HavenQuest
HavenQuest·Texas Cities·San Antonio

Moving to San Antonio, Texas

Bexar County · Major Metro

B
Buyers MarketAffordability 70/100

San Antonio is the most affordable major Texas city and wears it proudly — a place where your income actually goes somewhere, anchored by the River Walk, deep military roots, and a Tex-Mex food culture that rivals anywhere in the state. Growth has been steady without the chaos that hit Austin, making it feel like a genuinely livable big city.

Cost of living in San Antonio, Texas

Key housing costs for families moving to San Antonio from out of state.

Avg rent 1BR

$1,150/mo

Avg rent 2BR

$1,400/mo

Median home price

$280,000

Starter home

$182,500

Property tax rate

2.27%

Price per sq ft

$176


Best neighborhoods in San Antonio — lifestyle scores

Affordability7/10
Schools7/10
Safety2/10
Walkability4/10
Transit3/10
Nightlife8/10
Outdoors7/10
Family Friendly5/10
Remote Work7/10
Low Taxes5/10
Weather6/10
Traffic5/10

Strengths & weaknesses

Most affordable major Texas metro — lowest rents and home prices

River Walk, Hill Country access, vibrant cultural identity

Growing cybersecurity and healthcare tech cluster — USAA, Rackspace

Highest property tax rate among 20 cities — 2.27%

Crime rate elevated — 5,318 per 100K, up 14.8% since 2021

School quality varies widely across districts


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Data last updated 05/2026 · How HavenQuest scores cities