News Summary
San Antonio has been recognized as the most affordable city for homebuyers in Texas, according to a WalletHub report that assessed housing affordability across various cities. The average home price in San Antonio is approximately $257,632, which is significantly lower than other major Texas cities like Austin and Dallas. With a 12% lower cost of living than the national average and new affordable housing developments, San Antonio demonstrates a commitment to providing accessible living options for diverse income levels.
San Antonio has been ranked as the most affordable city in Texas for homebuyers, according to a recent report by WalletHub, which evaluated housing affordability across 300 cities in the United States. The ranking highlights the city’s favorable positioning for potential homeowners amidst rising costs in other major Texas cities.
In WalletHub’s assessment, San Antonio placed 163rd overall, outperforming other major Texas cities, including Houston at 190th, Dallas at 218th, and Austin at 224th. The study analyzed 10 key metrics, such as home costs, upkeep, tax rates, and vacancy rates, to measure housing affordability.
As of April 2025, the average home price in San Antonio stands at $257,632, reflecting a 3.1% decrease from the previous year. The city’s cost of living is approximately 12% lower than the national average, making it an attractive location for homebuyers. Contributing factors to the lower cost of living include affordable housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation expenses.
In contrast, the housing market in San Antonio remains considerably more affordable than in Austin, where median home prices exceed $450,000. Despite experiencing an overall inflation in costs affecting groceries, gas, and housing from 2022 to 2025, home prices in San Antonio have increased roughly 5% year-over-year.
When it comes to day-to-day expenses, residents of San Antonio may budget between $50 and $80 per week for groceries while facing potentially high utility costs, especially during the summer months due to air conditioning needs. Furthermore, public transportation availability is limited, leading many residents to rely heavily on car ownership.
While Texas is known for its lack of state income tax, residents do experience high property tax rates, which can impact overall affordability. The city’s diversified economy includes sectors such as healthcare, military, tech, and tourism, allowing for relatively competitive wages.
Recently, San Antonio expanded its affordable housing options with the opening of the Vista at Silver Oaks complex on the Northwest Side. Developed by Opportunity Home San Antonio, Atlantic Pacific Companies, and OCI Development, the new complex consists of 76 affordable apartment units located near San Antonio International Airport and the Medical Center.
The Vista at Silver Oaks complex offers affordable housing options at various Area Median Income (AMI) levels: 30%, 50%, and 60% AMI. In San Antonio, the AMI for a family of three is established at $79,700, meaning that 30% AMI equates to a maximum annual income of $23,900.
Among its features, the complex includes a business center, fitness center, community center, and educational programs aimed at enhancing residents’ skillsets and opportunities. The city recognizes the significance of affordable housing as a fundamental aspect of community equity and opportunity.
In summary, San Antonio not only leads Texas in housing affordability but also demonstrates a commitment to addressing the need for accessible housing solutions. Recent developments like the Vista at Silver Oaks indicate ongoing efforts to create living options for various income levels, contributing to the overall appeal of San Antonio as a desirable place for prospective homeowners.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: San Antonio ranked most affordable city in Texas
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Fox San Antonio: Candidates debate impact of possible budget deficit
- Google Search: affordable housing San Antonio
- MultiHousing News: $55M affordable rehab project wraps up in San Antonio
- Google Scholar: affordable housing San Antonio
- News4 San Antonio: Fourth affordable housing project opens in San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: affordable housing
- Spectrum Local News: San Antonio opens first permanent supportive housing development
- Google News: supportive housing San Antonio
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
