San Antonio, TX vs Irvine, CA: 82 vs 256

$1,258/mo ↓ 57%

Median Rent

$2,893/mo ↑ 130%

$62,917/yr ↓ 51%

Median Income

$129,647/yr ↑ 106%

$219,700 ↓ 80%

Home Value

$1,115,400 ↑ 408%

$1,235/mo ↓ 57%

Owner Costs

$2,904/mo ↑ 135%

1,458,954

Population

308,160

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,635/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $19,620/year.

Median household income is $66,730/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Irvine — common questions

Is San Antonio or Irvine cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 256 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Irvine?

Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,635/month.

Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Irvine?

Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $66,730/year higher in Irvine.

How do taxes compare between Texas and California?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to San Antonio or Irvine?

It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Irvine, CA (2026)

San Antonio

Irvine

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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