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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

8.2% San Antonio, TX is cheaper overall
21.2% 21.2% cheaper housing
5.2% 5.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.2% cheaper
Raleigh
104
San Antonio
82
🛒 Groceries 5.2% cheaper
Raleigh
97
San Antonio
92
🚗 Transportation 2.1% cheaper
Raleigh
96
San Antonio
94
🏥 Healthcare 7.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
San Antonio
93
⚡ Utilities 3.1% more
Raleigh
98
San Antonio
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC San Antonio, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index98908.2% less
Housing1048221.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,05022.2% less
Median Home Price$385,000$255,00033.8% less
Groceries97925.2% less
Transportation96942.1% less
Healthcare100937.0% less
Utilities981013.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC San Antonio, TX
State Income Tax4.50%None (0%)
State Sales Tax4.75%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs San Antonio (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
San Antonio4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
San Antonio2.6%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
San Antonio25 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
San Antonio36
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
San Antonio42
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
San Antonio69°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
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 Raleigh 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh 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 21.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs San Antonio?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,050/month in San Antonio — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or San Antonio?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to San Antonio?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs San Antonio?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $255,000 in San Antonio — a difference of $130,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Texas averages 1.60%.