Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Durham, NC (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

San Antonio is 22% cheaper than Durham.

$1,258/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 12%
$62,917/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 26%
$219,700 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 62%
$1,235/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 16%
1,458,954
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $16,317/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Durham — common questions

Is San Antonio or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Durham?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Durham?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $16,317/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Antonio details → View Durham details →

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