Affordable Alternatives to San Antonio

Cities ranked by lifestyle match — walkability, job market, and cost of living — not just the cheapest price tag.

COL Index87100 = US avg

1BR Rent$1,100/mo

Walk Score36/100

State Income TaxNone

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Openbank

Openbank 12-Month CD

4.45%APY

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Peak Bank

Peak Bank 12-Month CD

4.42%APY

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Stay in Texas

Cheaper cities within Texas — same state laws, familiar surroundings.

More affordable metros

All other established metros cheaper than San Antonio, sorted by cost of living.

🎵 Jackson, MS

COL 791BR $1,000/moSave $100/mo on rent9% cheaper

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🎯 Springfield, MO

COL 791BR $950/moSave $150/mo on rent9% cheaper

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⚙️ Montgomery, AL

COL 811BR $1,050/moSave $50/mo on rent7% cheaper

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🎷 Shreveport, LA

COL 811BR $1,000/moSave $100/mo on rent7% cheaper

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🌻 Toledo, OH

COL 811BR $1,050/moSave $50/mo on rent7% cheaper

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🏁 Fort Wayne, IN

COL 811BR $1,000/moSave $100/mo on rent7% cheaper

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San Antonio at a glance

COL index

100 = US avg

$1,100

1BR rent

per month

$260K

Home price

median

None

State tax

income

Cities with similar cost of living

Detroit, MICOL: 87 Lakeland, FLCOL: 87 Winston-Salem, NCCOL: 87 Columbia, SCCOL: 87

COL data: Numbeo, Zillow, BLS · Walk scores: Walk Score® · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only