Question 1

Is Arlington or San Antonio cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

San Antonio, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $449/month less than in Arlington, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,723/mo in Arlington versus $1,426/mo in San Antonio.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs San Antonio?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,500/year before tax in Arlington, TX and $66,000/year in San Antonio, TX — a difference of about $9,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or San Antonio cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

San Antonio, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $10,055/month in Arlington and $8,835/month in San Antonio, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or San Antonio?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. San Antonio costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Arlington71	San Antonio65
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,277	$3,828
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,055	$8,835
Salary for comfort	$75,500/yr	$66,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,723	$1,426
Median home value	$276,400	$219,700
Median household income	$73,519	$62,917
Unemployment	4.7%	4.7%
Housing score	57	67
Jobs score	51	43
Safety score	65	35
Climate score	94	94
Amenities score	73	54
Population	394.8K	1.5M
Summer high / winter low	95° / 36°	95° / 41°

Arlington, TX vs San Antonio, TX