San Antonio, TX vs Oakland, CA: 82 vs 195

$1,258/mo ↓ 34%

Median Rent

$1,917/mo ↑ 52%

$62,917/yr ↓ 35%

Median Income

$97,369/yr ↑ 55%

$219,700 ↓ 76%

Home Value

$924,700 ↑ 321%

$1,235/mo ↓ 43%

Owner Costs

$2,164/mo ↑ 75%

1,458,954

Population

438,072

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $659/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $7,908/year.

Median household income is $34,452/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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 Oakland — common questions

Is San Antonio or Oakland cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 195 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Oakland?

Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $659/month.

Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Oakland?

Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $34,452/year higher in Oakland.

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 Oakland?

It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

San Antonio

Oakland

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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