San Antonio, TX vs Tempe, AZ: 82 vs 120

$1,258/mo ↓ 22%

Median Rent

$1,623/mo ↑ 29%

$62,917/yr ↓ 19%

Median Income

$77,643/yr ↑ 23%

$219,700 ↓ 48%

Home Value

$421,900 ↑ 92%

$1,235/mo ↓ 21%

Owner Costs

$1,554/mo ↑ 26%

1,458,954

Population

186,419

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $14,726/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Tempe — common questions

Is San Antonio or Tempe cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 120 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Tempe?

Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $365/month.

Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Tempe?

Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $14,726/year higher in Tempe.

How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.

Should I move to San Antonio or Tempe?

It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

San Antonio

Tempe

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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