Is San Antonio, TX cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, San Antonio, TX is 11.8% cheaper than Phoenix, AZ. This translates to saving $887 per month.

What salary do I need in San Antonio, TX to live like I do in Phoenix, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Phoenix, AZ, you'd need approximately $139,360.465 in San Antonio, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Phoenix, AZ and San Antonio, TX?

Housing in San Antonio, TX is 24.7% cheaper than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

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

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to San Antonio, TX could save you approximately $887 per month, or $10640 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Phoenix, AZ

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San Antonio, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Phoenix, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $887/month moving to San Antonio, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.4K in San Antonio, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$887

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.6K

Per year

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$215K

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

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: Phoenix, AZ vs San Antonio, TX

Category	Phoenix, AZ	San Antonio, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,100/mo	↓ $689less	24.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,287/mo	↓ $202less	13.6%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$496/mo	↓ $65.57less	11.7%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$527/mo	↓ $61.96less	10.5%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$913/mo	↓ $49.96less	5.2%
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,647/mo	↓ $30.13less	1.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.7%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Difference

$689

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.6%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Difference

$202

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.7%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

San Antonio, TX

$496

Difference

$65.57

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.5%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

San Antonio, TX

$527

Difference

$61.96

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.2%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

San Antonio, TX

$913

Difference

$49.96

less

📦Other

↓ 1.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Difference

$30.13

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,390

To$1,110

↓ $280

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,210

↓ $300

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,470

↓ $280

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$1,890

↓ $440

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$1,098

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

San Antonio

$414K

Median Value

$215K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.7%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$107K - $905K

Homes in San Antonio are 48% less expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix Calculate payment - San Antonio

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$436

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.