Salt Lake City vs San Antonio: cost of living compared
San Antonio is 19% cheaper than Salt Lake City overall. San Antonio (TX) has no state income tax; UT tops out around 4.65%.
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 considerably lower cost of living compared to Salt Lake City. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are substantially higher in the Utah metro. While some categories show closer figures, the significant gap in home prices and rents makes San Antonio a much more budget-friendly option for many households considering a move.
Housing
Housing is the biggest differentiator, with both median home prices and typical rents being considerably more expensive in Salt Lake City. San Antonio's housing market is noticeably more affordable. While property taxes can be a factor in Texas, the initial purchase price and monthly rental costs in Salt Lake City represent a much larger financial commitment for residents.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary, with San Antonio generally offering lower costs for food and healthcare. Transportation costs are roughly similar, though Salt Lake City's utilities are slightly more economical. A key difference is Texas's lack of a state income tax, which can lead to more take-home pay compared to Utah's state income tax, impacting overall daily spending power.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Salt Lake City experiences distinct four seasons, including snowy winters, and is known for its proximity to mountains and outdoor recreation. San Antonio has a warmer, humid climate with hot summers and mild winters, and a rich historical and cultural character. Commute times are comparable in both metros, but their urban layouts and regional transit options offer different experiences.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing a lower overall cost of living, San Antonio presents a compelling advantage, largely due to its significantly more affordable housing market and the absence of a state income tax. Salt Lake City, while offering a different climate and lifestyle, demands a substantially larger portion of one's budget, particularly for shelter, making the financial impact of a move quite distinct between these two cities.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 88 |
| Housing index | 127 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 89 | 95 |
| Food index | 98 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 102 |
| Misc index | 95 | 85 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Average commute | 24 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.