CITY COMPARISON

Houston, TX vs San Antonio, TX cost of living

San Antonio, TX is 4.0% less expensive than Houston, TX on the latest overall regional price parity. A $100,000 lifestyle in Houston, TX is roughly equivalent to $96,000 in San Antonio, TX before personal adjustments.

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Houston, TX and San Antonio, TX side-by-side

MeasureHouston, TXSan Antonio, TX

Overall price parity98.694.7

Housing rent parity104.594.6

Median gross rent$1,469$1,422

HUD 1BR fair-market rent$1,261$1,196

Median household income$81,417$78,112

Latest available BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), U.S. Census ACS rent data (2024) and HUD Fair Market Rents (2027). Values are metro-wide estimates, not quotes.

The full Houston, TX vs San Antonio, TX cost of living comparison

Equivalent salary from Houston, TX to San Antonio, TX

For every $100,000 earned in Houston, TX, the broad price-parity equivalent is about $96,000 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 Houston, TX?

No state income tax
Lowest housing costs of the major Texas metros
Energy, aerospace and international trade jobs
Highly diverse, international population

Who should pick San Antonio, TX?

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

Houston, TX vs San Antonio, TX FAQ

Is San Antonio, TX more expensive than Houston, TX?

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

The official price-parity estimate is approximately $96,000, before taxes and household-specific costs such as actual rent, commute and benefits.

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

Houston, TX: No state income tax, Lowest housing costs of the major Texas metros, Energy, aerospace and international trade jobs, Highly diverse, international population. 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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