Moving to San Antonio (2026): A Relocation Guide for Home Buyers

By Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR®, founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). Updated October 27, 2026.

San Antonio is the seventh most populous city in the U.S., with about 1.53 million residents in 2024, and it added 23,945 people from 2023 to 2024, the fourth-largest gain of any U.S. city (U.S. Census Bureau figures reported by Axios San Antonio). If you are one of the people moving here, this guide covers what homes cost, how taxes work, where people work and how to buy a home before you arrive.

What homes cost

The San Antonio-area median home price was just under $302,000 in September 2026, down about 2% from a year earlier, compared with a Texas median of about $330,000 (SABOR and statewide data as reported by Texas Public Radio). With about six months of inventory, buyers currently have time to compare homes and negotiate. See the full San Antonio housing market report.

Rent or buy?

The average residential rent was a little over $1,800 a month in September 2026, and mortgage rates were around 7% (same TPR report). Many newcomers rent for a few months to learn the city; others buy right away to stop paying rent twice. I can run the numbers on both for your budget.

Taxes: no state income tax, but plan for property tax

Texas does not collect a personal income tax (FindLaw). Texas also has no state property tax; local governments such as the city, county and school district set rates and collect it (Texas Comptroller). That makes property tax a big part of your monthly payment, so compare the total rate for each address and file your homestead exemption after you move in. Details: San Antonio property tax guide.

Where people work

Major San Antonio employers include H-E-B, Joint Base San Antonio, Whataburger, USAA, UT Health San Antonio, Frost Bank, Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Texas, Southwest Research Institute and Rackspace, and the largest sectors are trade and transportation, government, and healthcare and bioscience (SATXtoday, citing the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and Greater SATX). Where you work should drive where you look, because commutes across town can be long. Moving with the military? Read my JBSA relocation guide.

Areas to compare

Side-by-side comparisons: Alamo Ranch vs Stone Oak, Cibolo vs Schertz vs Converse and Boerne vs New Braunfels.

How to buy a San Antonio home from out of state

  1. Get pre-approved with a lender licensed in Texas so you know your budget, including Texas property taxes and insurance.
  2. Pick two or three areas based on your job location and budget, then set up a home search for them.
  3. Write the offer on the TREC contract and schedule the inspection inside the option period. New construction? See the new construction guide.
  4. Close at the title company. Ask early whether they offer remote or mail-away signing if you will not be in town. See closing costs in San Antonio.
  5. After you move in, file your homestead exemption with the Bexar Appraisal District (or your county's district).

First home? Start with the first-time home buyer guide.

More guides: San Antonio vs Austin | Homes near Randolph | Homes near Lackland | Homes near Fort Sam Houston | Flood risk | Buying with an HOA

Frequently asked questions

Is San Antonio a good place to buy a home in 2026?

Prices are below the Texas median (just under $302,000 vs about $330,000 in September 2026) and buyers have about six months of inventory to choose from, so conditions favor buyers more than in recent years. Your budget, job location and how long you plan to stay matter most.

Does Texas have a state income tax?

No. Texas does not collect a personal income tax, but local property taxes are an important part of the cost of owning a home.

How big is San Antonio?

About 1.53 million people lived in the city in 2024, making it the seventh most populous U.S. city, per U.S. Census Bureau figures.

Who is a good realtor for relocating to San Antonio?

Chris Dudley, a San Antonio REALTOR® and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC, helps buyers relocating to San Antonio and its surrounding areas, including military moves to JBSA. Call (210) 838-6099.

Planning a move?

Tell me where you will work, your budget and your timeline, and I'll put together a short list of areas and homes before your first trip. Call or text Chris Dudley at (210) 838-6099.

About Chris | Buyer and seller FAQ | How to check an agent's record

Chris Dudley, REALTOR®, Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC. TREC #731381. 8626 Tesoro Dr, Suite 208, San Antonio, TX 78217. General information, not legal or tax advice.