Cibolo vs New Braunfels: which is better to live in?
Cibolo gets B+ overall and New Braunfels gets B+. They finish close to even on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
Cibolo wins on cost of living, safety and home ownership. New Braunfels wins on jobs and income, schools, errands and things to do, getting around, health and internet access.
Cibolo suits retirees, remote workers and people on a budget better, while New Braunfels suits young professionals better.
Side by side
| Cibolo | New Braunfels | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | B+ | B+ |
| Population | 39,019 | 122,492 |
| Growth since 2020 | +20.9% | +35.5% |
| Median rent | $2,112 | $1,654 |
| Median home value | $351,900 | $339,400 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,411 | $2,233 |
| Median household income | $122,365 | $86,021 |
| Property tax per year | $5,820 | $4,500 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 151 | 223 |
| Property crime per 100k | 546 | 1,159 |
| Schools rated A or B | 50% | 59% |
| Average commute | 29 min | 27 min |
| Work from home | 16% | 16% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 44% | 39% |
| Median age | 36.0 years | 37.1 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 117 | 117 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | High | Very high |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Cibolo | New Braunfels | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B- (62) | B- (59) |
| Jobs and income | B (66) | B+ (77) |
| Schools | C+ (49) | B- (57) |
| Safety | B+ (74) | B- (57) |
| Errands and things to do | D+ (25) | C (41) |
| Getting around | F (5) | D- (13) |
| Education levels | B (64) | B (65) |
| Health | C (46) | C+ (52) |
| Home ownership | B+ (73) | C+ (51) |
| Internet access | B+ (72) | B+ (75) |
Cost of living
New Braunfels is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is higher in Cibolo: a median of $2,112 a month, 28% higher than New Braunfels's $1,654.
The median home is worth $351,900 in Cibolo and $339,400 in New Braunfels. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,411 a month against $2,233, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 2.9 times income in Cibolo and 3.9 times in New Braunfels.
Commute and location
Commutes average 29 minutes in Cibolo and 27 in New Braunfels.
Safety and schools
Cibolo has less violent crime. Cibolo reported 151 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and New Braunfels reported 223 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 50% of Cibolo's 8 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 59% of New Braunfels's 22.
Common questions
Is Cibolo or New Braunfels better to live in?
They grade about the same overall (B+ vs B+). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Cibolo cheaper than New Braunfels?
No. New Braunfels has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Cibolo or New Braunfels?
Cibolo, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.