Is San Antonio, TX cheaper than Monterey, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Antonio, TX is 42.0% cheaper than Monterey, CA. This translates to saving $3147 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Monterey, CA, you'd need approximately $112,233.42 in San Antonio, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Antonio, TX is 69.1% cheaper than in Monterey, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX compared to $2,387/month in Monterey, CA.

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

Moving from Monterey, CA to San Antonio, TX could save you approximately $3147 per month, or $37767 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Monterey, CA — COL adjusted from San Jose, CA area + state data

Current salary in Monterey, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to San Antonio, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $112.2K in San Antonio, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 42.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,147

Savings

Annual Impact

$37.8K

Per year

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

Monterey, CA

Population:29K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:58

Median Home:$215K

Monterey, CA

The Golden State

29K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 29K 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: Monterey, CA vs San Antonio, TX

Category	Monterey, CA	San Antonio, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,787/mo	$2,100/mo	↓ $4,687less	69.1%
📦Other	$1,423/mo	$1,647/mo	↑ $224more	15.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,098/mo	$1,287/mo	↑ $189more	17.2%
🏥Healthcare	$624/mo	$527/mo	↓ $97.19less	15.6%
⚡All Utilities	$410/mo	$496/mo	↑ $85.38more	20.8%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$913/mo	↓ $83.98less	8.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 69.1%

Monterey, CA

$6,787

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Difference

$4,687

less

📦Other

↑ 15.7%

Monterey, CA

$1,423

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Difference

$224

🚗Transportation

↑ 17.2%

Monterey, CA

$1,098

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Difference

$189

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.6%

Monterey, CA

$624

San Antonio, TX

$527

Difference

$97.19

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 20.8%

Monterey, CA

$410

San Antonio, TX

$496

Difference

$85.38

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.4%

Monterey, CA

$997

San Antonio, TX

$913

Difference

$83.98

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,591

To$1,110

↓ $481

1 Bed

From$1,923

To$1,210

↓ $713

2 Bed

From$2,387

To$1,470

↓ $917

3 Bed

From$3,448

To$1,890

↓ $1,558

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.

$11,339

Monthly in Monterey, CA

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$4,370

Difference

Home Values

Monterey

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

Monterey, 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

Monterey, 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.