San Antonio vs Arlington

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Texas salaries

Living in San Antonio vs Arlington

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. San Antonio has a housing index of 78 while Arlington sits at 86 (national average = 100). The median home in San Antonio costs $250,000 compared to $260,000 in Arlington, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in San Antonio versus $1,300 in Arlington.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: San Antonio scores 93 while Arlington scores 96.

Healthcare costs in San Antonio (95) are lower than Arlington (100). Both are close to the national average.

Median household income in San Antonio is $53,420 compared to $60,138 in Arlington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.

Relocating: San Antonio vs Arlington

If you are considering a move between San Antonio (index: 90) and Arlington (index: 96), the 6% cost difference has real implications for your budget. San Antonio is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in San Antonio can afford $1,246/month, while the median household in Arlington can afford $1,403/month. With median homes at $250,000 in San Antonio versus $260,000 in Arlington, both cities offer reasonable homeownership opportunities at median income.

Renting vs buying: At $1,200/month in San Antonio and $1,300/month in Arlington, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in San Antonio where costs are 10% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: San Antonio (90) vs Arlington (96)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. San Antonio at 90 is 10% below the US average, while Arlington at 96 is 4% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

A 6-point index spread separates Arlington from San Antonio, a moderate gap that adds up across monthly bills but is manageable with a typical dual-income household budget. Housing shows the widest single-category margin at 78 versus 86, making it the area where residents will feel the most day-to-day price difference between San Antonio and Arlington. Housing costs are comparable between the two metros, with San Antonio at 78 and Arlington at 86 on the housing sub-index and median home prices of $250,000 and $260,000 respectively.

For renters: With median rents of $1,200/month in San Antonio and $1,300/month in Arlington, the annual rent difference is approximately $1,200. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $6,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $10,000 difference in median home prices between San Antonio and Arlington translates to roughly $600 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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