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Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ 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.

10.0% San Antonio, TX is cheaper overall
22.6% 22.6% cheaper housing
6.1% 6.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.6% cheaper
Phoenix
106
San Antonio
82
🛒 Groceries 6.1% cheaper
Phoenix
98
San Antonio
92
🚗 Transportation 6.9% cheaper
Phoenix
101
San Antonio
94
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% cheaper
Phoenix
95
San Antonio
93
⚡ Utilities 6.5% cheaper
Phoenix
108
San Antonio
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ San Antonio, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1009010.0% less
Housing1068222.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,05018.0% less
Median Home Price$370,000$255,00031.1% less
Groceries98926.1% less
Transportation101946.9% less
Healthcare95932.1% less
Utilities1081016.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ San Antonio, TX
State Income Tax2.50%None (0%)
State Sales Tax5.60%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
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 Phoenix lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs San Antonio (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
San Antonio4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
San Antonio2.6%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
San Antonio25 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
San Antonio36
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
San Antonio42
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
San Antonio69°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
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 Phoenix 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix 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 22.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs San Antonio?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,050/month in San Antonio — a difference of about $230 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or San Antonio?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix to San Antonio?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 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 Phoenix vs San Antonio?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $255,000 in San Antonio — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Texas averages 1.60%.