Schertz, TX vs. New Braunfels, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Schertz or New Braunfels, Texas? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living comparison for 2025:
- 🏠 Median home price: $325K in Schertz vs $375K in New Braunfels
- ⚡ Average utility bill: $180/mo in Schertz vs $210/mo in New Braunfels
- 🥑 Typical grocery costs: $400/mo in Schertz vs $450/mo in New Braunfels
- 🏙️ Property taxes: 2.2% in Schertz vs 2.4% in New Braunfels
For a deeper dive, let’s break down the major cost of living factors to help you decide which city fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Schertz and New Braunfels compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Schertz | New Braunfels |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,400 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,900 | $2,200 |
🏆 Winner: Schertz. Housing costs tend to be 10-15% lower in Schertz compared to New Braunfels. A household moving from New Braunfels to Schertz might save $300-400 per month on housing alone.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but Schertz has a slight edge:
- Schertz: $180/month average
- New Braunfels: $210/month average
Both cities experience hot Texas summers, so expect higher energy bills from June through September. Enrolling in an off-peak energy plan can help manage summer A/C costs.
🏆 Winner: Schertz. Utility costs average about 15% less in Schertz.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Schertz offers slightly lower prices on groceries, dining out, and everyday goods:
- Schertz: $400/month estimated for groceries
- New Braunfels: $450/month grocery estimate
Expect to pay around 10% more for a meal out in New Braunfels vs Schertz. But both cities offer a good range of affordable grocery and dining options.
🏆 Winner: Schertz, but only by a small margin. Grocery and daily living costs are comparable.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes and city fees can add up. Here’s how Schertz and New Braunfels compare:
- Schertz property tax rate: 2.2%
- New Braunfels property tax rate: 2.4%
HOA fees tend to be slightly higher in New Braunfels, averaging $250-300/month vs $200-250/month in Schertz. But HOA amenities are often more extensive in New Braunfels communities.
🏆 Winner: Schertz. The lower property tax rate gives Schertz the overall edge for taxes and fees.
5. Cost Summary
| Cost Category | Schertz | New Braunfels |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $1,900 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes & Fees (ex. property tax) | $250 | $300 |
| Miscellaneous | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,430 | $3,910 |
The table above summarizes estimated monthly expenses for a typical family in Schertz vs New Braunfels. Note these are pre-tax income figures.
For a more personalized breakdown, try our Sample Monthly Budgets for Schertz in 2025.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t everything. Consider how each city’s vibe meshes with your lifestyle:
- Schertz offers a quieter, small-town feel with easy access to big city amenities. Commutes are a bit longer.
- New Braunfels has a vibrant downtown with great walkability. Lots of community events and recreation.
Both cities are family-friendly with great schools. Schertz is about 5°F cooler on average during the peak of summer.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Schertz more affordable than New Braunfels?
A: Yes, Schertz is generally 10-15% cheaper than New Braunfels across major cost of living categories like housing, utilities, and groceries.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Schertz. Typical rent for a 2BR apartment is around $1,400 in Schertz compared to $1,600 in New Braunfels.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Schertz. The median home price in Schertz is about $325,000 vs $375,000 in New Braunfels as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
While both Schertz and New Braunfels offer a great quality of life, Schertz comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Families looking to stretch their budget will find Schertz very appealing.
However, New Braunfels’ added amenities, central location, and vibrant community may be worth the extra cost for some. It comes down to your personal priorities.
Be sure to check out our Cost of Living in Schertz, TX: What You’ll Really Spend in 2025 for more budgeting insights. And if you’re planning a move, read our guide on Pods vs trucks: which move is best for you?