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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

19.6% San Antonio, TX is cheaper overall
37.9% 37.9% cheaper housing
8.9% 8.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 37.9% cheaper
Denver
132
San Antonio
82
🛒 Groceries 8.9% cheaper
Denver
101
San Antonio
92
🚗 Transportation 10.5% cheaper
Denver
105
San Antonio
94
🏥 Healthcare 10.6% cheaper
Denver
104
San Antonio
93
⚡ Utilities 5.2% more
Denver
96
San Antonio
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO San Antonio, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1129019.6% less
Housing1328237.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,05035.2% less
Median Home Price$540,000$255,00052.8% less
Groceries101928.9% less
Transportation1059410.5% less
Healthcare1049310.6% less
Utilities961015.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO San Antonio, TX
State Income Tax4.40%None (0%)
State Sales Tax2.90%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs San Antonio (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
San Antonio4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
San Antonio2.6%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
San Antonio25 min
Walk Score
Denver61
San Antonio36
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
San Antonio42
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
San Antonio69°F
Population
Denver713,252
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 Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 37.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs San Antonio?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,050/month in San Antonio — a difference of about $570 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or San Antonio?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to San Antonio?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs San Antonio?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $255,000 in San Antonio — a difference of $285,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Texas averages 1.60%.