Data last updated: October 2026

Chicago, ILSan Antonio, TX

You would need around 31.1% less money in San Antonio, TX to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

31.1%

San Antonio, TX is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,514 USD
Difference-37.1%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B284 USD
Difference-3.1%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B4,148 USD
Difference-19.2%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in San Antonio, TX is 31.1% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in San Antonio, TX's center costs around 1,514 USD, which is a staggering 37.1% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:To securely access your home banking and streaming services while living abroad, grab a reliable VPN like NordVPN before relocating.Check out NordVPN

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in San Antonio, TX to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in San Antonio, TX

3,540 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX and investing the 31% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 4.7 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local San Antonio, TX prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1514 USD
Groceries284 USD
Utilities & Internet280 USD

Investment Planner

You save 892 USD every month on rent alone by moving to San Antonio, TX.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~149,856 USD in 10 years.