A Guide to the Cost of Living in San Antonio

San Antonio cost of living at a glance

• The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio is $1,154 per month.
• The average cost of utilities in San Antonio is $199.90 per month.
• The average annual salary in San Antonio is $49,677 per year.
• The cost of living in San Antonio is 8% lower than the national average. 

The cost of living in San Antonio makes it possible to enjoy all the amenities of city life without emptying your wallet. This city delivers a dream mix of the excitement of a cultural hub and affordability. With a healthy job market and various colleges and universities present, San Antonio is a great place for students and young professionals alike. You’ll have nature, culture, history, and appealing food to look forward to in San Antonio, and you won’t have to spend big to enjoy it all.

The cost of living in San Antonio, Texas is lower than the national average in the United States. Living in San Antonio is also cheaper than other Texas cities and big cities across the United States. Overall, living in San Antonio is 4.2% cheaper than the average across the state of Texas.

San Antonio housing costs

Housing is one of the most important factors in determining your cost of living. Prospective residents should be happy to learn that renting an apartment in San Antonio is more affordable than other Texas cities like Austin and Dallas.

Current housing costs in San Antonio are:

• Studio: $1,125 per month
• One-bedroom: $1,154 per month
• Two-bedroom: $1,420 per month

According to Payscale, the cost of living in San Antonio, Texas, is 8% lower than the national average. 

San Antonio transportation costs

San Antonio’s transportation expenses are nearly on par with the national average, but they’re low for the state of Texas. Average annual transportation costs in San Antonio are 5% lower than the national average, and gas rates are $4.33 per gallon, compared to the national average of $4.752 per gallon. These expenses take items such as gas prices and bus fares into consideration. You’ll get what you pay for in terms of transportation choices in this city.

The VIA Metropolitan Transit bus system is relatively cheap but isn’t the most convenient for long-distance commuting. A single ride is just $1.30, while a day pass is $2.75 for unlimited rides. A 31-day pass is $38, while an annual pass costs $365. Reduced fares are available for students, older adults, children, the U.S. military, the disabled, veterans, and those using Medicare. However, many residents depend on a car, which comes with additional expenses, such as insurance and maintenance costs.

San Antonio also offers B-Cycle, a bike-share program with more than 50 stations that let you take advantage of the city’s primarily flat topography and good weather. A day pass is $15, while a monthly membership with unlimited trips of up to 60 minutes is only $25. With a $120 annual membership, you’ll enjoy unlimited trips of up to 120 minutes. 

However, San Antonio isn’t the best American city in terms of bike lanes. If you depend on walking, try looking for apartments in downtown San Antonio. This area is one of the more walkable parts of San Antonio. If you choose to drive in San Antonio, you can expect to pay an annual cost of $1,857 for full coverage, about $155 per month, for car insurance.

San Antonio utilities

If you’re moving to San Antonio, you’ll need to pay rent and keep the utilities on. Fortunately, as with all areas of life in San Antonio, you can look forward to more affordable costs compared to other big cities and the United States. The average cost of utilities in San Antonio, Texas, is $199.90 per month for a 915-square-foot apartment. Some Texas cities pay more if they’re in a deregulated market. San Antonio is exempt from deregulation, which helps to lower the cost of utilities.

Utility costs are lower in San Antonio than the national average, at 11% lower here. The relatively low cost of utilities is appealing; you’ll need to use them to stay comfortable. Texas has unforgivable weather much of the year, and you’ll need to keep your air conditioner running in the summer. Even though winters are relatively mild, nights can get chilly. Regardless, you still can’t avoid higher utility bills when the seasons change.

San Antonio food costs

You’re in luck with other aspects of daily life too. Grocery prices here are 10% lower than the national average. You can expect to pay about $2.06 for a loaf of bread, $2.78 for a carton of eggs, and $3.62 for a gallon of milk.

According to Numbeo, you can expect to pay about $8 for a fast-food meal or $15 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. When date night comes around, you’ll spend approximately $55.00 for a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant.

San Antonio health care costs

San Antonio’s health care costs are 7% lower than the national average. A doctor’s visit averages about $110.01, while a dentist visit typically costs approximately $94.07. If you have pets, you can expect to average $55.41 for a visit to the veterinarian.

The average cost of a health insurance premium in San Antonio is $1,197 per person per year. Some providers that San Antonio residents can choose include Aetna Health Inc. and Scott & White Care Plans.

San Antonio entertainment costs

You’ll also want to factor in entertainment costs when deciding your cost of living in San Antonio. A movie ticket is about $13 per person. If you’re looking to catch a game, tickets to see the San Antonio Spurs play are approximately $59 per person.

Life in San Antonio has yet another benefit: plenty of free activities. You’ll get free entry to various places, including the Japanese Tea Garden, Artpace, and the San Antonio Art League & Museum. Even The Alamo offers free admission. What better way to stick to a budget than by packing your schedule with fun and no-cost experiences?

If the food culture, sports, or history doesn’t have you wanting to pack your bags and head to this Texas city immediately, the San Antonio cost of living figures certainly will.

Other expenses to consider when living in San Antonio

Other costs in San Antonio include fitness, child care, and taxes. Texas is one of nine states that does not have an individual income tax. You can expect to pay approximately $902.50 per month for child care and join a fitness club for roughly $31.25 per month.

Average salary in San Antonio

The average salary in San Antonio is $47,729 per year but ranges from $16,544 to $159,184. The minimum wage in Texas is $7.25 per hour. Headquartered in San Antonio, Security Services Federal Credit Union is among the companies increasing the minimum wage nationally. In 2021, it raised the minimum wage for its employees from $15 to $20 per hour. Popular job industries in San Antonio include health care, aerospace, information technology, and the new energy economy.

Free activities in San Antonio

Life in San Antonio comes with yet another benefit: plenty of free activities to enjoy. You’ll get free entry to a diverse array of places, including the Japanese Tea Garden, Artpace, and the San Antonio Art League & Museum. Even The Alamo offers free admission. What better way to stick to a budget than by packing your schedule with fun and free experiences?

FAQ: Cost of living in San Antonio

If the food culture, sports, or history doesn’t have you wanting to pack your bags and head to this Texas city immediately, the San Antonio cost of living figures certainly will.

Ready to make your move? Search San Antonio houses and apartments for rent on Zumper and enjoy this city’s affordability.