Phoenix, AZ vs San Antonio, TX

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. San Antonio is 25.8% cheaper than Phoenix. With a cost index of 89 vs 112, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from San Antonio to Phoenix should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month compared to $1,258/month in San Antonio — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: San Antonio is more affordable at $219,700 median vs $381,900.

Median household income in Phoenix is $77,041 compared to $62,917 in San Antonio (+22.4%). The higher salaries in Phoenix partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Phoenix spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, less than the 24% in San Antonio.