Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Tampa, FL (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

San Antonio is 27% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,258/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 25%
$62,917/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 13%
$219,700 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 71%
$1,235/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 26%
1,458,954
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $8,385/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Tampa — common questions

Is San Antonio or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Tampa?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Tampa?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $8,385/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Antonio details → View Tampa details →

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