Is San Antonio, TX cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, San Antonio, TX is 10.1% cheaper than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to saving $756 per month.

What salary do I need in San Antonio, TX to live like I do in Philadelphia, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $140,928.854 in San Antonio, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and San Antonio, TX?

Housing in San Antonio, TX is 9.2% cheaper than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to San Antonio, TX could save you approximately $756 per month, or $9071 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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San Antonio, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $756/month moving to San Antonio, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.9K in San Antonio, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$756

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.1K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$215K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs San Antonio, TX

Category	Philadelphia, PA	San Antonio, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,100/mo	↓ $213less	9.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$913/mo	↓ $191less	17.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,287/mo	↓ $134less	9.4%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,647/mo	↓ $127less	7.2%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$496/mo	↓ $111less	18.3%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$527/mo	↓ $80.54less	13.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 9.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Difference

$213

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

San Antonio, TX

$913

Difference

$191

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Difference

$134

less

📦Other

↓ 7.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Difference

$127

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 18.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

San Antonio, TX

$496

Difference

$111

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

San Antonio, TX

$527

Difference

$80.54

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

San Antonio, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,280

To$1,110

↓ $170

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,210

↓ $180

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,470

↓ $190

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$1,890

↓ $100

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$857

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

San Antonio

$241K

Median Value

$215K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.7%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$107K - $905K

Homes in San Antonio are 11% less expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - San Antonio

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$384

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.