Cost of Living: San Antonio vs San Francisco (2026)

San Antonio vs San Francisco cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Francisco is about 22% more expensive than San Antonio overall — $100,000 in San Antonio is worth about $122,063 in San Francisco.

San Francisco is about 22% more expensive than San Antonio overall — $100,000 in San Antonio is worth about $122,063 in San Francisco.

San Antonio vs San Francisco: the numbers

MetricSan AntonioSan FranciscoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)95116+22%
Median rent$1,258$2,419+92%
Median home value$219,700$1,380,500+528%
Median household income$62,917$141,446+125%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in San Antonio has the same buying power as about $122,063 in San Francisco. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Francisco is like $81,925 in San Antonio.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between San Antonio and San Francisco.

Compare any salary: San Antonio vs San Francisco

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 116 vs 95 — a 22% difference. Your money goes further in San Antonio.

About $122,063 — that's what you'd need in San Francisco to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Antonio.