How Much Does It Cost to Live in San Antonio, TX?
Quick Summary: The cost of living in San Antonio is 8.6% lower than the national average, making it one of the most affordable big cities in Texas. Although healthcare costs are 16.8% higher, every other major category is more budget friendly—especially housing and utilities, which are 21.3% and 18.3% lower, respectively. Learn more about the cost of living in this vibrant South Texas city!
Planning a move to San Antonio? As one of the most affordable U.S. cities to call home and one of the best cities for remote work, Alamo City offers residents a strong job market, affordable housing, fun outdoor activities, and more. In addition to asking movers questions before proceeding, use this guide to learn more about the average living expenses in San Antonio and make informed choices about your budget!
Cost of living data provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).
How Much Does It Cost to Live in San Antonio?
The cost of living in San Antonio is about 9% cheaper than the national average, making it one of the most affordable major cities in Texas, which is a key moving trend. Residents can see the greatest savings in housing, utilities, and healthcare costs. Take a look at the cost comparison chart below for a more detailed breakdown.
Cost of Living Categories | San Antonio's Cost of Living Compared to National Averages |
Housing | 21.3% lower |
Utilities | 18.3% lower |
Transportation | 5.7% lower |
Healthcare | 16.8% higher |
Goods & Services | 1.3% lower |
Cost of Housing in San Antonio
Housing in San Antonio is very affordable. The price of purchasing a home is about 31% lower than the national average, and rent prices are roughly in line with the national average at just 2.2% lower. Take a look at the chart below to help you decide between buying or renting a home in San Antonio.
Item | Average Price in San Antonio | National Average Price |
Home Price | $359,091 | $518,961 |
Apartment Rent | $1,524 | $1,559 |
Cost of Utilities in San Antonio (Monthly)
Certain utility expenses in San Antonio may be higher or lower than the national average, but overall costs are over 18% lower. Energy costs in San Antonio are 31.2% less per month than the national average, while phone service is only slightly above the national average at 3.7% more.
Item | Average Price in San Antonio | National Average Price |
Energy | $142.78 | $207.40 |
Phone | $202.75 | $195.49 |
Cost of Groceries in San Antonio
San Antonio grocery prices are generally affordable, with average costs falling nearly 6% below the national average. Take a look below to see how the costs of specific grocery items compare to the U.S. average.
Item | Average Price in San Antonio | National Average Price |
Steak | $14.61 | $15.52 |
Ground Beef | $7.04 | $7.04 |
Milk (1/2 gallon) | $4.57 | $4.70 |
Eggs (dozen) | $3.47 | $3.56 |
Bananas | $0.73 | $0.74 |
Bread | $3.90 | $3.95 |
Orange Juice | $4.35 | $4.50 |
Coffee | $5.23 | $5.57 |
Cost of Healthcare in San Antonio
Healthcare costs in San Antonio are generally higher than the national average. While doctor's visits are about average, services from other providers—such as dentists and optometrists—typically cost more. Additionally, the cost of prescription medication is 21.4% higher than the national average.
Item | Average Price in San Antonio | National Average Price |
Doctor | $146.15 | $145.43 |
Dentist | $155.84 | $118.71 |
Optometrist | $137.14 | $131.82 |
Prescription Medication | $25.22 | $20.78 |
Cost of Transportation in San Antonio
Residents can find additional savings on transportation costs while living in San Antonio, as gas prices are 10.8% lower than the national average! However, certain automotive services, such as tire balancing, may have a slightly higher cost. This results in overall transportation costs that fall 5.7% below the national average.
Item | Average Price in San Antonio | National Average Price |
Gasoline (1 gallon) | $2.89 | $3.24 |
Tire Balance | $67.38 | $62.82 |
Cost of Goods & Service in San Antonio
How much you'll need to budget for goods and services will greatly depend on your lifestyle and preferences. However, most goods in San Antonio are a bit cheaper than the U.S. average, while some services—including salon visits and haircuts—are higher. See the table below for pricing examples.
Item | Average Price in San Antonio | National Average Price |
Toothpaste | $4.04 | $4.10 |
Shampoo | $1.40 | $1.54 |
Ibuprofen | $10.91 | $11.08 |
Hair Cut | $28.44 | $26.24 |
Movie Ticket | $12.44 | $12.52 |
Beauty Salon | $69.50 | $49.12 |
Hamburger Stand | $5.09 | $5.67 |
Pizza | $11.33 | $12.36 |
Beer | $10.38 | $10.21 |
Wine | $10.90 | $11.79 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Antonio expensive to live in?
No, San Antonio is not expensive to live in—with the city's cost of living 8.6% lower than the national average, it's a pretty affordable city. Additionally, compared to other major cities, such as Dallas and Boston, San Antonio is one of the most affordable places to live! While a resident's lifestyle, household size, and residential location do impact San Antonio's affordability, residents can find savings in housing and utilities.
What is the average home price in San Antonio, TX?
The average price of purchasing a home in San Antonio is $359,091—about $160,000 below the national average! Prices can vary significantly depending on location and home size, but there are many safe, affordable neighborhoods in San Antonio where residents can find budget-friendly houses.
How strong is the job market in San Antonio?
San Antonio offers a strong job market with a low unemployment rate of 3.8%. While the median household income is pretty aligned with the national rate at $53,420, the city's affordable cost of living makes budget-friendly living possible. Those looking for jobs in San Antonio can find opportunities in various industries, including aerospace and aviation, advanced manufacturing, IT and cybersecurity, bioscience and healthcare, new energy, and financial services. San Antonio is also home to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), a major hub for careers in military and defense—as well as in healthcare, thanks to the renowned Brooke Army Medical Center.
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Relocating to San Antonio? Check out Extra Space Storage's moving resources for guides, checklists, and calculators to help you plan your move. Need a place for your belongings while you're between homes? Extra Space Storage offers flexible monthly rentals at locations throughout the San Antonio metro. Find a storage facility near you!
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Quinn Johnson
Quinn Johnson is a moving expert and author for Extra Space Storage. He's moved over 15 times, including internationally, and helped countless others between their own homes. He's happy to lift some boxes for a friend as long as he's paid in pizza. As a writer and content creator for Extra Space Storage since 2019, Quinn shares helpful moving tips and info to alleviate the common stresses of moving.
