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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs San Antonio, TX

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

12.6% San Antonio, TX is cheaper overall
30.5% 30.5% cheaper housing
4.2% 4.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 30.5% cheaper
Austin
118
San Antonio
82
🛒 Groceries 4.2% cheaper
Austin
96
San Antonio
92
🚗 Transportation 4.1% cheaper
Austin
98
San Antonio
94
🏥 Healthcare 4.1% cheaper
Austin
97
San Antonio
93
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
San Antonio
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX San Antonio, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1039012.6% less
Housing1188230.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,05027.6% less
Median Home Price$425,000$255,00040.0% less
Groceries96924.2% less
Transportation98944.1% less
Healthcare97934.1% less
Utilities99101~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX San Antonio, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
San Antonio, TX
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: San Antonio costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Antonio to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs San Antonio (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
San Antonio4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
San Antonio2.6%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
San Antonio25 min
Walk Score
Austin41
San Antonio36
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
San Antonio42
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
San Antonio69°F
Population
Austin979,882
San Antonio1,451,853

Moving from Austin to San Antonio?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and San Antonio → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in San Antonio →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → San Antonio vs Portland → San Antonio vs Phoenix → San Antonio vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or San Antonio cheaper to live in?+
San Antonio is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 30.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs San Antonio?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,050/month in San Antonio — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or San Antonio?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to San Antonio?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $58,000 in San Antonio. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs San Antonio?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $255,000 in San Antonio — a difference of $170,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Texas averages 1.60%.