Alamo Heights, TX vs. New Braunfels, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Alamo Heights or New Braunfels, Texas? Let’s compare the key cost differences in 2025:
- 🏠 Housing costs 22% less in New Braunfels
- 🔌 Utilities run $50/month higher in Alamo Heights
- 🛒 Groceries cost 5% more in Alamo Heights
- 🏫 Property taxes are 0.4% lower in New Braunfels
For a detailed cost of living breakdown, read on. We’ll compare housing, utilities, groceries, taxes, and more to help you decide which city fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest expense difference between cities. Here’s how Alamo Heights and New Braunfels compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Alamo Heights | New Braunfels |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,100 |
| 3BR House Mortgage | $2,600 | $2,100 |
| Median Home Price | $725,000 | $565,000 |
🏆 Winner: New Braunfels. Housing costs are around 22% cheaper in New Braunfels compared to Alamo Heights. A household moving from Alamo Heights to New Braunfels might save $400/month on housing alone.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs also factor heavily into cost of living. In Alamo Heights, expect to pay around:
- $150/month for electricity (higher in summer for A/C)
- $80/month for water and sewer
- $60/month for natural gas (for heating and cooking)
In New Braunfels, utility costs run about $50/month lower overall:
- $120/month for electricity
- $70/month for water and sewer
- $50/month for natural gas
Both cities offer “time of use” electric plans that can save money if you shift usage to off-peak hours.
🏆 Winner: New Braunfels has slightly lower utility costs across the board, totaling around $50/month in savings compared to Alamo Heights.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are fairly similar between Alamo Heights and New Braunfels. Expect to pay around 5% more for groceries and household items in Alamo Heights.
Eating out costs about the same in both cities, with a typical meal out for two ranging from $40-80 depending on the restaurant.
🏆 Winner: New Braunfels edges out Alamo Heights for slightly lower grocery and daily living costs. But the difference is minor compared to housing.
4. Taxes and Fees
Texas has no state income tax, so the main tax difference between Alamo Heights and New Braunfels is property tax:
- Alamo Heights property tax rate: 2.2%
- New Braunfels property tax rate: 1.8%
For a $500K home, that’s a difference of $2,000 per year. Both cities charge similar fees for utilities and services.
In Alamo Heights, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash pickup. Typical HOA fees range from $200-500/month.
🏆 Winner: New Braunfels has a 0.4% lower property tax rate, which can add up to significant savings for homeowners. Alamo Heights has more neighborhoods with HOA fees.
5. Cost Summary
Here’s a recap of the main monthly costs we’ve covered, based on gross monthly income (pre-tax):
| Cost Category | Alamo Heights | New Braunfels |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $2,600 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $290 | $240 |
| Groceries | $600 | $570 |
| Transportation | $200 | $180 |
| Taxes (property) | $1,330 | $850 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,520 in Alamo Heights | $4,440 in New Braunfels |
Overall, the cost of living is about 20% lower in New Braunfels compared to Alamo Heights, mainly due to cheaper housing, lower property taxes, and slightly lower utilities and daily expenses.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While New Braunfels is more affordable overall, Alamo Heights does offer some lifestyle tradeoffs that could be worth the extra cost for some people:
- Alamo Heights is a smaller, more walkable city with quaint local shops and restaurants. New Braunfels is more spread out and car-dependent.
- Alamo Heights is only 5 miles from downtown San Antonio, meaning shorter commutes. New Braunfels averages a 15-minute longer drive to major job centers.
- Alamo Heights has highly-rated public schools, while New Braunfels schools are more average.
- New Braunfels offers more affordable space and a quieter small-town feel, with easier access to outdoor recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Alamo Heights more affordable than New Braunfels?
A: No, New Braunfels is about 20% cheaper than Alamo Heights overall, mainly due to lower housing costs, property taxes, and utility bills.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: New Braunfels has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,100/month vs. $1,450/month in Alamo Heights.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: New Braunfels. The median home price in New Braunfels is $565,000 compared to $725,000 in Alamo Heights. Plus, property taxes are 0.4% lower in New Braunfels.
Q: How do I estimate my cost of living in Alamo Heights or New Braunfels?
A: Start with our sample monthly budgets for Alamo Heights in 2025. For a full breakdown, see our guide to cost of living in Alamo Heights covering housing, groceries, utilities, taxes, and more.
The Verdict
New Braunfels offers a lower cost of living for people who prioritize affordable space and small-town living. Budget-conscious families, remote workers, and retirees may prefer New Braunfels.
Alamo Heights is pricier but could be worth it for professionals who value walkability, top schools, and a short commute to San Antonio. It’s a better fit for high earners.
Whichever you choose, be sure to compare moving company costs to get the best deal and minimize moving expenses.
Next, check out our other cost of living comparisons for Texas cities to explore more options in your budget.