When you think of Central Texas, Austin is likely the first city that comes to mind. But another town closer to San Antonio is starting to make waves—New Braunfels. The best part is this budget-friendly city is easier on your wallet than other big cities. Living in New Braunfels gives you access to the same Central Texas charm without the high price tag.

Let's dive into the everyday expenses you should consider when deciding whether New Braunfels is your next home.

Summary:

• New Braunfels Cost of Living

• Living in New Braunfels

• New Construction Homes in New Braunfels, TX

• Conclusion

New Braunfels Cost of Living

The cost of living in New Braunfels, Texas, is 2% lower than the national average and on par with the average Texas cost of living as of October 2023, reports the Economic Research Institute (ERIERI). It's cheaper than Austin and Dallas but closer to the cost of living in Houston or San Antonio. 

New Braunfels Housing Costs

The affordable home prices in New Braunfels are a breath of fresh air. Per Realtor.com, as of November 2023, the median home price in New Braunfels is $410K, with a median sale price of 389.3K. 

The average rent in New Braunfels is roughly 1% below the national average, according to Apartment List in December 2023. RentCafé reports the average monthly rent to be $1,468.

New Braunfels Transportation Costs

As of 2023, New Braunfels has few public transportation options, with housing spread across sprawling suburban neighborhoods. However, according to NewBraunfels.gov, the city is now considered a small urbanized area (UZA), so it can receive Federal Transit Funds and use them to create a transit program that suits the residents' needs. 

Until then, driving is the preferred mode of transportation for most residents. You can expect an average price of $2.45 a gallon of regular unleaded gas, per GasBuddy for December 2023. 

New Braunfels Childcare Costs

New Braunfels offers many childcare options, from in-home daycare to private preschools and after-school programs. For December 2023, Care.com finds the city’s average childcare rate is $16.64 per hour. According to Winnie, monthly tuition for a toddler ranges from about $695 to $900 per month in 2023, depending on the location, amount of days, and type of program. 

Living in New Braunfels

Beyond its more affordable cost of living, New Braunfels offers several other benefits for folks looking to move to Central Texas. Here’s a snapshot of what makes New Braunfels a great place to call home.

Convenient Location

Located about 30 miles from San Antonio and 50 miles from Austin, New Braunfels offers convenient access to each of those cities and their surrounding suburbs and employment hubs. As a bonus, New Braunfels sits in the heart of Hill Country. Residents can enjoy diverse outdoor adventures, such as exploring caves, caverns, wine country, hiking, river floating, and more. 

Kid-Friendly Activities

New Braunfels also offers plenty of fun for the whole family. With Canyon Lake, Lake McQueeney, and the Comal River nearby, you can easily spend an afternoon boating, skiing, or tubing on the water. If you’re looking for even more thrills and excitement, visit the Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

Growing Art, Food, and Music Scene

While not as big as its major metro counterparts, New Braunfels’ art, food, and music scene is a growing staple for this suburban city. 

Explore the eclectic collection of TexMex, Texan BBQ, and traditional German cuisine (German immigrants were the city’s founders) to find a dish that suits your fancy. Enjoy downtown’s First Fridays from March through October, a monthly celebration of art in the city with abundant exhibitions suitable for all ages. And, if you’re a big fan of live music, stop by Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, which hosts local and international artists.

New Construction Homes in New Braunfels, TX

Now that you know more about the New Braunfels, TX, cost of living, culture, and attractions, if you see yourself settling down here, visualize your life at home with some of Pulte’s new construction smart homes in the area. 

• Sendero at Veramendi: This 2,400-acre master-planned community off Loop 337 boasts a 25,000 square-foot amenity center, 23 miles of walking trails, smart home technology, and a convenient commute to hospitals, Randolph Air Force Base, and Texas State University.

• Legacy at Lake Dunlap: Here, modern living meets smart home technology. With proximity to IH-35 and an easy drive to Randolph Air Force Base or South Austin, this community in the Comal Independent School District (ISD) is a great location. Enjoy the outdoors with access to the Comal River and Hill Country while still being close to downtown for live music and lots of dining options.

• The Overlook at Creekside: Another master-planned community also located in the Comal ISD, The Overlook at Creekside offers convenient drives to Randolph Air Force Base or South Austin and proximity to the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Landa Park, and Gruene Hall. With a pool, pavilion, and park, these one- and two-story homes provide contemporary amenities, style, and access to many attractions.

Conclusion

For an affordable option near all the great attractions in Central Texas, look no further than New Braunfels. Situated between Austin and San Antonio, this charming city has plenty of new homes for sale and activities to suit every lifestyle.

Explore new construction homes in New Braunfels today or browse more Pulte blogs.

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Orange County-Based Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 3/29/2024