Median rent is 18% lower in San Antonio ($1,258/mo vs $1,536/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Antonio, where the median home runs $219,700 versus $315,100. Households earn more in New Braunfels ($88,257 vs $62,917 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (95.0).
City A
New Braunfels, TX
City B
San Antonio, TX
How much would you need to earn in San Antonio, TX to maintain your standard of living from New Braunfels, TX?
Equivalent salary in San Antonio, TX
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
New Braunfels
Texas
San Antonio
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in San Antonio at $1,258/mo compared to $1,536/mo in New Braunfels (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in New Braunfels: the median home is $315,100 versus $219,700 in San Antonio — 30% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; San Antonio has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New Braunfels
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
San Antonio
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for San Antonio (avg AQI 32.0) but not yet for New Braunfels.
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize higher median household income ($88,257/yr).
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,258/mo median).
Is New Braunfels cheaper than San Antonio?
New Braunfels is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 95.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in New Braunfels.
How much is rent in New Braunfels vs San Antonio?
Median rent is $1,536/mo in New Braunfels, TX and $1,258/mo in San Antonio, TX. San Antonio, TX has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — New Braunfels or San Antonio?
Median household income is $88,257 in New Braunfels, TX and $62,917 in San Antonio, TX. New Braunfels, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — New Braunfels or San Antonio?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in San Antonio to match my New Braunfels income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New Braunfels, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in San Antonio, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology