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

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

San Antonio is 66% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,258/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 118%
$62,917/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 101%
$219,700 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 374%
$1,235/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 113%
1,458,954
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,484/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $17,808/year.

Median household income is $63,552/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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 Cambridge — common questions

Is San Antonio or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Cambridge?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,484/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Cambridge?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $63,552/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Antonio details → View Cambridge details →

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