Los Angeles vs San Antonio
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Los Angeles feels like approximately $35,050 in San Antonio.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Los Angeles feels like $35,050 in San Antonio. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 50%.
Los Angeles
San Antonio
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Los Angeles, your picture shifts from getting-by toward getting-by.
No city is objectively better. Los Angeles and San Antonio each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Los Angeles vs San Antonio — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Los Angeles or San Antonio?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $2,085/mo in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Los Angeles feels like approximately $35,050 in San Antonio — a reduction of about 50% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Los Angeles and San Antonio?
Los Angeles is in CA (CA levies 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.