Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
San Antonio is 15% more affordable than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia is equivalent to $63,679 in San Antonio.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Philadelphia scores 104 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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