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Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Los Angeles, CA

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

51.1% Los Angeles, CA is more expensive overall
117.1% 117.1% more expensive housing
19.6% 19.6% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 117.1% more
San Antonio
82
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries 19.6% more
San Antonio
92
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 33.0% more
San Antonio
94
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare 20.4% more
San Antonio
93
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
San Antonio
101
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Antonio, TX Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9013651.1% more
Housing82178117.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$2,500138.1% more
Median Home Price$255,000$880,000245.1% more
Groceries9211019.6% more
Transportation9412533.0% more
Healthcare9311220.4% more
Utilities1011054.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Antonio, TX Los Angeles, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

San Antonio, TX
$58,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Los Angeles outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: San Antonio (90) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Antonio4.2%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Antonio2.6%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Antonio25 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
San Antonio36
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
San Antonio42
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
San Antonio69°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
San Antonio1,451,853
Los Angeles3,898,747

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

San Antonio vs Austin → San Antonio vs Denver → San Antonio vs Nashville → Los Angeles vs Raleigh → Los Angeles vs Portland → Los Angeles vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?+
San Antonio is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 117.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Antonio vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in San Antonio and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $1,450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Antonio or Los Angeles?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 San Antonio to Los Angeles?+
Median household income in San Antonio is $58,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles?+
The median home price in San Antonio is $255,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $625,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while California averages 0.71%.