Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs San Antonio, TX (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

San Antonio

Texas
82

Los Angeles is 105% more expensive than San Antonio.

$1,879/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,258/mo ↓ 33%
$80,366/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$62,917/yr ↓ 22%
$879,500 ↑ 300%
Home Value
$219,700 ↓ 75%
$2,055/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,235/mo ↓ 40%
3,857,897
Population
1,458,954

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and San Antonio, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $621/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $7,452/year.

Median household income is $17,449/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $219,700 in San Antonio.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs San Antonio — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and San Antonio?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in San Antonio it's $1,258/month — a difference of $621/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or San Antonio?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $62,917 in San Antonio. Median household income is $17,449/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or San Antonio?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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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