Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs San Antonio, TX (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

San Antonio

Texas
82

Phoenix is 27% more expensive than San Antonio.

$1,458/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,258/mo ↓ 14%
$77,041/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$62,917/yr ↓ 18%
$381,900 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$219,700 ↓ 42%
$1,430/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,235/mo ↓ 14%
1,624,832
Population
1,458,954

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and San Antonio, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $14,124/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $219,700 in San Antonio.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs San Antonio — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and San Antonio?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in San Antonio it's $1,258/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or San Antonio?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $62,917 in San Antonio. Median household income is $14,124/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or San Antonio?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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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