Is San Antonio more expensive than Houston?

San Antonio is 2.6% more expensive than Houston overall. Rent is 12.4% lower, groceries 5.0% more expensive, and restaurants 9.4% cheaper.

Which city has better purchasing power, Houston or San Antonio?

Houston has a purchasing power index of 160.0 while San Antonio has 151.6 (NYC = 100). Houston offers better purchasing power.

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

🇺🇸 Houston vs 🇺🇸 San Antonio

2026

San Antonio is 2.6% more expensive

Category	🇺🇸 Houston	🇺🇸 San Antonio	Difference
Cost of Living	64.9	66.6	+2.6%
Rent	39.5	34.6	-12.4%
Groceries	71.3	74.9	+5.0%
Restaurants	70.5	63.9	-9.4%
Purchasing Power	160.0	151.6	-5.3%

Data verified Q1 2026 · Source: Numbeo cost-of-living indices (NYC = 100 baseline) · Indices reflect relative costs; absolute prices vary by neighbourhood.

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🇺🇸 Cost of Living in Houston

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