Median rent is 29% lower in San Antonio ($1,258/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Antonio, where the median home runs $219,700 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $62,917 a year). Taken together, San Antonio is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 113.0 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
San Antonio is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.0 in San Antonio vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
San Antonio, TX
How much would you need to earn in San Antonio, TX to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in San Antonio, TX
$63,064
You could earn $11,936 less (16% 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
New York
New York
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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $219,700 in San Antonio — 71% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving San Antonio a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 6.25% in Texas; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
San Antonio
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
San Antonio has cleaner air on average: 32.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) 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 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/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 New York cheaper than San Antonio?
San Antonio is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in San Antonio.
How much is rent in New York vs San Antonio?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,258/mo in San Antonio, TX. San Antonio, TX has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or San Antonio?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY and $62,917 in San Antonio, TX. New York, NY 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 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — New York or San Antonio?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in San Antonio to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $84,086 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