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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

27.4% San Antonio, TX is cheaper overall
47.4% 47.4% cheaper housing
14.8% 14.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 47.4% cheaper
Seattle
156
San Antonio
82
🛒 Groceries 14.8% cheaper
Seattle
108
San Antonio
92
🚗 Transportation 20.3% cheaper
Seattle
118
San Antonio
94
🏥 Healthcare 15.5% cheaper
Seattle
110
San Antonio
93
⚡ Utilities 11.0% more
Seattle
91
San Antonio
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA San Antonio, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1249027.4% less
Housing1568247.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,05048.8% less
Median Home Price$780,000$255,00067.3% less
Groceries1089214.8% less
Transportation1189420.3% less
Healthcare1109315.5% less
Utilities9110111.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA San Antonio, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.50%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs San Antonio (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
San Antonio4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
San Antonio2.6%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
San Antonio25 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
San Antonio36
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
San Antonio42
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
San Antonio69°F
Population
Seattle749,256
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 Seattle 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle 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 47.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs San Antonio?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,050/month in San Antonio — a difference of about $1,000 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or San Antonio?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to San Antonio?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs San Antonio?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $255,000 in San Antonio — a difference of $525,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Texas averages 1.60%.