Austin vs San Antonio: cost of living compared
San Antonio is 25% cheaper than Austin overall. Neither TX nor TX has a state income tax.
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
Comparing Austin and San Antonio reveals a significant difference in overall cost of living. Austin is notably more expensive across the board, with its higher housing costs being the primary driver of this disparity. San Antonio, in contrast, offers a more budget-friendly environment, with most categories, including housing, transportation, and everyday goods, coming in at a much lower price point. This makes San Antonio a considerably more affordable option for those looking to stretch their budget.
Housing
Housing costs present the most substantial difference between these two Texas metros. Buying a home or renting a one-bedroom apartment in Austin is considerably more expensive than in San Antonio. San Antonio's housing market is much more accessible, offering significantly lower median home prices and rental rates. Both cities are in Texas, meaning property taxes are a factor, but the lower home values in San Antonio translate to lower property tax burdens, making homeownership more attainable there.
Taxes and everyday costs
When it comes to daily expenses, San Antonio generally offers a more economical experience. Both cities benefit from no state income tax. However, transportation, food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services are all noticeably cheaper in San Antonio. Utilities are roughly similar in cost between the two metros, but the cumulative effect of lower prices in other categories means that day-to-day spending will be considerably less impactful on a household budget in San Antonio.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, movers will find distinct lifestyle differences. Austin is known for its faster pace and a more dense, urban core, often associated with its tech industry and live music scene. San Antonio offers a more relaxed pace, with a rich historical character and a strong cultural identity, particularly along its famous River Walk. Both cities experience hot summers, but Austin tends to have a slightly more humid subtropical climate. Commute times are generally shorter in San Antonio, suggesting less time spent in traffic.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between Austin and San Antonio, the financial implications are clear. Austin demands a substantially higher budget, primarily due to its elevated housing market. San Antonio offers a much more affordable lifestyle across nearly all spending categories, allowing for greater financial flexibility. A move from Austin to San Antonio would likely result in significant savings on monthly expenses, while a move in the opposite direction would require a substantial increase in income to maintain a similar standard of living.
| Measure | Austin, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 132 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 95 |
| Food index | 102 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 102 |
| Misc index | 102 | 85 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Average commute | 30 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.