Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
San Antonio is 16% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $63,084 in San Antonio.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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