Cost of Living: San Antonio vs Washington (2026)

San Antonio vs Washington cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Washington is about 15% more expensive than San Antonio overall — $100,000 in San Antonio is worth about $114,958 in Washington.

Washington is about 15% more expensive than San Antonio overall — $100,000 in San Antonio is worth about $114,958 in Washington.

San Antonio vs Washington: the numbers

MetricSan AntonioWashingtonDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)95109+15%
Median rent$1,258$1,900+51%
Median home value$219,700$724,600+230%
Median household income$62,917$106,287+69%

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 $114,958 in Washington. Going the other way, $100,000 in Washington is like $86,988 in San Antonio.

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

Compare any salary: San Antonio vs Washington

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 109 vs 95 — a 15% difference. Your money goes further in San Antonio.

About $114,958 — that's what you'd need in Washington to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Antonio.