CITY COMPARISON

Chicago, IL vs San Antonio, TX cost of living

San Antonio, TX is 8.6% less expensive than Chicago, IL on the latest overall regional price parity. A $100,000 lifestyle in Chicago, IL is roughly equivalent to $91,000 in San Antonio, TX before personal adjustments.

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Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX side-by-side

MeasureChicago, ILSan Antonio, TX

Overall price parity103.694.7

Housing rent parity112.094.6

Median gross rent$1,469$1,422

HUD 1BR fair-market rent$1,581$1,196

Median household income$90,770$78,112

Latest available BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), U.S. Census ACS rent data (2024) and HUD Fair Market Rents (2026). Values are metro-wide estimates, not quotes.

The full Chicago, IL vs San Antonio, TX cost of living comparison

Equivalent salary from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX

For every $100,000 earned in Chicago, IL, the broad price-parity equivalent is about $91,000 in San Antonio, TX. A real relocation decision should also include state taxes, actual housing, benefits, commute and one-time moving costs.

Who should pick Chicago, IL?

Mature transit (CTA 'L' + bus)
Lower costs than NYC and coastal hubs
Diverse economy: finance, tech, manufacturing
Lakefront and neighborhood culture

Who should pick San Antonio, TX?

No state income tax
Very affordable housing
Large military and healthcare employment
Rich culture and low living costs

Chicago, IL vs San Antonio, TX FAQ

Is San Antonio, TX more expensive than Chicago, IL?

What salary in San Antonio, TX matches $100,000 in Chicago, IL?

The official price-parity estimate is approximately $91,000, before taxes and household-specific costs such as actual rent, commute and benefits.

Which city has better job opportunities, Chicago, IL or San Antonio, TX?

Chicago, IL: Mature transit (CTA 'L' + bus), Lower costs than NYC and coastal hubs, Diverse economy: finance, tech, manufacturing, Lakefront and neighborhood culture. San Antonio, TX: No state income tax, Very affordable housing, Large military and healthcare employment, Rich culture and low living costs. The better fit depends on your industry, tax situation and lifestyle priorities.

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