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

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

San Antonio is 73% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,258/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 137%
$62,917/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 176%
$219,700 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 595%
$1,235/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 147%
1,458,954
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,727/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $20,724/year.

Median household income is $110,753/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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 Santa Clara — common questions

Is San Antonio or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Santa Clara?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,727/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $110,753/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Antonio details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Antonio and Santa Clara

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 Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville