San Antonio blends rich history, modern charm, and an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive city for renters. Whether you’re drawn to its iconic landmarks, proximity to downtown, or easy access to military bases, San Antonio has much to offer.
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in San Antonio, there are plenty of neighborhoods from which to choose. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in San Antonio based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in San Antonio for renters are:
Timberwood Park
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Antonio: $1,076/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Timberwood Park: $1,253/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Timberwood Park: 774 square feet
Why Timberwood Park is good for renters
Located just north of the city, Timberwood Park provides a peaceful, scenic setting with spacious apartment communities and beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country. It’s a popular area for renters looking for more room to spread out without sacrificing access to shopping and dining nearby. The area is known for its parks, trails, and relaxed atmosphere.
|
Not Walkable |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Somewhat Bikeable |
10Timberwood Park has a walkability score of 10 out of 100 |
90Timberwood Park has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
20Timberwood Park has a bikeability score of 20 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Because it's farther from downtown, commute times may be longer if you work in the city center.
Terrell Hills
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Antonio: $1,076/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Terrell Hills: $1,273/month
- Average 1-bedroom size: 699 square feet
Why Terrell Hills is good for renters
Terrell Hills delivers a classic feel with wide streets, mature trees, and quiet surroundings. It’s conveniently located near the heart of San Antonio, with quick access to downtown, Fort Sam Houston, and major highways. Many rental options here are in charming, low-density communities that feel more like a cozy neighborhood.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Minimal Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
40Terrell Hills has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 |
10Terrell Hills has a transit score of 10 out of 100 |
80Terrell Hills has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
40Terrell Hills has a bikeability score of 40 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
The more upscale environment comes at a higher cost, so expect rents above the city average.
Fort Sam Houston
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Antonio: $1,076/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Fort Sam Houston area: $855/month
- Average 1-bedroom size: 589 square feet
Why Fort Sam Houston is good for renters
This neighborhood is a practical choice for those who work on or near the base. It’s close to downtown and the Pearl District, with several apartment communities that cater to military professionals and civilians alike. Renters in Fort Sam Houston benefit from the area’s convenience, strong transit options, and access to hospitals, parks, and local businesses.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Minimal Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
40Fort Sam Houston has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 |
10Fort Sam Houston has a transit score of 10 out of 100 |
90Fort Sam Houston has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
50Fort Sam Houston has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Because of its proximity to the military base, rental turnover can be higher throughout the year, especially during peak moving months.
Olmos Park Terrace
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Antonio: $1,076/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Olmos Park Terrace: $1,017/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Olmos Park: 644 square feet
Why Olmos Park Terrace is good for renters
Olmos Park Terrace is located just minutes from downtown and offers a quiet, residential atmosphere with a central location. Known for its older homes and established community feel, the neighborhood provides renters with a laid-back lifestyle and convenient access to nearby shopping, dining, and major roadways. It’s a solid choice for those who want a neighborhood vibe without straying far from the city core.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
50Olmos Park Terrace has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 |
20Olmos Park Terrace has a transit score of 20 out of 100 |
90Olmos Park Terrace has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
50Olmos Park Terrace has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Rental options may not include many newer apartment communities.
Cross Mountain
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Antonio: $1,076/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cross Mountain: $1,250/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Cross Mountain: 840 square feet
Why Cross Mountain is good for renters
Cross Mountain is a quiet, semi-rural area just northwest of the city known for spacious properties and scenic landscapes. It’s an excellent fit for renters who want a slower pace of life while still being within reach of the San Antonio metro area. Apartment communities here tend to offer peaceful surroundings and larger units.
|
Somewhat Walkable |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Not Bikeable |
20Cross Mountain has a walkability score of 20 out of 100 |
90Cross Mountain has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
10Cross Mountain has a bikeability score of 10 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
You’ll likely need a car to get around, and amenities and public transit access are more limited than in city-center neighborhoods.
Ready to Make the Move?
If San Antonio has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place.
Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan. Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
This article was originally published on December 4, 2025, and has been updated to reflect April 2026 data.
FAQs
Is San Antonio a good place to live?
Yes, San Antonio is a great place to live for renters who want a mix of historic neighborhoods, suburban comfort, and a relatively low cost of living. With walkable districts, parks, local eateries, and a laid-back vibe, it’s an ideal city for a variety of lifestyles.
Is San Antonio an expensive place to live?
No, San Antonio is more affordable than many major U.S. cities. While some neighborhoods are higher-end, the overall cost of living is 8.7% below the national average.
What’s the average rent in San Antonio?
The average rent in San Antonio is $1,076 per month, as of April 2026. This is 34% below the national average rent of $1,640 per month.
What salary do you need to live in San Antonio?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in San Antonio would be around $71,000 before taxes.
