Selma is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,450 and slightly lower grocery costs compared to the national average.
For a couple living comfortably in Selma, TX in 2025, expect to budget around $4,100 per month in gross income (before taxes). Let’s break down where that money goes.
Housing Costs in Selma
Housing is the biggest expense for most Selma residents. Typical options include apartments, townhomes, and single-family houses. Prices vary based on size, age, and neighborhood.
Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Selma averages $1,450 per month as of 2025. Older units in established areas may go for $1,200-$1,300, while newer luxury apartments can top $1,800. Rental houses and townhomes typically cost $1,600-$2,200 monthly.
Buying a home in Selma requires budgeting for a mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. A 3-bedroom house ranges from $280,000-$450,000, with a typical monthly mortgage payment of $1,900-$2,800 (assuming 10% down). Factor in an extra $500-$800 per month for taxes, insurance, and upkeep.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utilities like electricity, gas, water, and trash collection add $250-$350 to the typical Selma budget. Expect to pay on the higher end in summer due to air conditioning needs. Internet and cable plans cost around $100-$150 monthly.
| Utility | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $120 – $180 |
| Gas | $30 – $60 |
| Water + Trash | $70 – $100 |
| Internet | $60 – $80 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Selma residents spend around $350-$450 per person monthly on groceries and household items. A typical basket with staples like bread, milk, produce, meat, and toiletries totals about $80-$100 per week. Dining out adds another $200-$400 per person.
Here’s what you might pay for common purchases:
- Gallon of milk: $3.50
- Loaf of bread: $2.80
- Dozen eggs: $2.60
- Pound of chicken: $4.20
Taxes and Fees
Selma’s property tax rate is around 2.2%, meaning a $350,000 home incurs about $7,700 in annual taxes (or $640 monthly). Sales tax is 8.25% on most purchases. Vehicle registration fees are $75 yearly, plus inspection and emissions testing costs.
Some neighborhoods have Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, typically $200-$400 per month. Renters may need to budget for parking or pet rent in certain complexes.
Monthly Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,100 | $1,450 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $200 | $300 | $450 |
| Groceries | $400 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Other Essentials | $400 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Monthly Total | $2,700 | $4,250 | $6,250 |
Note: All figures are estimates and represent gross monthly income (before taxes). Actual budgets vary based on lifestyle and circumstances.
Lifestyle Considerations
Living comfortably in Selma is about more than just affording the necessities. Consider things like commute time, neighborhood amenities, and access to entertainment when choosing where to settle down.
Newer homes in master-planned communities like Retama Springs or Kensington Ranch offer modern features and community pools/parks, but come with higher price tags and longer commutes of 30+ minutes to major employers. Established neighborhoods closer to central Selma provide easier access to shopping and dining, but may have older homes needing updates.
Selma is known for good schools, plentiful parks, and a small-town vibe despite being just 20 miles from San Antonio. It’s a great choice for families wanting a tight-knit community with room to grow, as long as they budget accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Selma?
To live comfortably in Selma, aim for a gross monthly income of at least $2,700 for a single person, $4,200 for a couple, or $6,200 for a family of four. This factors in housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.
Is Selma cheaper than living in San Antonio?
Selma is slightly more affordable than San Antonio proper. Housing costs about 10% less, while utilities and groceries are 5% lower on average. However, expect to spend more on transportation in Selma due to longer commutes.
How much money should I save before moving to Selma?
Save at least 3 months’ worth of living expenses before relocating. For a single person, that’s around $8,000. Couples should save $12,000-$13,000 to be safe. Remember to budget for moving costs as well – [see our 2025 moving company picks](https://indexyard.com/best-moving-companies-guide/) for options.
What’s the sales tax rate in Selma?
Selma’s total sales tax rate is 8.25% as of 2025, which includes the 6.25% Texas state tax and a 2% local tax. This applies to most goods and services purchased in the city.
Are there any income-restricted apartments in Selma?
Yes, Selma has a few income-restricted rental communities for households earning below a certain threshold, typically 50-60% of the area median income. Contact the Selma Housing Authority for current availability and eligibility requirements.
What’s the median household income in Selma?
As of 2025, the median household income in Selma is approximately $85,000 per year, or just over $7,000 per month. However, actual incomes vary widely depending on occupation, education, and household size.
How much does childcare cost in Selma?
Expect to pay $800-$1,200 per month for full-time childcare or preschool in Selma. Some families opt for more affordable in-home daycares, while others splurge on pricier Montessori programs. Budget an extra $500 per month per child for after-school care.