Houston vs San Antonio
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Houston feels like approximately $62,275 in San Antonio.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Houston feels like $62,275 in San Antonio. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 11%.
Houston
San Antonio
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Houston, your picture shifts from spacious toward spacious.
No city is objectively better. Houston and San Antonio each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Houston vs San Antonio — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Houston or San Antonio?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,323/mo in Houston and $1,177/mo in San Antonio. San Antonio has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in San Antonio to match Houston?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Houston feels like approximately $62,275 in San Antonio — a reduction of about 11% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Houston and San Antonio?
Houston is in TX (no state income tax) and San Antonio is in TX (no state income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.