Construction Costs in San Antonio 2026 — Residential & Commercial Guide
# Construction Costs in San Antonio 2026 — What Contractors Need to Know
San Antonio is Texas's fastest-growing major city, fueled by military installations (Joint Base San Antonio), a booming healthcare corridor, and aggressive suburban expansion along the I-35 and Loop 1604 corridors.
Average Costs per Square Foot (2026)
| Project Type | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family residential | $130 | $185 | $300 |
| Mid-rise multifamily | $155 | $220 | $340 |
| Commercial tenant improvement | $80 | $140 | $245 |
| Ground-up commercial | $170 | $265 | $400 |
| Industrial / warehouse | $80 | $125 | $195 |
Key Cost Drivers
Military construction (MILCON) — JBSA-Lackland, Fort Sam Houston, and Randolph AFB generate steady federal construction demand with Davis-Bacon prevailing-wage requirements.
Healthcare expansion — The South Texas Medical Center is one of the largest in the US, driving specialty healthcare construction.
Affordable labor — San Antonio labor rates sit 15–20 % below Dallas and Houston. Carpenters earn $24–$34/hr; electricians $28–$40/hr (BLS OEWS).
Limestone terrain — Hill Country geology means rock excavation is common in the northwest suburbs, adding $4–$10/sq ft to foundation costs.
How OneEstimate.ai Helps
OneEstimate.ai includes Texas-specific templates, BLS wage data for the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA, and rock-excavation cost factors for Hill Country sites.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a house in San Antonio in 2026?
$130–$300/sq ft. A 2,200 sq ft home in Stone Oak or Alamo Heights runs $286K–$440K before land.
Are prevailing wages required on military projects?
Yes. All MILCON projects at JBSA installations require Davis-Bacon prevailing-wage rates by trade.
Is OneEstimate.ai free?
Yes — the Free plan is unlimited. PRO is $49/mo and BUSINESS is $99/mo + $15/user.
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