San Antonio, December 4, 2025
San Antonio, Texas, is known for its affordability compared to other major U.S. cities. Recent studies revealed that a single adult requires an annual income of approximately $93,355 for comfortable living, significantly lower than the national average. For families of four, the needed income is nearly $200,000, yet the median household income in the city falls just under $43,000. The report showcases ongoing challenges regarding housing affordability, with many renters exceeding the recommended income percentage for rent.
San Antonio’s Cost of Living: What You Need to Live Comfortably
San Antonio, Texas, is recognized for its affordability compared to other major U.S. cities. Recent studies have quantified the income required for residents to live comfortably in the Alamo City.
Income Requirements for Comfortable Living
According to a study, a single adult in San Antonio needs an annual income of approximately $93,355 to live comfortably. This figure is about $14,000 below the national average for similar-sized metropolitan areas. For a family of four, the required combined income is nearly $200,000, which is $30,000 less than the national threshold for such families. Despite these lower requirements, the median household income in San Antonio is just under $43,000, indicating a significant gap between actual earnings and the income needed for comfortable living.
Housing Affordability
Housing costs in San Antonio are relatively low. A report shows that renters need an annual income of $58,590 to comfortably afford a typical apartment, which has a median rent of $1,465. This is lower than the national average income requirement of $80,949 for similar housing. However, over 50% of San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area tenants exceeded the recommended 30% of income spent on rent in 2022, highlighting ongoing affordability challenges.
Comparative Affordability
San Antonio ranks as the 10th most affordable large metropolitan area in the U.S. for comfortable living, with a single adult needing an income of $93,355. This is approximately $14,000 less than the national average for similar-sized cities. For a family of four, the required combined income is nearly $200,000, which is $30,000 below the national threshold for such families. Despite these lower requirements, the median household income in San Antonio is just under $43,000, indicating a significant gap between actual earnings and the income needed for comfortable living.
Conclusion
While San Antonio offers a lower cost of living compared to many other U.S. cities, there remains a considerable disparity between the income required for comfortable living and the median household income. Residents and policymakers may need to address this gap to ensure a higher quality of life for all San Antonio residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the required income for a single adult to live comfortably in San Antonio?
A single adult in San Antonio needs an annual income of approximately $93,355 to live comfortably.
How does San Antonio’s cost of living compare to other U.S. cities?
San Antonio ranks as the 10th most affordable large metropolitan area in the U.S. for comfortable living, with a single adult needing an income of $93,355, which is approximately $14,000 less than the national average for similar-sized cities.
What is the median household income in San Antonio?
The median household income in San Antonio is just under $43,000, indicating a significant gap between actual earnings and the income needed for comfortable living.
How much income is needed to afford a typical apartment in San Antonio?
Renters in San Antonio need an annual income of $58,590 to comfortably afford a typical apartment, which has a median rent of $1,465.
What percentage of income should be spent on rent?
Experts recommend that renters spend no more than 30% of their monthly income on rent and utilities.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Cost of Living
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Income Required for Comfortable Living (Single Adult) | $93,355 annually |
| Income Required for Comfortable Living (Family of Four) | Nearly $200,000 combined annually |
| Median Household Income | Just under $43,000 |
| Annual Income Needed to Afford Typical Apartment | $58,590 |
| Median Rent for Typical Apartment | $1,465 monthly |
| Recommended Percentage of Income for Rent | 30% or less |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
