Median rent is 9% lower in San Antonio ($1,258/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Antonio, where the median home runs $219,700 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $62,917 a year). Taken together, San Antonio is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 105.7 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
San Antonio is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.0 in San Antonio vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
San Antonio, TX
How much would you need to earn in San Antonio, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in San Antonio, TX
$67,408
You could earn $7,592 less (10% 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
Chicago
Illinois
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
Median rent is modestly lower in San Antonio at $1,258/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (9% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $219,700 in San Antonio — 30% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving San Antonio a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; San Antonio has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
San Antonio
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 32.0 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 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than San Antonio?
San Antonio is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in San Antonio.
How much is rent in Chicago vs San Antonio?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,258/mo in San Antonio, TX. San Antonio, TX has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or San Antonio?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $62,917 in San Antonio, TX. Chicago, IL 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 32.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or San Antonio?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in San Antonio to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $89,878 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