San Antonio vs Los Angeles
Cost of Living (2026)

San Antonio is 87% less expensive than Los Angeles. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs California's 9.3%.

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At a glance

San Antonio, TX

COL index87 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,100/mo ✓
Median home price$260K ✓
VS

Los Angeles, CA

COL index163
State income tax9.3%
Avg 1BR rent$2,600/mo
Median home price$850K

Cost breakdown by category

CategorySan Antonio indexLos Angeles indexDifference
Housing112 ✓215+103%
Groceries83 ✓153+70%
Transportation85 ✓151+66%
Healthcare85 ✓157+72%
Utilities86 ✓145+59%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: San Antonio → Los Angeles

What salary in Los Angeles gives you the same purchasing power as your San Antonio salary?

Salary in San AntonioEquivalent in Los AngelesDifference
$60,000$130,000+$70,000
$80,000$173,000+$93,000
$100,000$216,000+$116,000
$130,000$281,000+$151,000
$150,000$324,000+$174,000
$200,000$432,000+$232,000

San Antonio vs Los Angeles: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between San Antonio, TX and Los Angeles, CA, San Antonio comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 87 versus 163 for Los Angeles — a difference of approximately 87%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio workers an immediate 9.3% take-home pay advantage over Los Angeles workers who pay California's 9.3% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in San Antonio is $260,000, compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,100/month in San Antonio versus $2,600/month in Los Angeles.

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