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

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Sacramento

California
132

San Antonio is 38% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,258/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 35%
$62,917/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 33%
$219,700 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 121%
$1,235/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 42%
1,458,954
Population
524,802

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $20,836/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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 Sacramento — common questions

Is San Antonio or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Sacramento?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Sacramento?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $20,836/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Antonio details → View Sacramento details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Antonio and Sacramento

San Antonio vs. Philadelphia San Antonio vs. San Diego San Antonio vs. Phoenix San Antonio vs. Dallas San Antonio vs. Houston San Antonio vs. San Jose Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta