Why San Antonio Is One of the Most Affordable Cities for First‑Time Homebuyers

Are you curious where first‑time homebuyers can stretch their dollar the most in Texas?
San Antonio just ranked among the most affordable large cities in the U.S. — and here’s what that means for your homebuying journey.

San Antonio recently earned national attention for its affordability for first‑time buyers, outpacing other major Texas metros like Austin thanks to a lower home‑price‑to‑income ratio and more accessible entry points into homeownership.

What the Affordability Report Says

According to the American Enterprise Institute’s First‑Time Homebuyer Report, San Antonio ranked as:

• The most affordable metro in Texas

• No. 12 in the nation for first‑time homebuyer affordability

This ranking is based on an affordability ratio that compares the purchase price of homes to what first‑time buyers typically earn. In San Antonio:

• The median home price for a first‑time buyer was about $298,000

• The median first‑time buyer income was around $92,000

Together, this gives San Antonio an affordability ratio of 3.2 times income, which is lower (better) than many other large U.S. cities.

How San Antonio Compares to Austin

Austin, by contrast, ranked lower in the report:

• Austin’s affordability ratio was about 3.7 times income

• Median home prices were higher — around $436,000

• Typical first‑time buyer incomes near $128,000 weren’t enough to offset the steeper prices

That means first‑time buyers in Austin need more income to qualify for similar homes, making San Antonio a more manageable market for many newcomers.

What This Means for You as a First‑Time Buyer

Here’s why this matters:

✅ Greater buying power — Your income goes further here than in many other big Texas markets.
✅ More inventory at accessible price points — Entry‑level homes are more common in the San Antonio area.
✅ Lower financial barriers — A lower home‑price‑to‑income ratio usually translates to easier financing and qualification.

San Antonio’s consistent affordability trend offers a real path to homeownership — especially if you’re transitioning from renting or moving from a higher‑cost city.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy in San Antonio?

While interest rates are still a key factor in affordability nationwide, San Antonio’s lower home prices mean you can often find options that keep monthly payments more manageable than in other metros. Pair that with proper financial planning and assistance programs (like FHA or VA loans) — and the market becomes even more accessible for first‑time buyers.

Final Takeaway

If homeownership feels out of reach in pricier cities, San Antonio may be exactly the kind of market where your budget can thrive. With its strong national affordability ranking and real‑world purchase data, this city presents a compelling opportunity for first‑time buyers looking to plant roots without overextending their finances.

Ready to explore starter homes in San Antonio or compare options with Austin? I’d love to help you find what fits your budget and goals, just ask!