Atlanta vs San Antonio: cost of living compared
San Antonio is 19% cheaper than Atlanta overall. San Antonio (TX) has no state income tax; GA tops out around 5.49%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Atlanta to San Antonio generally means a noticeably lower overall cost of living. San Antonio's expenses are significantly below the national average, while Atlanta's are somewhat above. The most substantial difference driving this gap is housing, which is considerably more affordable in San Antonio, both for buying and renting. Other categories like transportation and food also contribute to San Antonio's lower overall expenses.
Housing
Housing costs present a major contrast between these two metros. San Antonio offers significantly more affordable home prices and noticeably lower median rents for apartments compared to Atlanta. While specific property taxes and insurance can vary, Texas does not have a state income tax, which can impact a homeowner's overall budget. Both metros feature a mix of housing styles, from historic to newer developments.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary considerably. San Antonio residents benefit from no state income tax, unlike Atlanta. Transportation costs are noticeably higher in Atlanta, reflecting a longer average commute time. Food and healthcare expenses are also generally lower in San Antonio. Utilities, however, are roughly similar, with San Antonio being slightly above the national average in this category, while Atlanta is slightly below.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Atlanta, a major southeastern hub, experiences all four seasons, including hot, humid summers. Its larger, denser urban core often means a faster pace and more traffic congestion. San Antonio, in contrast, has a warmer, more arid climate with milder winters and very hot summers. Its layout tends to be more spread out, and the average commute is shorter, suggesting a somewhat less intense daily pace.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, San Antonio offers a clear financial advantage across most budget categories, primarily driven by much lower housing costs and the absence of a state income tax. While both cities offer distinct regional cultures and amenities, a move from Atlanta to San Antonio would likely result in a noticeable reduction in overall monthly and annual expenditures, freeing up income for other priorities.
| Measure | Atlanta, GA | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 88 |
| Housing index | 105 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 116 | 95 |
| Food index | 98 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 102 |
| Misc index | 98 | 85 |
| Median home price | $378,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific San Antonio home with the True Cost Calculator.