Is San Antonio, TX cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Antonio, TX is 36.8% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $2760 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $116,875 in San Antonio, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Antonio, TX is 59.8% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to San Antonio, TX could save you approximately $2760 per month, or $33125 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Diego, CA

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San Antonio, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to San Antonio, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.9K in San Antonio, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,760

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.1K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$215K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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: San Diego, CA vs San Antonio, TX

Category	San Diego, CA	San Antonio, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,100/mo	↓ $3,124less	59.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,287/mo	↓ $284less	18.1%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,647/mo	↓ $244less	12.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$913/mo	↓ $166less	15.4%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$496/mo	↓ $138less	21.8%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$527/mo	↓ $112less	17.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 59.8%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Difference

$3,124

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.1%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Difference

$284

less

📦Other

↓ 12.9%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Difference

$244

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.4%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

San Antonio, TX

$913

Difference

$166

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.8%

San Diego, CA

$634

San Antonio, TX

$496

Difference

$138

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 17.5%

San Diego, CA

$638

San Antonio, TX

$527

Difference

$112

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,110

↓ $1,455

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,210

↓ $1,545

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,470

↓ $1,890

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$1,890

↓ $2,585

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$4,068

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

San Antonio

$980K

Median Value

$215K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.7%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$107K - $905K

Homes in San Antonio are 78% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego 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

San Diego, 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

San Diego, 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.