Selma, TX vs. San Antonio, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Selma vs San Antonio. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Selma vs San Antonio in 2025.
Meet the Garcias, a family of four debating a move from San Antonio to Selma. They’re crunching the numbers to see how their budget would change in a smaller city. Let’s dive into the key costs they’re comparing.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Selma and San Antonio stack up:
| Housing Type | Selma | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $325,000 | $375,000 |
🏆 Winner: Selma. Housing costs about 10-15% less in Selma compared to San Antonio.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, water, gas, and trash for a typical family. Air conditioning usage peaks in the hot summer months.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Selma and San Antonio.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices tend to be 5-10% lower in Selma compared to San Antonio, due to lower commercial rents and distribution costs. Eating out is also a bit cheaper, with fast-casual meals around $12 vs $15 in the big city.
🏆 Winner: Selma. Expect to save $50-100 per month on food in Selma.
4. Taxes and Fees
Texas has no state income tax, so that’s even. However, property taxes and HOA fees can vary. Selma’s property tax rate is around 2.2% vs 2.5% in San Antonio. HOA fees are also about 20% lower in Selma.
🏆 Winner: Selma. Lower property taxes and HOA fees give Selma the edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Selma | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $800 | $900 |
| Transportation | $300 | $250 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $750 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,675 | $4,125 |
All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax) for consistency. Based on these estimates, a household moving from San Antonio to Selma might save $400-500 per month on basic living costs.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Of course, pure costs don’t tell the full story. Selma offers a slower pace of life, with more space and less traffic than San Antonio. However, San Antonio boasts more diverse neighborhoods, attractions, and public transit. Consider your commute, hobbies, and ideal lifestyle when choosing.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Selma more affordable than San Antonio?
A: Yes, Selma has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing, groceries, and taxes.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Selma has lower typical rent, with a median 2BR apartment around $1,250/month vs $1,400 in San Antonio.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Selma has lower median home prices, with a typical 3BR around $325,000 compared to $375,000 in San Antonio.
8. Conclusion
For the budget-conscious, Selma offers significant savings over San Antonio, especially on housing. However, San Antonio provides more urban amenities and cultural attractions. We recommend visiting both cities and comparing moving company costs before deciding.
Wherever you land, be sure to plan out your sample monthly budget and understand the full cost of living in your new city. With smart planning, you can make your Texas dreams a reality!