Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

San Antonio is 32% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,258/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 23%
$62,917/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 29%
$219,700 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 98%
$1,235/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 33%
1,458,954
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $18,172/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is San Antonio or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $18,172/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Antonio details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

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