Moving from Houston to San Antonio (2026)
San Antonio has a COL index of 87 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in San Antonio to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in San Antonio |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,632 |
| $50K | $45,789 |
| $60K | $54,947 |
| $75K | $68,684 |
| $80K | $73,263 |
| $100K | $91,579 |
| $120K | $109,895 |
| $150K | $137,368 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs San Antonio
| Expense | Houston | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $357 | $353 |
| Transport | $90 | $48 |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $3,005 |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Antonio cheaper than Houston?
Yes. San Antonio has a cost of living index of 87 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Houston to San Antonio?
On a $75K salary, moving from Houston to San Antonio could save roughly $301/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,612/year.
What salary do I need in San Antonio to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $68,684/year in San Antonio. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only