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San Antonio makes list of best cities for people tired of being broke
Some neighborhoods, like King William, are less affordable than others.
Affordability concerns have been top-of-mind for many Americans in 2026, and housing prices aren't getting any cheaper. Luckily for San Antonio residents, we live in one of the most affordable places to buy a home in 2026, according to a new survey from GoBankingRates.
The personal finance website's latest study named San Antonio among the "6 Best Places To Live in 2026 if You’re Tired of Feeling Broke."
Namely, the report found San Antonio's housing prices are far more affordable than most other major Texas cities. According to January 2026 Zillow data, the average price of a home in San Antonio is $245,251. Compared to Austin — where housing prices stood at $595,000 in May — the clear winner for housing affordability is not the state capital.
San Antonio's housing market is keeping pace with its growth: the city's southwestern 78252 ZIP code had a dramatic 187 percent surge in housing inventory in the last decade, and the city itself was named one of the top 10 housing markets with the highest rates of new home construction in the U.S. in 2026.
Sain Rhodes, a real estate specialist at Clever Offers, said in the report that San Antonio offers a "primary-market price at a secondary-market value." The state also deserves a nod for its lack of income tax as another boon for budget-conscious out-of-state movers.
The second factor prioritized by the GoBankingRates study is a "cost of living" score from city data platform BestPlaces, which compares the cost of living for 80,000 U.S. cities. San Antonio also received a 91.3 for its "modern amenities" and "rich cultural history."
"From its vibrant art scene, historical attractions, and delicious restaurants — San Antonio is sure to satisfy any traveler's tastes," BestPlaces said. "With a variety of outdoor activities, world-class museums, music venues and nightlife — there's never a dull moment in this bustling metropolis."
The other five U.S. cities that are the best places to live with affordable housing prices are Fort Wayne, Indiana; Huntsville, Alabama; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Peoria, Illinois; and Toledo, Ohio.
