Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs College Station, TX (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

College Station

Texas
91

San Antonio is 10% cheaper than College Station.

$1,258/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 7%
$62,917/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 18%
$219,700 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 49%
$1,235/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 1%
1,458,954
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $11,141/year higher in San Antonio. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs College Station — common questions

Is San Antonio or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and College Station?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or College Station?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $11,141/year higher in San Antonio.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Antonio details → View College Station details →

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