Is San Antonio, TX cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, San Antonio, TX is 15.8% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $1186 per month.

What salary do I need in San Antonio, TX to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $135,763.182 in San Antonio, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX?

Housing in San Antonio, TX is 31.5% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX?

Moving from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX could save you approximately $1186 per month, or $14237 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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San Antonio, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to San Antonio, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.8K in San Antonio, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 15.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,186

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:84

Median Home:$215K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

San Antonio, TX

The Lone Star State

1.5M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 1.5M residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs San Antonio, TX

Category	Chicago, IL	San Antonio, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,100/mo	↓ $967less	31.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,287/mo	↓ $393less	23.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$913/mo	↓ $116less	11.3%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,647/mo	↓ $110less	6.3%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$527/mo	↓ $68.15less	11.5%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$496/mo	↓ $23.50less	4.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 31.5%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Difference

$967

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.4%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Difference

$393

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.3%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

San Antonio, TX

$913

Difference

$116

less

📦Other

↓ 6.3%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Difference

$110

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.5%

Chicago, IL

$595

San Antonio, TX

$527

Difference

$68.15

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.5%

Chicago, IL

$519

San Antonio, TX

$496

Difference

$23.50

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,110

↓ $490

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,210

↓ $500

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,470

↓ $455

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$1,890

↓ $590

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$1,678

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

San Antonio

$305K

Median Value

$215K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.7%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$107K - $905K

Homes in San Antonio are 30% less expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - San Antonio

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

San Antonio, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

San Antonio, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.