Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

San Antonio is 35% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,258/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 27%
$62,917/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 33%
$219,700 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 107%
$1,235/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 41%
1,458,954
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $20,940/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Tacoma — common questions

Is San Antonio or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Tacoma?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Tacoma?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $20,940/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Washington?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Antonio details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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