Chicago, IL vs San Antonio, TX
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Housing in Chicago runs about 30% above San Antonio, but Chicago earns more at the median (16% higher), partly offsetting the cost difference — the standard tradeoff between cost and earnings that shapes most US city-to-city moves. San Antonio also has no state income tax, while the other state tops out at 5.0% — a meaningful annual difference at higher income levels.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$219,700 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$247,131
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,258/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
52.4%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
14.6x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$62,917
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$32,983
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
5.8% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
17.1%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
26.7 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
70.5%
Public Transit %
19.3%
2.1%
Work From Home %
18.3%
11.8%
State Income Tax
5.0%
None
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
8.2% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.7%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
17.7%
Median Age
35.7
34.6
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
80.3°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
32.4"
Annual Snowfall
—
0.2"
Chicago, IL 1 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
San Antonio, TX 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
Thinking about moving? See what salary you'd need in each city.
Open Cost of Living Calculator →