Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between New Braunfels and Wichita Falls, Texas. Using Texas's 1.8% property tax rate and $3,800/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Wichita Falls is significantly more affordable than New Braunfels, with homes priced 55% lower on average. That translates to $1,512/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Texas, Wichita Falls offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Texas's 1.8% property tax rate.
Buying in Wichita Falls saves you approximately $1,512/month ($18,144/year) compared to New Braunfels, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Wichita Falls is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $165K versus $365K in New Braunfels. That's $200K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $6K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Wichita Falls, compared to $13K in New Braunfels. Texas offers the TDHCA My First Texas Home program (Up to 5% DPA grant) which applies in both cities.
Wichita Falls has the better price-to-rent ratio at 15.6x versus 20.6x in New Braunfels. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Wichita Falls is $880/month on a $165K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Wichita Falls (pop. 104,898) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while New Braunfels (pop. 98,857) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Wichita Falls offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.