Boise vs San Antonio: cost of living compared
San Antonio is 14% cheaper than Boise overall.
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
Overall, San Antonio offers a noticeably lower cost of living compared to Boise. The most significant difference stems from housing expenses, which are substantially more affordable in San Antonio for both buying and renting. While some everyday costs like utilities are higher in San Antonio, and transportation is a bit more expensive, these are generally offset by the much lower housing burden and other daily expenses, making San Antonio the more budget-friendly option.
Housing
Housing costs present a much bigger gap between these two metros. San Antonio's median home prices are considerably lower than Boise's, and typical one-bedroom rents follow a similar pattern. While both metros offer a mix of housing types, San Antonio's market is generally more accessible. Property taxes in Texas can be higher than in many other states, which is a factor to consider for homeowners, but the initial purchase price difference is substantial.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses also show differences. San Antonio benefits from having no state income tax, which can significantly impact take-home pay compared to Boise. Food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services are generally more affordable in San Antonio. However, utilities are somewhat higher in San Antonio, and transportation costs are a bit more expensive there, though both metros have commute times that are roughly similar.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences are notable. Boise offers a mountain desert climate with distinct seasons and proximity to outdoor recreation, while San Antonio has a hot, humid subtropical climate. San Antonio is a larger, more sprawling city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, often requiring a car for getting around. Boise has a somewhat more compact feel. San Antonio is also more susceptible to extreme weather events like hurricanes, though inland.
Bottom line
Moving from Boise to San Antonio would likely result in a significant reduction in overall household expenses, primarily driven by the much lower housing costs and the absence of a state income tax. While some daily costs might be slightly higher in San Antonio, the substantial savings on housing and income tax would generally lead to a more favorable financial situation for many households, balancing against the different climate and urban character.
| Measure | Boise, ID | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 88 |
| Housing index | 110 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 95 |
| Food index | 95 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 102 |
| Misc index | 90 | 85 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Average commute | 22 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.