Popular historical and cultural sites like The Alamo and the River Walk attracted roughly 40 million tourists to San Antonio, Texas, in 2023 alone, making it the Lone Star State’s most visited city. However, with its ranking as the number one city in the United States in terms of population growth, it seems the city’s charm wins over many visitors who choose to make The Countdown City their permanent home. With its low cost of living, booming labor market, rich history, extensive outdoor activities, and decadent and diverse culinary scene, this should come as no surprise.
If this scenario describes you, it will please you to know that the lower cost of living in San Antonio, compared to other major cities in the US, sweetens the deal more than you might realize. Below, we break down the price tag on life in this city to help you plan for your move.
Related: The Best Restaurants in Alamo Heights, San Antonio
Cost of Living in San Antonio, TX
Although many factors will impact any savings you personally experience, the cost of living in San Antonio is roughly 9% below the national average. If you relocate from a small town, you may see a slight increase in overall expenses. However, if you come from any comparable or larger city, you will most likely see a decrease in prices across most, if not all, spending categories.
One area that will lessen the burden on your wallet is housing, which is about 20% lower than the national average.
Cost of Rent in San Antonio, TX
Average rent = $1,300/month
When evaluating how much you should expect to spend on rent in San Antonio, the most significant variables consist of the chosen neighborhood, the number of desired bedrooms, and available building amenities. However, San Antonio is undoubtedly a renter’s market, with a surplus of units reported due to a surge in recent apartment construction.
Cost of Utilities in San Antonio
Average utilities = $225/month
Excluding internet and cell phone, utilities for a roughly 1,000-square-foot apartment should come in around $225 per month. This amount sits about 17% below the national average, but also depends on your specific situation, family size, and usage.
Your work situation may create an additional consideration. With the pivot to remote work in 2019, more people than ever work from home. While convenient, remote work drives up spending on utilities. However, since San Antonio’s utilities cost less than the national average, remote workers can benefit from even more significant savings in River City.
Food & Dining Costs
Monthly grocery bill for one person = $440
As with all spending categories, your lifestyle will impact how much you spend on food every month. Anyone who primarily cooks at home will benefit from grocery prices 5% below the national average. However, if you take frequent advantage of the amazing restaurants in the Culinary Capital of Texas, you may spend significantly more.
Average Salary in San Antonio
Average salary = $53,000
While medical and tech professional positions offer much higher annual salaries, the fact that much of San Antonio’s workforce engages in lower-paying service industry positions drives the average salary down. Since the city has so much to offer and there are many ways to cut corners, individuals of all tax brackets comfortably call Countdown City home.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in San Antonio?
Total average cost = $3,500/month
The average single person in San Antonio should expect to spend about $3,500 per month on basic living expenses. This amount jumps to around $4,100 for a family. Either way, this total roughly coincides with the average monthly salary of about $4,400 (before taxes).
In other words, with an income about 25% less than the national average, a typical San Antonian should be able to cover their monthly expenses with a little extra left over.
| Average Rent for a One-Bedroom Apartment | $1,300 |
| Utilities | $225 |
| Food (Groceries for One Person) | $440 |
| Internet, Phone, Car, Insurance, Recreation, etc. | Varies by plan, usage, or personal choices |
| Total | $1,965 (for basic necessities only) |
Advice for Moving to San Antonio
Should You Rent or Buy?
Although a personal decision that your specific life situation will shape, consider carefully how long you intend to stay in your current location and wait to buy until you feel ready to settle down for a longer amount of time. Luckily, rental and housing costs in San Antonio are below the national average, so no matter which decision fits your stage of life best, you will benefit from that fact. Even luckier, our team at AptAmigo can help you better understand the pros and cons of buying and renting and support you in determining what makes sense for you and your situation.
Moving Tips
Whether you are moving across town or country, the process of relocating can quickly become overwhelming. Start by reviewing our moving tips and tricks, then reach out to our apartment locators to learn how we can support your personal journey.
Exploring San Antonio
Before, during, and after your move, we recommend taking advantage of all that picturesque San Antonio offers. So, we compiled a series of San Antonio-specific articles as a starting point; however, your best bet may be to simply stroll along the River Walk, pop into shops and restaurants, and get to know the friendly locals. You’ll find your own local haunts and family favorites in no time.
Get Free VIP Apartment Hunting Assistance
As you can see, San Antonio, Texas, offers more perks than just tourist attractions. With a cost of living score about 9% below the national average, those moving to Alamo City can get more for less.
Whatever your reason for moving and no matter your needs, let our team help you find the luxury apartment of your dreams. We have the knowledge, experience, and know-how to find your dream home in the Alamo City. Your perfect apartment awaits!
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