Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
San Antonio is 15% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe 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: Texas salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. San Antonio has a housing index of 78 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in San Antonio costs $250,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in San Antonio versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Antonio scores 93 while Tempe scores 100.
Healthcare costs in San Antonio (95) match Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Antonio is $53,420 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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