Cost of Living in San Antonio, TX [2024]
San Antonio, TX, is a city celebrated for its unique cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, fabulous food, and historical backdrop, making it an appealing place to live. But you may be asking yourself, "Can I afford to live in San Antonio?"
There's good news for renters. When compared to larger cities such as Austin or Dallas, San Antonio offers a much more affordable cost of living. While San Antonio's hot summers are notorious, the city's variety of outdoor attractions and lively cultural festivals provide year-round entertainment and comfort.
We're here to help you take a closer look at the cost of living in San Antonio, including housing, transportation, groceries, and healthcare. We'll also compare the city's affordability to other major cities and offer insights to help you consider your move to the Alamo City.
Cost of Living in San Antonio
What Is the Cost of Living in San Antonio?
As a major city, the average cost of living in San Antonio, TX, can vary, but overall is very affordable. Currently, San Antonio is 8.7% less expensive than the U.S. average and 3.1% less than the state average. We took a look at Best Places data that breaks down the following categories:
| Cost of Living | San Antonio | Texas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 91.3 | 93.7 | 100 |
| Grocery | 91.4 | 97.2 | 100 |
| Health | 93.3 | 100.0 | 100 |
| Housing | 75.5 | 102 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $254,600 | $297,600 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 84.4 | 95.7 | 100 |
| Transportation | 94.8% | 103.3 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 104.2 | 117.4 | 100 |
The San Antonio neighborhood you choose will also make a significant difference in the cost of living.Downtown San Antonio will be more expensive than living on the outskirts. The type of amenities your apartment complex has will also impact rent. An upscale building could also signal a trendy neighborhood with higher grocery and miscellaneous costs.
Where is the Cost of Living Highest in San Antonio, TX?
Areas like Cordillera Ranch in San Antonio are among the most expensive places for homeowners. Renters and city dwellers looking to live closer to the action will find higher prices in The Dominion. Rents may start around $1,000 but can soar up to $7,000 in this area of San Antonio.
Where is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in San Antonio, TX?
Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap neighborhoods in San Antonio where the cost of living is affordable. Monte Vista offers is an attractive option to apartment hunters on a budget. Currently, one-bedroom apartments in Monte Vista range from $950 to $1,250 with an average rent of $1,176. Rental pricing for two-bedroom apartments in Monte Vista range from $1,000 to $2,400 with an average rent of $1,574.
How Much Is Rent in San Antonio?
Whether you're a first-time renter or seasoned pro, San Antonio is an affordable city and an enviable choice for anyone relocating to Texas. According to our San Antonio rent report from February 2025, a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio costs $1,008. A two-bedroom apartment in San Antonio costs $1,242.
Here's how rent prices break down by bedroom size for apartments currently listed on our website:
| Bedrooms | Median Rent Price |
|---|---|
| Overall | $1,180 |
| 1-Bedrooms | $1,008 |
| 2-Bedrooms | $1,242 |
Renters will get some relief knowing that San Antonio rents are flat month-over-month and down 2.1% year-over-year Our data also shows that the median rent in San Antonio rose by 0.1% in January 2025 and decreased by a total of 2.1% over the past 12 months. We can also see that San Antonio’s rent growth over the past year is similar to the state average of (-2.8%) but below the national average (-0.5%).
How Much is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in San Antonio, TX?
If you're looking for a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio, you can expect to pay a median rent of $1,180. Of course, the price of a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio will vary depending on the neighborhood. We pulled data for some of the average rent prices in different San Antonio neighborhoods:
| Area | Rent |
|---|---|
| Overall | $1,008 |
| Downtown | $1,476 |
| Tobin Hill | $1,792 |
| Monte Vista | $1,176 |
How Much is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in San Antonio, TX?
Anyone looking for more space or who wants to save costs with a roommate can look to two-bedroom apartments in the San Antonio area. Here is what our data shows for some of the average rent prices in the area.
| Area | Rent |
|---|---|
| Overall | $1,242 |
| Downtown | $2,125 |
| Tobin Hill | $2,738 |
| Monte Vista | $1,574 |
How Much Is Housing in San Antonio?
If you're not looking to rent in San Antonio, but rather to purchase a home, then it's helpful to know that the [median home price is currently $254,600]. That figure offers a discount to the state average of $297,600 and is significantly lower than the national average of $338,100.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in San Antonio?
Once you have a better idea of what you'll spend on rents in San Antonio, it's important to know what kind of salary aligns with your cost of living. As a general rule, individuals shouldn’t spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs to live comfortably. The median rent price for a one-bedroom in San Antonio is $1,008, which means a single adult should earn at least $40,320 to live comfortably in San Antonio.
We also looked at the living wage data from MIT. According to their research, the living wage in San Antonio is $21.14 an hour, or about $42,280 a year. This figure accounts for the basic essentials, from housing to groceries and medical care but does not consider extras like travel or debt repayments.
Now let's look to the U.S. Census Bureau. Their data shows that the median household income in San Antonio in 2023 was $62,917, which leaves plenty of breathing room to live comfortably, considering the city's low cost of living and recommended salary.
If you’re not interested in doing the math (we don’t blame you), you can use our rent calculator to help you determine how much you can afford to pay in rent each month.
How Much Is Transportation in San Antonio?
Unfortunately, if you’re looking to walk or bike around the city, the experience may be lacking. San Antonio boasts a 37 walk score and a 45 bike score according to Walk Score. In short, you’ll need a personal vehicle to get around the city.
That car dependency is probably why, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single adult spends $10,282 on transportation annually. For a family of four with two working adults and two children, annual transportation costs rise to $17,248.
All things considered, that annual bus pass seems like a pretty good deal.
How Much Are Groceries in San Antonio?
Eating is a basic need that takes a pretty substantial chunk out of your annual budget. A single adult spends an average of $3,691 on groceries annually, while a family of four spends $10,819. These numbers reflect low-cost groceries, however, which locals find at places like H-E-B and Sprouts.
Beyond groceries, San Antonio is a place of culinary delights. Its proximity to Mexico means you can find delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine throughout the city. Moreover, as a southern state, Texas is home to delectable Deep South treats. In short, be prepared with a fully-funded takeout budget.
According to market data, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $18, while you can expect to pay $70 for a nicer, two-person dinner. As with anywhere you live, learning to cook meals at home and embracing new recipes for southern state fare is a good way to save money and lower your cost of living.
However, if you plan on tackling San Antonio’s dating scene, be aware that there are better cities for singles out there. For example, Austin, Texas, is the place to be for singles in Texas!
How Much Is Child Care in San Antonio, TX?
Childcare will command a large portion of a family's budget, often second only to housing and rent. Fortunately, San Antonio's child care costs are less expensive than in many areas. According to MIT's latest data, a family of four with two working adults can expect to spend around $9,123 per year on childcare for one child and $18,018 for two. You can compare that to Austin's child care costs of $11,557 for one child and $22,804 for two.
Of course, where you live in San Antonio will also dictate how much you'll spend on daycare. An area with a child care desert and waitlists will automatically prove more expensive. You can also lower your costs by looking into nanny shares, part-time preschools, after-care programs, or getting creative with a flexible work schedule.
How Much Is Healthcare in San Antonio?
Healthcare is also a substantial cost for families across the country, including San Antonio. The average single San Antonio resident spends $2,987 annually on healthcare costs, while the average family of four spends $9,644.
That said, it’s possible to get low-cost health insurance to help reduce the financial impact of your medical costs. Head over to Healthcare.gov to view a marketplace for low-to-no-cost health insurance.
Just be aware that you may have to wait until open enrollment to register for coverage. Open enrollment typically starts in November and ends mid-January.
How Much Are Utilities in San Antonio?
When you move to a new locale, it can be challenging to estimate your utility costs. Luckily, San Antonio residents enjoy a relatively low monthly bill for basic utilities at $203.90 per month for a 915 square foot apartment. This is lower than the national average of $207.16.
That said, your utility bills also extend to your cell phone and internet service, meaning you’ll have to consider their costs when creating your budget. The average cost of a basic phone plan and Internet in San Antonio is $132.19, which will bring up the cost of your average utility bill to $336.09.
If you’re looking to save on these bills, you could consider bundling these services. Many service providers offer discounts for bundled services and may even throw in some bonuses for new customers. It wouldn’t hurt to have your Netflix subscription covered for a year.
San Antonio, TX Fitness & Entertainment
Spending money isn’t exactly hard in San Antonio. The city offers so many entertainment and recreation options. You’d be hard-pressed to find enough time to experience them all.
However, all that fun can have a pretty significant impact on the budget. Entertainment costs run single San Antonio residents $2,589 annually, while a family of four spends $6,450.
San Antonio’s gym memberships are relatively affordable at just $43.54 on average. If you want to take in a movie after hitting the gym, you'll spend $14 a seat.
That said, the fantastic weather and plethora of local parks mean you can get your fitness fix without spending a dime.
Head out for a walk or run in your neighborhood to run some of the extra calories you’ll consume after visiting a Southern restaurant.
Brackenridge Park is also one of the most popular public parks in San Antonio.
Within its 340+ acres of land, you’ll find traditional park features, including baseball fields, children’s playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and more. Brackenridge Park is also home to the San Antonio Zoo, the Japanese Tea Gardens, and the Witte Museum.
How Much Are Taxes in San Antonio, TX?
Your budget for your move to San Antonio should be as comprehensive as possible, meaning you’ll have to consider some of the “hidden costs” of living in the city. Luckily, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some hidden expenses to consider when moving to San Antonio.
- Income Taxes: One of the most important things to know before moving to San Antonio is that Texas doesn’t collect a state income tax. It’s in the minority of states that don’t collect income taxes. This can be a major plus if you're moving from out of state!
- State Sales Tax: Although San Antonio doesn’t levy a state income tax, they charge a 6.25% state sales tax.
- San Antonio Collective Sales Tax: San Antonio imposes a collective sales tax of 8.25%, including the state’s sales tax.
Looking for an Apartment in San Antonio?
Moving to San Antonio isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a great option for anyone looking to live in a major city without spending major city money.
Take our quiz if you’re ready to get started on your San Antonio apartment search!
If San Antonio isn't for you, consider other Texan cities:
FAQs: What to Know About the Cost of Living in San Antonio in 2025
What is the cheapest rent in San Antonio?
The cheapest rent in San Antonio is for a one-bedroom apartment with a median rent of $1,008 per month. A two-bedroom apartment is more expensive at $1,242 per month.
What is the most expensive rent in San Antonio?
The most expensive rent in San Antonio is for a two-bedroom apartment. The median rent is currently $1,242 per month.
How expensive is it to live in San Antonio?
Living in San Antonio is relatively inexpensive. In San Antonio, rent averages $1,008 for a one-bedroom apartment. Single adults will also spend an average of $3,691 on food, $10,282 on transportation, and $2,987 on medical care each year while living in San Antonio.
How far is San Antonio from Dallas?
San Antonio is 274 miles away from Dallas. It takes 4 hours and 5 minutes to get to Dallas from San Antonio by car, 25 hours by bike, and 93 hours by foot.
How far is Houston from San Antonio?
San Antonio is 197 miles away from Houston. It takes 2 hours and 59 minutes to get to Houston from San Antonio by car, 18 hours by bike, and 69 hours by foot.
How far is Austin from San Antonio?
San Antonio is 80 miles away from Austin. It takes 1 hour and 14 minutes to get to Austin from San Antonio by car, 8 hours by bike, and 27 hours by foot.
How far is El Paso from San Antonio?
San Antonio is 552 miles away from El Paso. It takes 7 hours and 53 minutes to get to El Paso from San Antonio by car, 47 hours by bike, and 187 hours by foot.
What is the population of San Antonio?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, The population of San Antonio was 1,495,295 in 2024. It is the second-largest metropolitan area within the state of Texas. The population fo the entire state of Texas is 31,290,831.
What is a good salary in San Antonio?
The recommended salary in San Antonio is $40,320 a year, $3,360 per month, or about $19.31 per hour. This total reflects a salary that would allow a renter to live comfortably and afford to cover the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment which sits at $1,008. You can also consider MIT's data that shows the living wage in San Antonio is $21.14 per hour. This figure is the basic wage you need for housing, food, transportation and other essentials but does not account for extras like travel, debt repayments, and emergency savings. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in San Antonio is $62,917 a year.
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