Denver vs San Antonio: cost of living compared
San Antonio is 31% cheaper than Denver overall. San Antonio (TX) has no state income tax; CO tops out around 4.4%.
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 between Denver and San Antonio presents a significant shift in overall cost of living. San Antonio is noticeably more affordable across the board compared to Denver, which is considerably more expensive than the national average. This difference is largely driven by housing costs, which show a substantial gap between the two metros, making San Antonio a much more budget-friendly option for many households.
Housing
Housing is where the cost difference is most pronounced. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are dramatically lower in San Antonio than in Denver. Denver's housing market is significantly pricier, reflecting its mountainous setting and robust growth. While specific ownership costs vary, the initial investment for buying or the monthly outlay for renting is considerably less in San Antonio, which tends to feature a mix of traditional and newer construction.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary considerably. San Antonio offers lower costs for groceries, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services compared to Denver. Transportation costs are roughly similar, with commutes taking about the same time. A key difference is state income tax; Colorado has one, while Texas does not, which can impact take-home pay and overall spending power for residents in San Antonio.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer distinct lifestyles. Denver, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, provides a cooler, drier climate with easy access to outdoor recreation, often requiring a car for daily errands. San Antonio, in South Central Texas, has a warmer, more humid climate and a more relaxed pace, with a car generally essential for navigating its sprawling layout. Both cities have distinct cultural identities and amenities.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: San Antonio offers a much lower cost of living across nearly all categories compared to Denver. The most significant savings would be realized in housing, but daily expenses and the absence of a state income tax also contribute to a more affordable budget in San Antonio. This allows for potentially greater financial flexibility or a different standard of living for the same income.
| Measure | Denver, CO | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 88 |
| Housing index | 146 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 95 |
| Food index | 105 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 102 |
| Misc index | 108 | 85 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,950/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Average commute | 28 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.