Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
San Antonio is 3% more affordable than Tucson. A $75,000 salary in Tucson is equivalent to $72,581 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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in San Antonio costs $250,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in San Antonio versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Antonio scores 93 while Tucson scores 98.
Healthcare costs in San Antonio (95) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Antonio is $53,420 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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