Average Cost of Living in San Antonio vs Other Texas Cities
If you're thinking about relocating in Texas, understanding cost of living differences is crucial—especially when it comes to long-term homeownership.
At LRG Realty, we’ve worked with hundreds of families moving between San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston, and one thing is clear: not all cities stretch your budget the same.
This guide breaks down the real costs of housing, groceries, utilities, and more in San Antonio versus other major Texas metros. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or transferring with the military, this comparison can help you make smarter, more informed decisions about where to put down roots.
Cost of Living in San Antonio
San Antonio’s 2025 cost of living sits about nine percent below the U.S. average and four percent below the Texas average, thanks mostly to housing that’s twenty-one percent cheaper than national norms. In comparison: Austin (-3 % vs U.S.), Dallas (+2 %), Houston (-6 %), Fort Worth (-4 %), and El Paso (-12 %). Bottom line: your paycheck stretches farther in the Alamo City than in most large Texas metros.
You’ll feel the savings the moment you price apartments, groceries, and Saturday-morning breakfast tacos. Yet “cost of living” is more than rent—it’s utilities, fuel, taxes, and even the salary you need to feel comfortable. The deep-dive below blends hard numbers with real-life context so you can decide whether San Antonio—or perhaps Austin’s tech hub or Houston’s energy corridor—fits your lifestyle and budget.
Cost of Living Breakdown: San Antonio vs Texas Cities
Here’s a side-by-side look at how San Antonio compares to Austin, Dallas, and Houston for everyday living expenses like housing, utilities, and groceries. This quick table helps you see where your money may go further.
| City | Cost of Living Index | Housing | Utilities | Groceries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | 9% below U.S. avg | 21% lower | 18% lower | 6% lower |
| Austin | 3% below U.S. avg | Mixed | About average | Slightly lower |
| Dallas | 2% above U.S. avg | Slightly higher | About average | About average |
| Houston | About average | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
Percentages come from RentCafe’s 2025 cost-of-living calculator. Negative numbers mean cheaper than the benchmark; positive numbers mean pricier.
Why San Antonio Stays Affordable
Housing-supply boom – post-pandemic builders added roughly 14,500 new apartments, keeping rent growth tame.
Moderate wages + lower land costs – unlike Austin’s tech salaries that push prices up, San Antonio’s diversified economy reins speculation in.
Regional Price Parity edge – Bureau of Economic Analysis data shows Bexar County’s price level is lower than both the U.S. and Texas composites.
Average Rent in Texas Cities (May 2025 Benchmarks)
Curious about rental prices across Texas? This table compares average monthly rent and typical unit sizes in major cities like San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and more—based on the latest May 2025 data. It’s a helpful reference for renters relocating or budgeting their next move.
| City | Average Monthly Rent | Average Unit Size |
|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | $1,288 | 869 sq ft |
| Austin | $1,669 | 862 sq ft |
| Dallas | $1,585 | 857 sq ft |
| Houston | $1,364 | 882 sq ft |
| Fort Worth | $1,424 | 877 sq ft |
| El Paso | $1,093 | — |
Why San Antonio Is More Affordable
Lower Housing Costs
Housing is the main reason San Antonio remains one of the most affordable major metros in Texas.
Median home prices range from $280,000 to $357,000, significantly lower than Austin or Dallas.
Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is typically $1,227–$1,288/month.
According to RentCafe and NerdWallet, San Antonio rents are among the lowest in major Texas metros.
Cheaper Utilities and Groceries
Residents in San Antonio benefit from lower utility bills and grocery prices.
Average monthly utility bills range between $142 and $169.
Groceries are about 6% cheaper than the national average. Expect to pay around $4.43 for a gallon of milk, $3.36 for a dozen eggs, and $0.70 for a pound of bananas.
Transportation & Gas
San Antonio’s gas prices hover around $3.06–$3.18 per gallon, slightly below the national average.
Public transportation and overall transit costs are also more manageable.
Slightly Higher Healthcare Costs
One trade-off: healthcare in San Antonio is about 11–18% higher than the national average.
This can impact retirees or Veterans with frequent medical needs, so it’s something to weigh in decision-making.
How San Antonio Compares to Other Texas Cities
Austin
Austin is more expensive overall, especially in housing.
Median home price: ~$517,000
Rent for a one-bedroom in the city core averages ~$2,200/month.
Cost of living is about 3% below national average, but housing drives costs up.
Dallas
Dallas is about 2% more expensive than the U.S. average.
Median home price: ~$307,000
Median rent outside downtown: ~$1,465/month
Utilities and food costs are roughly on par with national averages.
Houston
Cost of living in Houston is roughly equal to the national average.
Median home price: ~$265,000
Median rent: ~$1,239/month
Slightly higher utility costs, but food and housing help balance that out.
Cost of Living Needs: How Much You Need to Earn
Single Adult Living Comfortably
According to SmartAsset and MIT’s Living Wage Calculator:
A single adult in San Antonio needs about $86,694/year to live comfortably.
This includes housing, food, transportation, and savings goals using the 50/30/20 budgeting rule.
Family of Four (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
A family of four needs around $199,181/year to cover all expenses in San Antonio.
This figure is still below the $204,922 needed in Texas on average for a similar lifestyle.
Income & Housing Affordability in Major Texas Cities (2025)
How much do you need to earn to afford living in top Texas cities? This table breaks down the estimated annual income needed for both individuals and families of four, along with the median home price and 1-bedroom rent in each city. These figures reflect 2025 benchmarks to help you budget smarter.
| City | Single Adult Income Needed | Family of 4 Income Needed | Median Home Price | Median Rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | $86,694 | $199,181 | $280K–$357K | $1,227–$1,288 |
| Austin | ~$90,000+ (est.) | ~$215,000+ (est.) | ~$517,000 | ~$2,200 |
| Dallas | ~$89,000+ (est.) | ~$210,000+ (est.) | ~$307,000 | ~$1,465 |
| Houston | ~$85,000+ (est.) | ~$195,000+ (est.) | ~$265,000 | ~$1,239 |
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: Texas cities are all equally affordable.
Reality: Costs vary widely. San Antonio is significantly cheaper than Austin or Dallas.
Misconception 2: No state income tax = low cost of living.
Reality: Texas has high property and sales taxes that offset income tax savings.
Misconception 3: Housing is the only big cost.
Reality: In cities like San Antonio, utilities and healthcare can have a big impact too.
What Drives the Differences?
Local Economy and Job Markets
San Antonio has a growing data center industry and strong military presence. These factors create job opportunities but keep wages and housing demand more balanced than Austin.
CPS Energy expects a 33% rise in electricity demand over the next decade.
Growth is steady but not as explosive (or expensive) as Austin.
Housing Supply
New rental projects are being developed to ease supply shortages:
Apollo Oaks in Helotes recently added 30 duplex-style rentals at ~$1,999/month.
San Antonio is one of the few major U.S. cities where luxury homes still exist under $1M.
Taxes
Texas has no state income tax—but property taxes in San Antonio are among the highest in the country.
Combined local/state sales tax can reach 8.25%, which affects total spending power.
The Bottom Line
San Antonio offers one of the best cost-of-living tradeoffs in Texas, especially when you factor in housing affordability, utility savings, and overall quality of life.
At LRG Realty, we help Veterans, military families, and local homeowners navigate these market differences every day.
Whether you’re considering a move or just comparing options, it pays to understand how far your income goes in each city. Want help finding a home that fits your budget and lifestyle? We’d love to connect and show you the best neighborhoods where your dollar stretches further—without compromising on what matters most.
FAQs about the Cost of Living in San Antonio
1. Is San Antonio cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Housing is about 21% cheaper, and utilities cost ~18% less.
2. How much is average rent in San Antonio?
About $1,227–$1,288/month for a one-bedroom.
3. How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in San Antonio?
Roughly $86,694/year for a single adult, and ~$199,181 for a family of four.
4. Are healthcare costs higher in San Antonio?
Yes. They’re about 11–18% higher than the national average.
5. Are utilities cheaper in San Antonio?
Yes. They’re around 17–18% below the national average.
6. Is Texas overall affordable?
Yes. The state averages 5% below the U.S. cost of living, with major savings in housing and food.
7. Is Houston more affordable than San Antonio?
They’re close, but San Antonio has an edge in housing and groceries.
8. Why are groceries cheaper in Texas?
Many items are locally sourced, reducing transport and production costs.
9. Does Texas have income tax?
No. But you’ll pay more in sales and property taxes.
10. Are housing prices going up in San Antonio?
Yes. They've increased ~68% over the last decade, but prices are still well below cities like Austin.
