Is San Antonio, TX cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, San Antonio, TX is 6.2% cheaper than Raleigh, NC. This translates to saving $464 per month.

What salary do I need in San Antonio, TX to live like I do in Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $144,432.99 in San Antonio, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and San Antonio, TX?

Housing in San Antonio, TX is 14.9% cheaper than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

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

Moving from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX could save you approximately $464 per month, or $5567 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs San Antonio, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $464/month moving to San Antonio, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.4K in San Antonio, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$464

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.6K

Per year

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$215K

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

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: Raleigh, NC vs San Antonio, TX

Category	Raleigh, NC	San Antonio, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,100/mo	↓ $369less	14.9%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$527/mo	↓ $74.35less	12.4%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,647/mo	↓ $60.26less	3.5%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$496/mo	↓ $50.82less	9.3%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$913/mo	↓ $45.97less	4.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,287/mo	↑ $2.73more	0.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 14.9%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Difference

$369

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.4%

Raleigh, NC

$601

San Antonio, TX

$527

Difference

$74.35

less

📦Other

↓ 3.5%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Difference

$60.26

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.3%

Raleigh, NC

$546

San Antonio, TX

$496

Difference

$50.82

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.8%

Raleigh, NC

$959

San Antonio, TX

$913

Difference

$45.97

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 0.2%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Difference

$2.73

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$1,110

↓ $460

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,210

↓ $430

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,470

↓ $330

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$1,890

↓ $365

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$598

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

San Antonio

$512K

Median Value

$215K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.7%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$107K - $905K

Homes in San Antonio are 58% less expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - San Antonio

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.