tech hub in its own right. Round Rock ISD is solid. Close enough to Austin for cult…
9
KellerDFW — Fort Worth sideElite DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
78/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 12/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$108,000/yr
$9,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$49,194/yr
$2,200–$3,000/mo rent
King multiplier
1.5×
Median SFH: $550,000
Keller ISD is one of the best school districts in the state. Keller is a quiet, affordable suburb of Fort Worth with exc…
10
KatyHouston — WestElite DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
78/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 12/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$102,000/yr
$8,500/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$55,194/yr
$1,900–$2,700/mo rent
King multiplier
1.5×
Median SFH: $440,000
Katy is the quintessential Houston family suburb — massive, affordable, and famous for Katy ISD schools. One of the most…
11
ProsperDFW — Collin CountyStrong DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
77/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 9/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$108,000/yr
$9,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$49,194/yr
$2,200–$3,200/mo rent
King multiplier
1.5×
Median SFH: $600,000
One of the fastest-growing cities in the US. Prosper ISD has strong ratings and is rapidly expanding. New construction e…
12
The WoodlandsHouston — NorthElite DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmpremium cost
77/100
Cost of Living: 5/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 20/20Dance Training: 12/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$132,000/yr
$11,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$25,194/yr
$2,500–$3,800/mo rent
King multiplier
1.2×
Median SFH: $600,000
The Woodlands is one of America's most successful master-planned communities — exceptional trees, trails, waterways, and…
13
LeanderAustin — NorthwestStrong DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
77/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 9/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$99,000/yr
$8,250/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$58,194/yr
$2,000–$2,700/mo rent
King multiplier
1.6×
Median SFH: $450,000
Leander is experiencing explosive growth as Austin's tech expansion pushes northwest. Leander ISD schools are solid. The…
14
CelinaDFW — Northern FringeDance: DevelopingNo Income TaxWarmbudget cost
76/100
Cost of Living: 20/20Family Safety: 20/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$93,000/yr
$7,750/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$64,194/yr
$1,800–$2,500/mo rent
King multiplier
1.7×
Median SFH: $450,000
Celina sits at the northern edge of DFW's growth corridor. Still affordable relative to Frisco and Prosper, with a small…
15
GrapevineDFW — Mid-CitiesElite DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
75/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 11/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 12/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$108,000/yr
$9,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$49,194/yr
$2,200–$3,000/mo rent
King multiplier
1.5×
Median SFH: $550,000
Grapevine has a unique combination of walkable historic Main Street, proximity to DFW Airport, and thriving arts scene. …
16
FriendswoodHouston — SoutheastStrong DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
75/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 9/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$108,000/yr
$9,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$49,194/yr
$2,000–$2,800/mo rent
King multiplier
1.5×
Median SFH: $430,000
Friendswood is a small, extremely safe community between Houston and Galveston. Friendswood ISD is highly rated and more…
17
League CityHouston — SoutheastStrong DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
75/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 9/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$96,000/yr
$8,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$61,194/yr
$1,900–$2,600/mo rent
King multiplier
1.6×
Median SFH: $380,000
League City is a large, safe suburb in Galveston County with excellent access to Clear Lake and NASA. Clear Creek ISD is…
18
Cedar ParkAustin — NorthwestStrong DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
72/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 11/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 9/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$108,000/yr
$9,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$49,194/yr
$2,100–$2,900/mo rent
King multiplier
1.5×
Median SFH: $490,000
Cedar Park is northwest Austin's most family-friendly suburb. Leander ISD serves the area with strong ratings. Lake Trav…
19
SchertzSan Antonio — NortheastDance: DevelopingNo Income TaxWarmbudget cost
72/100
Cost of Living: 20/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$78,000/yr
$6,500/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$79,194/yr
$1,600–$2,200/mo rent
King multiplier
2.0×
Median SFH: $320,000
Schertz sits northeast of San Antonio and is part of the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD — a well-regarded and growing…
20
PearlandHouston — SouthStrong DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmmid cost
70/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 11/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 9/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$93,000/yr
$7,750/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$64,194/yr
$1,800–$2,400/mo rent
King multiplier
1.7×
Median SFH: $370,000
Pearland is a rapidly growing suburb south of Houston with affordable housing and solid Pearland ISD schools. Close to t…
21
Lakeway / Bee CaveAustin — Lake TravisStrong DanceNo Income TaxStrong MTWarmpremium cost
69/100
Cost of Living: 5/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 9/12Musical Theater: 6/8Career / Remote: 10/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$144,000/yr
$12,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$13,194/yr
$3,000–$4,500/mo rent
King multiplier
1.1×
Median SFH: $780,000
Lakeway and Bee Cave sit on the shores of Lake Travis — one of the most beautiful residential settings in Texas. Lake Tr…
22
New BraunfelsSan Antonio — I-35 CorridorDance: DevelopingNo Income TaxWarmbudget cost
67/100
Cost of Living: 20/20Family Safety: 11/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$87,000/yr
$7,250/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$70,194/yr
$1,800–$2,500/mo rent
King multiplier
1.8×
Median SFH: $380,000
New Braunfels sits between San Antonio and Austin on the I-35 corridor with the Guadalupe and Comal rivers running throu…
23
GeorgetownAustin — NorthDance: DevelopingNo Income TaxWarmmid cost
65/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$99,000/yr
$8,250/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$58,194/yr
$1,900–$2,600/mo rent
King multiplier
1.6×
Median SFH: $430,000
Georgetown has one of the most charming historic squares in Texas and has grown massively as Austin expands northward. W…
24
BoerneSan Antonio — Hill CountryDance: DevelopingNo Income TaxWarmmid cost
65/100
Cost of Living: 13/20Family Safety: 16/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$99,000/yr
$8,250/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$58,194/yr
$2,200–$3,000/mo rent
King multiplier
1.6×
Median SFH: $540,000
Boerne is a charming Hill Country town 30 miles northwest of San Antonio. Boerne ISD is consistently excellent and small…
25
San MarcosAustin-SA CorridorDance: DevelopingNo Income TaxWarmbudget cost
62/100
Cost of Living: 20/20Family Safety: 6/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 8/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$78,000/yr
$6,500/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$79,194/yr
$1,700–$2,300/mo rent
King multiplier
2.0×
Median SFH: $330,000
San Marcos sits exactly between Austin and San Antonio — 30 miles from each. Texas State University dominates the city. …
26
TylerEast TexasDance: DevelopingNo Income TaxWarmbudget cost
55/100
Cost of Living: 20/20Family Safety: 2/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 5/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$72,000/yr
$6,000/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$85,194/yr
$1,400–$1,900/mo rent
King multiplier
2.2×
Median SFH: $280,000
Tyler is East Texas's largest city — the Rose Capital of America. City-wide crime is elevated, but affluent suburbs (Whi…
27
Waco / WoodwayCentral TexasDance: DevelopingNo Income TaxWarmbudget cost
55/100
Cost of Living: 20/20Family Safety: 2/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 5/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$66,000/yr
$5,500/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$91,194/yr
$1,300–$1,800/mo rent
King multiplier
2.4×
Median SFH: $270,000
Magnolia has revitalized Waco's image nationally. The Woodway and Hewitt suburbs are significantly safer than the city a…
28
MidlandPermian BasinDance: DevelopingNo Income TaxWarmbudget cost
55/100
Cost of Living: 20/20Family Safety: 2/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 5/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$81,000/yr
$6,750/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$76,194/yr
$1,600–$2,200/mo rent
King multiplier
1.9×
Median SFH: $330,000
Midland is the oil capital of the Permian Basin and among the wealthiest mid-size cities in the US per capita. Private s…
29
LubbockSouth PlainsDance: DevelopingNo Income Tax4-Seasonbudget cost
55/100
Cost of Living: 20/20Family Safety: 2/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 5/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$63,000/yr
$5,250/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$94,194/yr
$1,200–$1,700/mo rent
King multiplier
2.5×
Median SFH: $240,000
Lubbock is a university town anchored by Texas Tech. Frenship ISD suburbs are much safer than the city core. Extremely a…
30
AmarilloTexas PanhandleDance: DevelopingNo Income Tax4-Seasonbudget cost
55/100
Cost of Living: 20/20Family Safety: 2/20State Tax Burden: 10/10Healthcare Quality: 13/20Dance Training: 3/12Musical Theater: 2/8Career / Remote: 5/10
After-tax (est.)
$157,194/yr
TX: 0% state rate
Living costs
$57,000/yr
$4,750/mo mid
Annual surplus
+$100,194/yr
$1,100–$1,600/mo rent
King multiplier
2.8×
Median SFH: $210,000
Amarillo is the largest city in the Texas Panhandle and the most affordable on this list. Canyon ISD suburb is much safe…
Tax estimate: FICA 7.65% + federal MFJ 2026 brackets ($30K standard deduction). Texas has no state income tax. Does not include property tax (Texas property tax rates 1.5–2.5% vary by county) or HOA fees.
Living costs: Family of 4, two school-age kids in private school, living well. Not austere, not extravagant.
Dance score: Elite = within 30 min of Texas Ballet Theater (DFW) or Houston Ballet — top 10 US companies. Strong = good regional access. Developing = limited local options.
Crime: City-wide violent crime rate per 100K. For larger cities (Tyler, Waco, Midland), suburban neighborhoods are 40–60% safer than the city average shown.