Home › Compare › San Antonio, TX vs Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Atlanta, GA

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

18.9% Atlanta, GA is more expensive overall
39.0% 39.0% more expensive housing
10.9% 10.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 39.0% more
San Antonio
82
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries 10.9% more
San Antonio
92
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation 16.0% more
San Antonio
94
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare 9.7% more
San Antonio
93
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities ~Same
San Antonio
101
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Antonio, TX Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index9010718.9% more
Housing8211439.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,65057.1% more
Median Home Price$255,000$380,00049.0% more
Groceries9210210.9% more
Transportation9410916.0% more
Healthcare931029.7% more
Utilities10199~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Antonio, TX Atlanta, GA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.39%
State Sales Tax6.25%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

San Antonio, TX
$58,000
Median household income
Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Atlanta outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

→
$—

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Antonio4.2%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Antonio2.6%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Antonio25 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
San Antonio36
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
San Antonio42
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
San Antonio69°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
San Antonio1,451,853
Atlanta499,127

Moving from San Antonio to Atlanta?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Antonio or Atlanta cheaper to live in?+
San Antonio is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 39.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Antonio vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in San Antonio and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Antonio or Atlanta?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 San Antonio to Atlanta?+
Median household income in San Antonio is $58,000 compared to $75,000 in Atlanta. 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 San Antonio vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in San Antonio is $255,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $125,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Georgia averages 0.72%.