Plano, TX vs San Antonio, TX

The cost of living difference between Plano, TX and San Antonio, TX is dramatic. San Antonio is 41.7% cheaper than Plano, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Plano has a cost index of 126 while San Antonio sits at 89, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Plano is $1,792/month compared to $1,258/month in San Antonio — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: San Antonio is more affordable at $219,700 median vs $440,600.

Median household income in Plano is $108,649 compared to $62,917 in San Antonio (+72.7%). While Plano is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Plano spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, less than the 24% in San Antonio.

Climate-wise, San Antonio is notably warmer with an average of 69.6°F compared to 65°F in Plano. Plano receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 32.4" in San Antonio.