Is San Antonio, TX cheaper than Irvine, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Antonio, TX is 22.2% cheaper than Irvine, CA. This translates to saving $1667 per month.

What salary do I need in San Antonio, TX to live like I do in Irvine, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Irvine, CA, you'd need approximately $130,000 in San Antonio, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Irvine, CA and San Antonio, TX?

Housing in San Antonio, TX is 40.1% cheaper than in Irvine, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX compared to $2,000/month in Irvine, CA.

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

Moving from Irvine, CA to San Antonio, TX could save you approximately $1667 per month, or $20000 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Irvine, CA vs San Antonio, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Irvine, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to San Antonio, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.0K in San Antonio, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 22.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,667

Savings

Annual Impact

$20.0K

Per year

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

Irvine, CA

Population:308K

Cost Index:100

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:78

Median Home:$215K

Irvine, CA

The Golden State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 308K residents.

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: Irvine, CA vs San Antonio, TX

Category	Irvine, CA	San Antonio, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,508/mo	$2,100/mo	↓ $1,409less	40.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,287/mo	↓ $872less	40.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$913/mo	↓ $126less	12.1%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,647/mo	↓ $77.00less	4.5%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$496/mo	↓ $61.75less	11.1%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$527/mo	↓ $24.78less	4.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 40.1%

Irvine, CA

$3,508

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Difference

$1,409

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 40.4%

Irvine, CA

$2,158

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Difference

$872

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.1%

Irvine, CA

$1,039

San Antonio, TX

$913

Difference

$126

less

📦Other

↓ 4.5%

Irvine, CA

$1,724

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Difference

$77.00

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.1%

Irvine, CA

$557

San Antonio, TX

$496

Difference

$61.75

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.5%

Irvine, CA

$551

San Antonio, TX

$527

Difference

$24.78

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,350

To$1,110

↓ $240

1 Bed

From$1,550

To$1,210

↓ $340

2 Bed

From$2,000

To$1,470

↓ $530

3 Bed

From$2,800

To$1,890

↓ $910

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.

$9,539

Monthly in Irvine, CA

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$2,569

Difference

Home Values

Irvine

San Antonio

Median Value

$215K

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.7%

Price Range

$107K - $905K

Calculate payment - San Antonio

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Irvine, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Irvine, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.