Chicago vs San Antonio: cost of living compared
San Antonio is 25% cheaper than Chicago overall. San Antonio (TX) has no state income tax; IL tops out around 4.95%.
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 Chicago to San Antonio generally means a substantial decrease in overall living expenses. The most significant factor driving this difference is housing, which is considerably more affordable in San Antonio. Other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to San Antonio's lower cost profile, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the larger Midwestern metropolis.
Housing
Both buying and renting are noticeably more expensive in Chicago. Median home prices show a clear gap, and a one-bedroom rental commands a much higher monthly rate in Chicago. While Chicago offers a mix of urban high-rises and traditional homes, San Antonio features a prevalence of single-family homes. Property taxes can be a significant ownership cost in both locations, and insurance costs vary by region.
Taxes and everyday costs
A major financial difference is the absence of a state income tax in Texas, which can lead to more take-home pay for San Antonio residents. Daily expenses for transportation, food, and healthcare are all lower in San Antonio. Utilities, however, are roughly similar between the two cities. This means that routine spending on groceries, medical care, and getting around will generally be lighter in San Antonio.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Chicago experiences distinct four seasons, including cold winters, and offers extensive public transit options in a dense urban core. San Antonio has a warmer, more arid climate year-round, with a generally car-dependent layout and a more relaxed pace. Commute times are shorter in San Antonio, reflecting its less congested character. Both cities offer diverse cultural attractions and amenities.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, San Antonio presents a clear financial advantage across most spending categories, especially housing, compared to Chicago. The lack of state income tax in Texas further enhances disposable income. While Chicago offers a dense urban experience and distinct seasonal changes, San Antonio provides a warmer climate and a more spread-out, generally more affordable lifestyle, significantly impacting a household's budget.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 97 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 95 |
| Food index | 105 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 102 |
| Misc index | 108 | 85 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Average commute | 34 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.