Houston vs San Antonio: cost of living compared
San Antonio is 10% cheaper than Houston 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 Houston and San Antonio reveals a noticeable difference in overall cost of living, with San Antonio generally being more affordable. This difference is largely driven by housing expenses, which are considerably lower in San Antonio. While other categories show variations, the housing market creates the most significant gap in household budgets between these two Texas metros.
Housing
Housing costs present a substantial contrast. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are noticeably lower in San Antonio compared to Houston. Houston's housing market, while still below the national average, is more expensive. Both metros are in Texas, meaning property taxes are a significant ownership cost, but the lower home values in San Antonio translate to lower tax bills.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show variations. Neither metro has a state income tax, which is a consistent benefit. Transportation costs are lower in San Antonio, and average commute times are shorter. Food, healthcare, and utilities are also generally more affordable in San Antonio, contributing to a more budget-friendly daily spending environment compared to Houston.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, these metros offer distinct living experiences. Houston is a sprawling, dense city with a humid subtropical climate and a large, complex transportation network, often requiring extensive driving. San Antonio is somewhat less dense, with a slightly drier subtropical climate and a more manageable scale, often perceived as having a more relaxed pace and shorter travel times within the city.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, San Antonio generally offers a more budget-friendly option across most spending categories, particularly housing. While both cities benefit from no state income tax, the cumulative effect of lower housing, transportation, and everyday costs in San Antonio can lead to substantial savings for households compared to living in Houston.
| Measure | Houston, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 98 | 88 |
| Housing index | 84 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 95 |
| Food index | 95 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 102 |
| Misc index | 92 | 85 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,250/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Average commute | 31 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.