Raleigh vs San Antonio: cost of living compared
San Antonio is 12% cheaper than Raleigh overall. San Antonio (TX) has no state income tax; NC tops out around 4.5%.
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
San Antonio offers a noticeably lower overall cost of living compared to Raleigh. This difference is primarily driven by significantly cheaper housing expenses in San Antonio. Other categories like food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services also contribute to San Antonio's more affordable profile, making it a more budget-friendly option across the board.
Housing
Housing costs present a substantial difference between the two metros. Both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment are considerably lower in San Antonio. While Raleigh features a mix of traditional and newer construction, San Antonio's housing stock often includes more historic options alongside modern developments. Property taxes can be higher in Texas, which is an important consideration for homeowners.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary, with San Antonio generally being more affordable. A key financial advantage in San Antonio is the absence of a state income tax, unlike Raleigh. Food and healthcare costs are noticeably lower in San Antonio, while utilities there are slightly higher. Transportation costs are roughly similar, and average commute times are identical, suggesting similar daily travel patterns.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move involves lifestyle shifts. San Antonio offers a warmer, drier climate with a distinct cultural heritage, while Raleigh experiences four distinct seasons with more humidity and a lush, green landscape. Both metros have extensive road networks, but San Antonio's urban core feels more expansive. San Antonio is also prone to higher temperatures and occasional drought conditions.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, San Antonio generally presents a more budget-friendly option, largely due to its significantly lower housing costs and the absence of a state income tax. While some expenses like utilities might be slightly higher, the overall financial picture in San Antonio is noticeably more affordable than in Raleigh, impacting a household's disposable income considerably.
| Measure | Raleigh, NC | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 100 | 88 |
| Housing index | 106 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 97 | 95 |
| Food index | 95 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 102 |
| Misc index | 90 | 85 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,500/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Average commute | 27 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.