Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Columbus, OH (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Columbus

Ohio
83

San Antonio and Columbus have a similar cost of living.

$1,258/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,224/mo ↓ 3%
$62,917/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,327/yr ↑ 4%
$219,700 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$234,500 ↑ 7%
$1,235/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
1,458,954
Population
906,480

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Columbus, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,410/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $234,500 in Columbus.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Columbus — common questions

Is San Antonio or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Columbus?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Columbus it's $1,224/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Columbus?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $65,327 in Columbus. Median household income is $2,410/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,224/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Antonio details → View Columbus details →