Median rent is 24% lower in San Antonio ($1,258/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Antonio, where the median home runs $219,700 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $62,917 a year). Taken together, San Antonio is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 98.8 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
San Antonio is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.0 in San Antonio vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
San Antonio, TX
How much would you need to earn in San Antonio, TX to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in San Antonio, TX
$72,113
You could earn $2,887 less (4% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
San Antonio
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in San Antonio — median rent of $1,258/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $219,700 in San Antonio — 57% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; San Antonio has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
San Antonio
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
San Antonio has cleaner air on average: 32.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.0 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,258/mo median).
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 32.0).
Is Austin cheaper than San Antonio?
San Antonio is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in San Antonio.
How much is rent in Austin vs San Antonio?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,258/mo in San Antonio, TX. San Antonio, TX has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or San Antonio?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $62,917 in San Antonio, TX. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
San Antonio, TX has better air quality on average: 32.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or San Antonio?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in San Antonio to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $96,150 in San Antonio, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology