Universal City is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,450 and slightly lower grocery costs compared to the national average.
Living in Universal City, TX in 2025 costs about $3,800 per month in gross income for a comfortable lifestyle for a couple. This factors in typical housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation expenses for the area. Let’s break down the numbers to see what it really takes to make ends meet in this San Antonio suburb.
Housing Costs in Universal City
Housing is the biggest chunk of most people’s budgets in Universal City. Typical housing options include apartments, single-family homes, and townhomes. Prices vary based on size, age, and neighborhood.
For renters, a basic 2-bedroom apartment averages around $1,450 per month. Newer units or those in prime locations like Coronado Village or Kitty Hawk can run up to $1,800. Older 2-bedrooms in areas like Northlake Hills are more affordable, with prices starting around $1,200.
Homebuyers can expect to pay a median price of $325,000 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house. Smaller starter homes in neighborhoods like Olympia Heights go for around $250,000. Larger, newer construction in Coronado Village pushes closer to $400,000. Property taxes add about 2.2% to the annual cost.
Utility Bills in Universal City
In Universal City, basic utilities for an apartment cost around $180 per month. This includes electricity, gas, water, and trash. Expect to use more A/C May through September. Budget an extra $40-50 per month for summer electric bills.
For a 3-bedroom house, utility costs average about $320 monthly. This factors in higher electricity and water usage. High-speed internet adds another $65-90 to the monthly total.
Groceries and Food
Groceries in Universal City are about 5% lower than the national average. Plan on $350 per month for a single person or $800 for a family of four. This assumes mostly cooking at home.
A gallon of milk runs about $3.20 in Universal City. A dozen eggs cost $2.80. Boneless chicken breast averages $3.50 per pound. Eating out adds up faster. A basic meal for two at a casual restaurant easily tops $40 with tip.
Transportation and Gas
Getting around Universal City requires a car for most errands. Expect to spend about $40 per week on gas per vehicle. Car insurance costs around $120 per month for basic liability coverage.
Commuting into San Antonio, about 15 miles away, is common. Parking downtown runs $80-120 per month. For those lucky enough to work in Universal City, average commute times are under 25 minutes.
Taxes and Fees
On top of federal and state income taxes, Universal City residents pay a 2.2% property tax rate. For a $325,000 home, that’s about $7,150 per year or $600 per month.
Sales tax in Universal City is 8.25%, including state, county and city rates. A 1.75% local sales tax funds economic development projects.
Monthly Cost of Living in Universal City
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,450 | $1,450 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $180 | $250 | $320 |
| Groceries | $350 | $600 | $800 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1000 |
| Misc. | $500 | $600 | $800 |
| Total | $2,980 | $3,800 | $5,120 |
These figures are approximate but offer a baseline for what it costs to live comfortably in Universal City. A gross monthly income of at least $3,000 for a single person or $3,800 for a couple is recommended. Families with children should aim higher to cover additional expenses.
Lifestyle Considerations
Universal City offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to big city amenities. Residents enjoy well-regarded schools, ample parks, and a strong sense of community. Homes are relatively affordable but tend to be older. Most were built in the 1960s-80s.
Nearby San Antonio provides job opportunities in healthcare, financial services, and the military. But the tradeoff is dealing with traffic on I-35 at rush hour. Those working in Universal City enjoy much shorter commute times.
Folks looking for a bit more space and a newer home might consider Schertz or Cibolo. But prices there easily run 15-20% higher. Universal City offers a good balance of affordability, location, and lifestyle for many.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What salary do you need to live in Universal City?
A gross income of at least $36,000 per year ($3,000/month) for a single person or $45,600 ($3,800/month) for a couple is recommended to live comfortably in Universal City. - Is Universal City cheaper than San Antonio?
Yes, the cost of living in Universal City is about 5-10% lower than San Antonio proper. The biggest savings are in housing, with Universal City rents and home prices well below central San Antonio. - How much is the average electric bill in Universal City?
The average electric bill is about $100 per month for an apartment or small home. Expect to pay $150+ per month for a larger house, especially during the summer cooling months. - Are property taxes high in Universal City?
At 2.2%, property tax rates in Universal City are slightly lower than some surrounding areas but a bit higher than the national average of 1.1%. For a $325,000 home, annual property taxes would be about $7,150. - How much do you need to make to buy a house in Universal City?
To afford the median home price of $325,000, you’d need to earn about $81,000 per year ($6,750/month) assuming a 4.5% interest rate and 10% down payment. Actual numbers depend on the specific home price, loan terms, and your other debts. - What is the sales tax rate in Universal City?
The total sales tax rate in Universal City is 8.25% as of 2025. This includes the 6.25% Texas state sales tax and a 2% local tax. The local portion funds city projects and services. - How much does it cost to hire movers in Universal City?
Moving locally within Universal City costs about $300-500 for a 1-bedroom or up to $1,200 for a large 4-bedroom house. Get free quotes from the best moving companies to compare pricing and services.