Since you're going to be in Texas a while I would whole heartedly suggest you get some custom made. There are custom makers almost anywhere. If you happen to be in El Paso there are about 15 custom makers that will do the whole routine for under $500.00. Going a little more up scale will get you into exotic leathers at about $750+ and if you want to go tooled boots figure on about $1500 +. The greatest part about it is that when you get your first pair of custom handmades the fit, comfort and longevity is unreal!!!! I have a pair of Teju Lizard (pictured below) made in 1987, have been resoled 7 times and still fit like gloves. Cost back then was a whopping $250 made by Arturo Munoz at Yucca Boots....so I guess they have cost me about $12/yr. with resoles. If you come to Albuqueque I can get you in to any of the local 5 makers, one of which is Deanna McGuffin who is a world class award winning boot maker. Hers start at about $1250. One of the most famous toolers for boots is Jim Resley, my leather mentor, and his boots start at around $2500 through various makers. If you're at interested, just PM me as to where you are going and about how long you will be staying and I'll connect to someone in that area. When I did wear production boots they were mostly Tony Lamas as we were family friends. If you are looking for comfort, quality, style and economy you can usually find a Cowtown Boots, TL, Nacona, Justin etc. outlet and get seconds at a fraction of the cost. Usually they are some sort of cosmetic blem that will not affect the fit and comfort.
Here are my Daily Drivers...well one of 9 pairs.
View attachment 3622
Oh...BTW, just in case you want to try and break the record here it is.
http://www.forbes.com/2006/04/03/cowboy-boots-expensive_cx_ns_0404feat.html