Do VA loans cost more?

They cost differently, not necessarily more. The main VA-specific cost is the VA funding fee, which depends on whether it's your first use and how much you put down. On a purchase, first-time use is 2.15% with less than 5% down, 1.5% with 5% or more, and 1.25% with 10% or more. For repeat use it's 3.3% with less than 5% down, then 1.5% and 1.25% at the same down payment levels. You can finance the fee into the loan. You may be exempt if you receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability, among other situations. On the other side of the ledger, there's no monthly mortgage insurance, and sellers can pay closing costs and concessions up to 4% of the loan amount. I'll compare your actual numbers against other loan types with your lender, because rates and approval vary and I can't promise either. Separately from the loan itself, Texas offers property tax exemptions to some disabled veterans, including a full exemption on a home for veterans with a 100% VA disability rating, and partial exemptions at lower ratings. Confirm the current Texas rules and your rating with your county appraisal district, since savings depend on your home's value and local tax rates.