Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
San Antonio is 27% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $54,878 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 ยท Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. San Antonio has a housing index of 78 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in San Antonio costs $250,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $330,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in San Antonio versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Antonio scores 93 while Scottsdale scores 103.
Healthcare costs in San Antonio (95) match Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Antonio is $53,420 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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