Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Median Income: $56,274
Population: 641,903
Median Income: $53,420
Population: 1,547,253
When comparing Las Vegas and San Antonio, the overall cost of living differs by 15.7%. Las Vegas carries a cost index of 102 compared to San Antonio's 86, meaning your dollar stretches 16% further in San Antonio.
Housing is where the most significant gap appears between these two cities. San Antonio has a housing index of 78 compared to Las Vegas's 105. This 27-point difference translates to substantial monthly savings on rent or mortgage payments in San Antonio.
San Antonio is more affordable across all categories.
San Antonio is more affordable for: Housing, Food & Groceries, Transportation, Healthcare, Utilities, Entertainment.
If you earn $60,000 in Las Vegas, you would need $50,588 in San Antonio to maintain the same standard of living. For a $100,000 salary, the equivalent would be $84,314.
The median household income in Las Vegas is $56,274 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. While Las Vegas has higher incomes, the higher cost of living may offset this advantage.
Safety: Las Vegas scores 5/10 while San Antonio scores 6/10 in our safety assessment.
Weather: Las Vegas has an edge in climate with a 7/10 weather score compared to San Antonio's 6/10.
Job Market: Las Vegas's job market (7/10) is stronger than San Antonio's (6/10).
San Antonio is the more affordable option overall, but cost is just one factor in deciding where to live. Consider your career opportunities, family needs, and lifestyle preferences alongside the financial comparison. Las Vegas may justify its higher costs with unique cultural amenities that many residents find worthwhile.
