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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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.

15.9% San Antonio, TX is cheaper overall
21.9% 21.9% cheaper housing
11.5% 11.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.9% cheaper
Chicago
105
San Antonio
82
🛒 Groceries 11.5% cheaper
Chicago
104
San Antonio
92
🚗 Transportation 17.5% cheaper
Chicago
114
San Antonio
94
🏥 Healthcare 9.7% cheaper
Chicago
103
San Antonio
93
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
San Antonio
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL San Antonio, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1079015.9% less
Housing1058221.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,05038.2% less
Median Home Price$310,000$255,00017.7% less
Groceries1049211.5% less
Transportation1149417.5% less
Healthcare103939.7% less
Utilities101101~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL San Antonio, TX
State Income Tax4.95%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs San Antonio (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
San Antonio4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
San Antonio2.6%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
San Antonio25 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
San Antonio36
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
San Antonio42
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
San Antonio69°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
San Antonio1,451,853

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago 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 21.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs San Antonio?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,050/month in San Antonio — a difference of about $650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or San Antonio?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago to San Antonio?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs San Antonio?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $255,000 in San Antonio — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Texas averages 1.60%.