Boerne vs San Antonio: Cost of Living Guide

Trying to choose between Boerne and San Antonio for your next move? You want a clear picture of what your monthly life will actually cost, not broad averages. In this guide, you’ll see how housing, utilities, commute costs, and everyday spending compare so you can decide with confidence. You’ll also get simple formulas to plug in your own numbers and links to trusted sources. Let’s dive in.

Boerne vs San Antonio at a glance

Boerne sits about 25 to 35 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio along the I‑10 corridor. Depending on the route and traffic, a typical one‑way drive often ranges from 30 to 60 minutes. San Antonio is the larger, more diverse job market with broader transit options. Boerne is smaller and lower density, with a strong Hill Country lifestyle focus.

Housing types differ as well. Boerne leans single‑family homes on larger lots and newer subdivisions. San Antonio offers more variety, including apartments, condos, and older single‑family neighborhoods. Many buyers prioritize space and outdoor access in Boerne, while others choose San Antonio for shorter commutes and wider rental choices.

Housing costs: buy or rent

Purchase price patterns and competition

Median sale prices in Kendall County and Boerne are often higher than in Bexar County and San Antonio due to lower supply, larger lots, and a Hill Country premium. Inventory tends to be tighter in Boerne, which can affect how fast you need to move and the strength of your offer. To compare live data, check market pages on Zillow and Redfin, then note the dates on those pages when you pull numbers.

Price per square foot can vary by neighborhood. Newer Boerne builds often show higher price per square foot than many San Antonio areas. Your agent can help you compare specific subdivisions and craft a strategy to protect your budget.

Beyond the list price: taxes, insurance, closing

Texas relies on local property taxes. Rates differ by county, city, school district, and special districts. Before you buy, look up estimated rates and exemptions through the Kendall County Appraisal District and the Bexar County Appraisal District. A simple monthly estimate looks like this: purchase price × effective tax rate ÷ 12.

Homeowners insurance can be higher for rural or Hill Country properties due to wind or hail exposure. Ask a local insurer for a home‑specific quote, especially if a property has unique risk factors. Many new subdivisions in Boerne have HOA fees. Review HOA budgets, amenity costs, and rules during your option period. Texas has no state transfer tax, but plan for closing costs like title, recording, and lender fees. A common estimate for buyers is about 2 to 3 percent of the purchase price, then confirm with your lender.

Renting: availability and pricing dynamics

San Antonio has more rental options and, in many corridors, lower average rents than Boerne. Smaller cities with limited inventory often see higher prices for single‑family rentals. If you prefer apartment living with on‑site maintenance, San Antonio’s larger complexes may offer more choices, amenities, and specials. In Boerne, single‑family rentals may involve landlord or HOA rules you should understand before you sign.

Utilities and regular bills

Electricity

Texas electricity prices vary by provider and season. Summer air conditioning is a major driver of usage. To estimate your bill for a 2,000‑square‑foot home, start with your expected kWh per month and your plan’s cents‑per‑kWh, then factor in base fees. For current options and consumer guidance, review the Texas Public Utility Commission at the PUC of Texas.

Water, sewer, and trash

In Boerne, many neighborhoods are on city utilities or water districts. Some rural properties use septic systems, which add maintenance tasks, like periodic pumping and inspections. In San Antonio, most urban addresses use city water and sewer, and some multifamily leases may include water in rent. Always confirm provider, rate tiers, and fees for a specific address, and ask for average bills if possible.

Internet and mobile

Both areas offer major ISPs. High‑speed fiber is often more widely available in San Antonio, while Boerne coverage varies by subdivision. New communities in Boerne may have fiber buildouts scheduled, so verify service at the address. If you work remotely, test upload speeds and latency and confirm backup options.

Ongoing maintenance

Larger lots in Boerne can increase lawn, tree, and irrigation costs. Rural properties with wells or septic systems require regular maintenance that city‑served homes do not. In both areas, set aside reserves for HVAC servicing, roof and gutter upkeep, and pest control.

Utilities setup checklist

Commute, transportation, and work costs

Distance and daily experience

From Boerne to downtown San Antonio is about 25 to 35 miles, typically 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and route. The I‑10 corridor and NW Loop access serve the Medical Center and north‑central employment hubs. If you split time between home and office, a hybrid schedule can reduce weekly fuel, parking, and time costs. Confirm drive times with live map checks at your exact hours.

What to budget for drivers

Gas is a major line item. A simple fuel formula is: (one‑way miles × days per month × 2 ÷ vehicle MPG) × price per gallon. For current prices, use the AAA Fuel Price Finder. Add parking if your employer does not cover it.

Longer commutes increase vehicle wear. For a quick proxy, you can apply a per‑mile cost estimate based on AAA driving‑cost studies, then multiply by your total commute miles. Keep oil changes, tires, and depreciation in mind when comparing Boerne versus San Antonio.

Transit and alternatives

San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit serves city corridors, while Boerne has limited to no fixed‑route service into downtown. Review routes, park‑and‑ride information, and schedules directly with VIA Metropolitan Transit. Also check with your employer about carpool, vanpool, or shuttle programs.

Lifestyle and everyday services

Groceries, dining, and errands

San Antonio offers a wider range of grocers, specialty markets, and dining at many price points. Boerne has local grocers and Hill Country dining spots, though you may drive farther for niche options. Everyday costs can be similar, but selection and promotions may be broader in the city. Track your own spending for a month to see where you get the best value.

Childcare and schools

Childcare is a major budget item and varies by provider, program, and your child’s age. Start with a short list of centers near your likely home base and ask for current rates and waitlists. For public K–12 information, review objective state data through the Texas Education Agency and visit local ISD pages for enrollment and program details. Attendance zones can influence pricing and commute patterns, so verify boundaries during your home search.

Healthcare access

San Antonio has multiple major hospital systems and specialists, often with shorter drive times for specialty care. Boerne is served by regional clinics and hospitals, and some specialty visits may require a trip into the city. Out‑of‑pocket costs depend on your insurance plan, so confirm network and copays before you set your budget.

Recreation and greenspace

If you love parks, trails, and Hill Country outings, Boerne puts you close to outdoor recreation and weekend winery routes. San Antonio offers urban parks, museums, the River Walk, and frequent cultural events. Consider both your weekend lifestyle and weekday routine when weighing these benefits.

Two monthly budgets you can build today

Use these templates with live numbers from the sources linked in this guide. Keep it simple and update as your search evolves.

Template A: Buying in Boerne

• Mortgage principal and interest: use a current 30‑year fixed rate from the Freddie Mac PMMS and your loan amount.
• Property tax: purchase price × effective tax rate ÷ 12 (get rates from Kendall CAD).
• Homeowners insurance: local quote based on property specifics.
• HOA dues: monthly or annual, divided by 12.
• Utilities: electricity, water/sewer/trash, internet.
• Commute: fuel formula plus parking and per‑mile wear.
• Groceries and dining: track one month of actual spend.
• Childcare and activities: request current rates.
• Savings and reserves: emergency fund and home maintenance.

Template B: Renting in San Antonio

• Rent: current rate for your unit size and lease length from apartment communities or property managers.
• Utilities: confirm what is included, then add electric, water/sewer/trash, internet.
• Parking: community fees or workplace costs if applicable.
• Commute: fuel and per‑mile wear using the same formulas and AAA pricing checks.
• Groceries and dining, childcare, healthcare, savings: update with your real numbers.

How we calculated comparisons

Use this quick method to set realistic expectations and update them as you tour homes.

1. Pull live median sale prices for Boerne and San Antonio from Zillow and Redfin. Note each source and the date you pulled it.
2. Create a sample comparison: a 3‑bed, 2‑bath, 2,000‑square‑foot home in Boerne versus a similar home in San Antonio. Compare price per square foot and age of construction.
3. Convert purchase price to a monthly estimate: principal and interest using the Freddie Mac PMMS, plus taxes from Kendall CAD or Bexar CAD, plus a local insurance quote and HOA dues.
4. Add commute costs using the miles‑and‑fuel formula, current gas from AAA, and your vehicle’s MPG.
5. Add utilities using the PUC of Texas resources and provider plan details, then confirm water and trash with the appropriate city utility.

The bottom line

Will you save money in Boerne versus San Antonio? Housing is often higher in Boerne, while utilities and day‑to‑day spending can be similar. For many households, the swing factor is commute time and fuel. If your job or schedule makes a longer drive manageable, the Hill Country lifestyle may be worth the tradeoff. If you want maximum choice in rentals, shorter commutes, and broader amenities, San Antonio may fit better.

When you are ready to compare real homes and monthly budgets side by side, connect with a local advisor who works both markets and negotiates outcomes, not just contracts. If you want a private, data‑driven consult and neighborhood short list tailored to your goals, reach out to Meghan Pelley. Our credentialed team (CNE, PSA) brings clear numbers and local insight so you can move forward with confidence.

Quick fact‑check checklist before you decide

• Verify median sale price and rent for both areas with two sources, and date your pulls.
• Confirm property tax rate by parcel and school district for any home you like.
• Check commute time for your actual work hours, both AM and PM, for a week.
• Use the latest 30‑year mortgage rate for payment estimates and note the date.
• Confirm electric and water rates with your providers and address.
• Verify internet options and speeds at the exact address.

FAQs

Will I spend less living in Boerne than in San Antonio?

• Housing often costs more in Boerne, while utilities and lifestyle spending can be similar; your total depends on commute distance, fuel, and personal priorities.

How long is the commute from Boerne to downtown San Antonio?

• The distance is roughly 25 to 35 miles and a typical one‑way drive is often 30 to 60 minutes depending on route and traffic.

Are there lower‑tax or lower‑HOA areas around Boerne?

• Tax rates and HOA dues vary by subdivision and district; verify parcel‑level estimates through the county appraisal district and HOA documents before you make an offer.

Is public transit a real option from Boerne to downtown?

• Fixed‑route service from Boerne is limited; most commuters drive or use employer commute programs while San Antonio corridors are served by VIA.

Will I need septic or well maintenance on a Boerne property?

• Some rural properties use septic systems or wells; confirm utilities for each listing and budget for routine maintenance if they apply.