Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than San Antonio, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 13.4% more expensive than San Antonio, TX. This translates to spending an extra $1005 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Antonio, TX, you'd need approximately $162,065.934 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 32.8% more expensive than in San Antonio, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $1005 more per month than San Antonio, TX, or $12066 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Antonio, TX

Tap to swap

Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Antonio, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.0K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.1K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 13.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,005

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.1K

Per year

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

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$215K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$414K

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!

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Antonio, TX vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	San Antonio, TX	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,100/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $689more	32.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,287/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $202more	15.7%
⚡All Utilities	$496/mo	$561/mo	↑ $65.57more	13.2%
🏥Healthcare	$527/mo	$589/mo	↑ $61.96more	11.8%
🛒Groceries	$913/mo	$963/mo	↑ $49.96more	5.5%
📦Other	$1,647/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $30.13more	1.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 32.8%

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$689

🚗Transportation

↑ 15.7%

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$202

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.2%

San Antonio, TX

$496

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$65.57

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.8%

San Antonio, TX

$527

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$61.96

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.5%

San Antonio, TX

$913

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$49.96

📦Other

↑ 1.8%

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$30.13

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,390

↑ $280

1 Bed

From$1,210

To$1,510

↑ $300

2 Bed

From$1,470

To$1,750

↑ $280

3 Bed

From$1,890

To$2,330

↑ $440

San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,098

Difference

Home Values

San Antonio

Phoenix

$215K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +16.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$107K - $905K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 92% more expensive than San Antonio

Calculate payment - San Antonio Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

San Antonio, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.