CITY COMPARISON

Raleigh, NC vs San Antonio, TX cost of living

San Antonio, TX is 3.5% less expensive than Raleigh, NC on the latest overall regional price parity. A $100,000 lifestyle in Raleigh, NC is roughly equivalent to $96,000 in San Antonio, TX before personal adjustments.

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Raleigh, NC and San Antonio, TX side-by-side

MeasureRaleigh, NCSan Antonio, TX

Overall price parity98.294.7

Housing rent parity103.594.6

Median gross rent$1,674$1,422

HUD 1BR fair-market rent$1,596$1,196

Median household income$102,144$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 Raleigh, NC vs San Antonio, TX cost of living comparison

Equivalent salary from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX

For every $100,000 earned in Raleigh, NC, 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 Raleigh, NC?

Research Triangle tech and pharma jobs
Lower costs than Northeast hubs
Strong universities and talent pipeline
High quality of life and good schools

Who should pick San Antonio, TX?

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

Raleigh, NC vs San Antonio, TX FAQ

Is San Antonio, TX more expensive than Raleigh, NC?

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

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, Raleigh, NC or San Antonio, TX?

Raleigh, NC: Research Triangle tech and pharma jobs, Lower costs than Northeast hubs, Strong universities and talent pipeline, High quality of life and good schools. 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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