Selma, TX vs. New Braunfels, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Selma or New Braunfels, Texas? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living comparison to help you decide:
- 🏠 Median rent for a 2BR apartment: $1,250 in Selma vs $1,400 in New Braunfels
- ⚡ Average utility bill: $180/month in Selma vs $210/month in New Braunfels
- 🍎 Gallon of milk: $3.50 in Selma vs $3.75 in New Braunfels
- 🏦 Property tax rate: 2.1% in Selma vs 2.3% in New Braunfels
For a more in-depth cost of living comparison, read on as we break down the key factors to consider when choosing between Selma and New Braunfels in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Selma and New Braunfels stack up:
| Housing Type | Selma | New Braunfels |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,800 | $2,100 |
🏆 Winner: Selma. Housing costs an estimated 10-15% less in Selma compared to New Braunfels.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs also factor heavily into monthly budgets. In Selma, expect to pay around $180/month for a typical apartment. Costs rise about 10% in the hot summer months.
In New Braunfels, budget closer to $210/month, with spikes up to $250 in the peak of summer. The city does offer an off-peak savings plan though.
🏆 Winner: Selma has the edge on utility costs, averaging about $30/month less than New Braunfels.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For groceries and everyday items, costs are fairly comparable between the two cities. A gallon of milk runs about $3.50 in Selma vs $3.75 in New Braunfels. Restaurant prices are also similar, with a nice dinner out averaging $50-60 per person in both cities.
🏆 Winner: It’s close, but Selma has slightly lower prices on most grocery staples and daily goods.
4. Taxes and Fees
Be sure to factor in taxes and city fees as well. Selma has a property tax rate of 2.1%, while New Braunfels is a bit higher at 2.3%. HOA fees are common in both cities, typically ranging from $200-400/month.
🏆 Winner: Selma. The lower property tax rate can add up to solid savings for homeowners.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Selma | New Braunfels |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Taxes (Renters) | $0 | $0 |
| Misc | $200 | $200 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,090 | $2,320 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Selma is more affordable overall, New Braunfels does offer some lifestyle perks that could be worth the added cost for some people:
- New Braunfels is more walkable and has better public transit access
- Summers are a couple degrees cooler in New Braunfels on average
- New Braunfels has a charming historic downtown with great restaurants and shops
Selma, on the other hand, tends to offer more space for the money, with larger apartments and homes on average. It’s also a bit closer to San Antonio for commuters.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Selma more affordable than New Braunfels?
A: Yes, Selma has a lower overall cost of living, with cheaper housing, utilities, and slightly lower taxes and fees.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Selma. Rent for a typical 2BR apartment averages about $150 less per month compared to New Braunfels.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Selma. With lower median home prices and property taxes, buyers can expect to pay less on a monthly basis in Selma.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Selma offers a lower cost of living for most lifestyles. Renters, buyers, and anyone on a budget will likely find their money goes further in Selma compared to New Braunfels.
However, those who prioritize walkability, transit access, milder weather, and an active downtown may find the extra costs of New Braunfels worthwhile. As always, we recommend visiting both cities and getting quotes from multiple moving companies before making a final decision.
For a more personalized look at your budget, check out these sample monthly budgets for living in Selma and our full cost of living guide for Selma in 2025.