salarySan Antonio is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Antonio to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,463
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,457
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$70,163
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$235,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
94.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$4,122
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$179
👥 People living there
2,711,226
1,479,835
Commute to work
33.1 min
24.5 min
College degree
44.3%
29%
Own their home
46%
52.2%
Below poverty line
16.8%
17.1%
Unemployment
8%
6.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick San Antonio for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $57,010 | -44% in San Antonio |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $58,180 | -44% in San Antonio |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $48,900 | -39% in San Antonio |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $73,860 | -31% in San Antonio |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $58,590 | -25% in San Antonio |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $63,360 | -23% in San Antonio |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,940 | $36,800 | -22% in San Antonio |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $61,720 | -21% in San Antonio |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or San Antonio cheaper to live in?
San Antonio is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,463 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in San Antonio to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $54,857 a year gives the same standard of living in San Antonio.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or San Antonio?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $70,163 in San Antonio, 20% more in Chicago.