Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

San Antonio is 30% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,258/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 31%
$62,917/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 44%
$219,700 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$366,300 ↑ 67%
$1,235/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 38%
1,458,954
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $27,768/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is San Antonio or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $27,768/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/mo, while Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,649/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Antonio details → View Virginia Beach details →

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