San Antonio vs Seattle: cost of living compared
Seattle is 76% more expensive than San Antonio overall. Neither TX nor WA 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
Moving between San Antonio and Seattle presents a substantial change in overall cost of living. San Antonio offers a noticeably more affordable environment, with its overall expenses being considerably lower than the national average. In stark contrast, Seattle's cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, making it one of the more expensive major metros. This considerable difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which show a much bigger gap between the two cities than other categories.
Housing
Housing costs represent the most significant divergence. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are substantially more expensive in Seattle. San Antonio's median home prices are considerably lower, and monthly rents for a typical one-bedroom unit are also much more affordable. While property taxes and insurance can vary, the initial investment for homeownership in San Antonio is a fraction of what it is in Seattle, where housing expenses are nearly double the national average.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also differ considerably. San Antonio offers lower costs for transportation, food, and healthcare compared to Seattle. Utilities are roughly similar in both metros, hovering near the national average. Neither state has a general income tax, which is a shared advantage. However, the cumulative effect of lower prices for most goods and services means that daily spending in San Antonio will generally be much less impactful on a budget than in Seattle.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer distinct experiences. San Antonio has a warm, humid climate with a rich historical character, while Seattle is known for its mild, rainy weather and proximity to natural landscapes. Getting around in San Antonio often relies on personal vehicles, though some public transit exists. Seattle has a more developed public transportation network, but commutes can still be longer. San Antonio generally presents a more relaxed pace and lower density compared to Seattle's more urbanized and bustling environment.
Bottom line
A move from San Antonio to Seattle would entail a substantial increase in household expenses across almost all categories, most notably housing. Conversely, relocating from Seattle to San Antonio would free up a considerable portion of a household budget. While both cities offer unique amenities and opportunities, the financial implications are profoundly different, with San Antonio consistently presenting a much more budget-friendly option for residents compared to the significantly higher costs found in Seattle.
| Measure | San Antonio, TX | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 155 |
| Housing index | 71 | 192 |
| Transportation index | 95 | 123 |
| Food index | 88 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 105 |
| Misc index | 85 | 118 |
| Median home price | $248,000 | $748,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,100/mo | $2,350/mo |
| Average commute | 27 min | 33 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Seattle home with the True Cost Calculator.