Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
San Antonio is 13% more affordable than Dallas. A $75,000 salary in Dallas is equivalent to $65,534 in San Antonio.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Dallas scores 97 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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