Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
San Antonio is 16% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $63,084 in San Antonio.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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