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

San Antonio vs San Jose cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Jose is about 17% more expensive than San Antonio overall — $100,000 in San Antonio is worth about $116,583 in San Jose.

San Jose is about 17% more expensive than San Antonio overall — $100,000 in San Antonio is worth about $116,583 in San Jose.

San Antonio vs San Jose: the numbers

MetricSan AntonioSan JoseDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)95110+17%
Median rent$1,258$2,617+108%
Median home value$219,700$1,187,800+441%
Median household income$62,917$141,565+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 $116,583 in San Jose. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Jose is like $85,776 in San Antonio.

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

Compare any salary: San Antonio vs San Jose

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 110 vs 95 — a 17% difference. Your money goes further in San Antonio.

About $116,583 — that's what you'd need in San Jose to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Antonio.