How Much House Can I Afford in San Antonio? (2026)
By Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR® | Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC | TREC #731381
The numbers right now
- Typical San Antonio price: the median home price was just under $302,000 in September 2026, according to the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR), as reported by Texas Public Radio.
- Typical mortgage rate: Freddie Mac's national average 30-year fixed rate was 7.32% for the week of October 22, 2026 (15-year fixed: 6.68%). Your rate depends on your credit, loan type and down payment.
Monthly principal and interest at 7.32% (30-year fixed)
| Home price | 5% down | Monthly P&I (5% down) | 20% down | Monthly P&I (20% down) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $12,500 | about $1,631 | $50,000 | about $1,374 |
| $302,000 (Sept 2026 median) | $15,100 | about $1,971 | $60,400 | about $1,660 |
| $350,000 | $17,500 | about $2,284 | $70,000 | about $1,923 |
| $450,000 | $22,500 | about $2,937 | $90,000 | about $2,473 |
Principal and interest only. Your real payment also includes property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance (usually when you put less than 20% down) and any HOA, MUD or PID fees. In Texas, property taxes are often the biggest add-on; see San Antonio and Bexar County property taxes explained and MUD and PID taxes in new homes.
How to find your real number
- Get pre-approved first. A lender looks at your income, debts, credit and savings and tells you the loan amount and rate you qualify for. Talk to more than one lender.
- Add the full monthly cost. Ask your lender for an estimate that includes taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance for the area you want. Tax rates differ between San Antonio, Cibolo, Schertz, Boerne, New Braunfels and new-construction communities with MUD or PID taxes.
- Plan the cash to close. Down payment plus closing costs and prepaid items. See closing costs in San Antonio.
- Check assistance programs. First-time and military buyers may qualify for help. See the first-time home buyer guide and using a VA loan in San Antonio.
- Pick areas that fit the budget. Prices vary a lot across the metro. Compare Alamo Ranch, Converse, Live Oak, Windcrest and Universal City, Stone Oak and Boerne.
Frequently asked questions
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced San Antonio home?
At Freddie Mac's 7.32% average 30-year rate (week of Oct 22, 2026), a $302,000 home with 5% down has principal and interest of about $1,971 a month, before taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance.
How much do I need for a down payment in San Antonio?
It depends on the loan. Some loans allow low or no down payment, and assistance programs may help first-time and military buyers. A lender can tell you the minimum for your situation; Chris can connect you with local lenders.
Should I wait for rates to drop before buying in San Antonio?
No one can predict rates. With about six months of inventory in fall 2026, buyers have more choices and more room to negotiate than in tighter markets. Compare the payment you can afford today with the homes available today.
Who can help me figure out what I can afford in San Antonio?
Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR® and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC, helps first-time and move-up buyers set a budget, get pre-approved and find homes that fit. Call (210) 838-6099.
Start with a budget plan
Call Chris Dudley at (210) 838-6099 to talk through your budget, get connected with lenders and see homes in your price range anywhere in San Antonio and the surrounding cities. Related: About Chris | Buyer and seller FAQ.
Sources
- Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, week of October 22, 2026
- Texas Public Radio, Oct 16, 2026: September 2026 SABOR data
Example payments are estimates for illustration, not a loan offer. Chris Dudley, REALTOR® | TREC #731381 | Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC | 8626 Tesoro Dr, Suite 208, San Antonio, TX 78217.