A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
8%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index San Antonio Texas National
Cost of living9592100
Goods & Services9996100
Groceries9596100
Health care10594100
Housing9283100
Transportation9392100
Utilities85104100

An Overview of Cost of Living in San Antonio, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in San Antonio? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in San Antonio stands at 95, making it 5% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

In San Antonio, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in San Antonio will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in San Antonio?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 39 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in San Antonio. The results indicated that 46% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 54% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is San Antonio Affordable?

Is San Antonio affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in San Antonio, the median home price is 15.2% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with San Antonio boasting a median household income of $53,420, 3.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in San Antonio?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in San Antonio comes in at 14.8% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In San Antonio, the healthcare costs are 5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in San Antonio displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in San Antonio is 2% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in San Antonio is 5% lower than the national average
  • San Antonio housing is 8% lower than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around San Antonio

See all the best places to live around San Antonio

Compare San Antonio, TX Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$70,342$5,862$1,641$2,110
      Renters$38,554$3,213$900$1,157
      The affordability of the housing market in San Antonio, TX as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among San Antonio homeowners, the median income is $70,342. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,641 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $38,554. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $900 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Goods & Services

      Item San Antonio National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.78$24.2614.4%
      Beauty Salon $43.67$45.564.2%
      Toothpaste $3.60$3.702.7%
      Shampoo $1.06$1.2817.2%
      Movie $9.50$12.1321.7%
      Bowling $13.70$18.0023.9%

      Groceries

      Item San Antonio National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $4.93$5.8415.6%
      Fried Chicken $1.57$1.570.1%
      Milk $4.57$4.672.2%
      Potatoes $4.55$4.937.7%
      Pizza $11.32$12.096.3%
      Beer $10.50$10.410.8%

      Health Care

      Item San Antonio National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $132.00$125.685.0%
      Doctor $171.14$135.7826.0%
      Dentist $108.33$113.294.4%
      Ibuprofen $10.16$10.654.7%
      Lipitor $481.60$468.602.8%

      Housing

      Item San Antonio National avg. Difference
      Home Price $156,700.00$184,700.0015.2%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,951.07$2,346.6916.9%
      Apartment Rent $1,025.00$949.008.0%

      Transportation

      Item San Antonio National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.03$3.4612.4%
      Tire Balancing $57.20$59.924.5%

      Utilities

      Item San Antonio National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $217.71$193.9912.2%
      Phone $201.97$192.255.1%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Von Ormy, TX1,0228317.1%
      Macdona, TX2588515.2%
      Elmendorf, TX1,5838811.7%
      Kirby, TX8,7098911.3%
      Somerset, TX1,8219010.2%
      San Antonio, TX1,529,133955.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Philadelphia, PA1,581,5311022.4%
      San Diego, CA1,414,54516868.2%
      Phoenix, AZ1,658,4221066.4%
      Calgary, AB1,371,990n/a 
      Dallas, TX1,338,8461077.3%
      San Antonio, TX1,529,133955.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.