San Antonio Housing Market 2025: Why It’s Still Texas’ Most Affordable Big City

When it comes to Texas real estate, many buyers assume affordability is out of reach. With Austin’s tech-driven boom, Dallas’ corporate expansions, and Houston’s sprawling growth, home prices in those metros continue climbing. But there’s good news for families, first-time buyers, and investors: San Antonio remains the most affordable major metro in Texas—and it’s holding strong in 2025.

At Garza Home Team San Antonio Real Estate, we’ve seen firsthand how affordability trends shape buyer and seller decisions. According to Realtor.com’s April 2025 Housing Market Trends Report, the median-priced home in San Antonio is listed at $339,950, requiring an annual household income of about $89,864. That’s nearly $50,000 less income than buyers need in Austin, and significantly below Dallas and Houston as well.

📉 Affordability in Context: San Antonio vs. Other Texas Metros

Let’s compare median prices and required incomes across Texas’ biggest housing markets:

• San Antonio: Median price $339,950 | Income needed $89,864

• Austin: Median price $525,000 | Income needed $138,781

• Houston: Median price $369,900 | Income needed $97,781

• Dallas: Median price $430,000 | Income needed $113,668

Despite a 15% price jump in San Antonio since 2019, the city still offers the best affordability for a metro larger than Austin and Dallas. That affordability stems from San Antonio’s diverse, blue-collar economy, ties to Mexico, and slower-paced growth compared to Austin’s tech-driven frenzy.

📈 How the Market Has Shifted Since 2019

Affordability isn’t without challenges. San Antonio’s required income to afford a median home has risen 42.9% since 2019, largely due to higher mortgage rates (hovering near 7%) and price appreciation. From 2020 to 2022, bidding wars and cash offers from out-of-state buyers drove prices up rapidly. By 2024, the tables turned: higher rates cooled demand, shifting San Antonio toward a buyer’s market.

Today, the balance looks different:

• Inventory up nearly 50% year-over-year → more choices for buyers

• Homes spend 77 days on market → slightly slower than Dallas or Houston, but faster than Austin

• 18% of listings see price cuts → easing affordability pressures

🏡 What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, San Antonio remains one of the best opportunities in Texas real estate. Here’s why:

• More inventory means less competition and more negotiation power.

• Median prices below other Texas metros allow families to buy with lower income thresholds.

• Neighborhood variety gives options, from historic charm in Monte Vista to luxury living in Alamo Heights.

Younger buyers and first-time homeowners should also look at high-density condos and townhomes, which experts believe will bridge the affordability gap. Pair that with down payment assistance programs in select ZIP codes, and San Antonio offers real options that cities like Austin simply can’t match.

💰 What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, the market still offers opportunities to capture high value. Prices have held near record highs, but today’s buyers are more discerning. That means homes need strong marketing, accurate pricing, and polished presentation to stand out.

At Garza Home Team San Antonio Real Estate, we specialize in:

• Professional staging to attract buyers quickly

• Strategic pricing that balances visibility with value

• Aggressive digital marketing to maximize exposure

While days on market average 77, properly marketed homes in sought-after areas like Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, and Stone Oak are still moving faster than average.

🔑 Key Neighborhood Trends

San Antonio’s housing activity varies by area:

• Hot markets: Monte Vista, Alamo Heights, and Terrell Hills see steady buyer activity.

• Cooling markets: Lavaca and Monticello Park, where listings sit longer and buyers negotiate more.

This makes local expertise critical. Understanding which areas are in high demand ensures buyers don’t overpay and sellers don’t leave money on the table.

📊 The Bottom Line

San Antonio’s real estate market in 2025 proves you don’t have to sacrifice affordability to live in a major Texas city. With:

• Median prices well below Austin, Houston, and Dallas

• Nearly 50% more inventory than last year

• A buyer-friendly pace with sellers still enjoying strong equity

…it’s the best of both worlds for smart buyers and strategic sellers.

📲 Ready to Buy or Sell in San Antonio?

Whether you’re moving up, downsizing, or buying your first home, now is the time to run the numbers. At Garza Home Team at Keller Williams City View, we’re here to help you navigate affordability, maximize equity, and achieve your real estate goals with integrity and expertise.

👉 DM us today to schedule your personalized consultation and let’s make your 2025 real estate move a success.