Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
San Antonio is 12% more affordable than Nashville. A $75,000 salary in Nashville is equivalent to $66,176 in San Antonio.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Nashville scores 96 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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