Raleigh vs San Antonio
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Raleigh feels like approximately $48,988 in San Antonio.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Raleigh feels like $48,988 in San Antonio. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 30%.
Raleigh
San Antonio
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Raleigh, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Raleigh and San Antonio each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Raleigh vs San Antonio — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Raleigh or San Antonio?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,596/mo in Raleigh 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 Raleigh?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Raleigh feels like approximately $48,988 in San Antonio — a reduction of about 30% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Raleigh and San Antonio?
Raleigh is in NC (NC 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.