Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs San Antonio, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

San Antonio

Texas
82

Chicago is 18% more expensive than San Antonio.

$1,380/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,258/mo ↓ 9%
$75,134/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$62,917/yr ↓ 16%
$315,200 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$219,700 ↓ 30%
$1,502/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,235/mo ↓ 18%
2,707,648
Population
1,458,954

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $12,217/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $219,700 in San Antonio.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs San Antonio — common questions

Is Chicago or San Antonio cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and San Antonio?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in San Antonio it's $1,258/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or San Antonio?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $62,917 in San Antonio. Median household income is $12,217/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or San Antonio?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,258/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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