San Antonio, TX vs Boston, MA: 82 vs 176

$1,258/mo ↓ 40%

Median Rent

$2,093/mo ↑ 66%

$62,917/yr ↓ 34%

Median Income

$94,755/yr ↑ 51%

$219,700 ↓ 69%

Home Value

$710,400 ↑ 223%

$1,235/mo ↓ 43%

Owner Costs

$2,176/mo ↑ 76%

1,458,954

Population

663,972

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $835/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $10,020/year.

Median household income is $31,838/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Boston — common questions

Is San Antonio or Boston cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 176 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Boston?

Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $835/month.

Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Boston?

Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $31,838/year higher in Boston.

How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.

Should I move to San Antonio or Boston?

It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Boston, MA (2026)

San Antonio

Boston

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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