Texas is known for many of its cities, including Houston, Austin, and Dallas. Another popular city in the Lone Star state is San Antonio. San Antonio, which is the second largest city in the state, is home to more than 1.3 million people, yet still retains the look and feel of a small town. The city is home to the world-famous San Antonio River Walk, the Alamo, and rich Texan culture and history.
If you’re considering moving to San Antonio, there are definitely some things you’ll want to research before calling this new place your home. Keep reading to learn about the cost of living in San Antonio.
Affordable Living in a Large City
Unlike other larger cities in Texas, such as Dallas or Austin, San Antonio is reasonably affordable. In fact, according to PayScale, the cost of living is 14% lower than the national average. Common expense categories are also well below the national average. You can expect to spend 10% less on health care, 18% less on groceries, and 25% less on housing. You’ll also save money on utilities, transportation, and other living expenses.
In San Antonio, the average salary is around $43,740. You’re likely to find a higher salary by working in the technology or banking industries. If you’re looking to purchase a house, the average home cost is $185,457. For renters, you can expect to pay around $879 a month.
Along with the lower cost of living, a great perk of moving to Texas is that there’s no state income tax. This means that come payday, you can expect to have more money in your wallet than you’re used to. However, be aware that the lack of a state tax does mean that property and business taxes are a bit higher.
The Fine Grain Details
Cost of living is much more than taxes and housing costs. There are many other expenses, both large and small, that you’ll want to know about before moving to San Antonio.
Utilities
Housing costs are important to note, but you also want to be well aware of how much you can expect to pay each month for utilities. On average, residents pay $57.52 a month for Internet services. Prices range from $44.99 to $85.00 a month. If you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck, compare pricing on internet providers in San Antonio on Digitalexits.
Utility costs, including heating and cooling, electricity, water, and garbage average around $168.39 a month. This number is based on a 915 square foot apartment. Depending on the size of your home and your energy usage, you may spend more or less.
Transportation
The average commuter spends around 25 minutes getting to and from work. The key to avoiding traffic is avoiding rush hours and figuring out which times are best for less congested roads. The good news is that gas prices have continued to decrease, falling 9 cents to an average of $2.05 in December 2018.
If you prefer to travel using public transportation, biking, or walking, San Antonio is a great city for each of these options. The city offers a public bus system called VIA Metropolitan. The system offers 89 bus lines along with a streetcar in the downtown area. San Antonio also runs a bike-sharing program called B-cycle. Rent a bike on the app and pedal to your destination!
Depending on where you choose to live in the city, you’ll find that some areas are more pedestrian friendly than others. The River Walk spans 15 miles, though you’ll face a large tourist crowd closer to downtown, especially during the warmer months.
The top walkable neighborhoods in San Antonio include:
- Downtown
- South Broadway/Tobin Hill
- Lavaca
- Alamo Heights
No matter how you plan to get around the city, you can have peace of mind that San Antonio is easy to get around. But, for the most flexibility, it’s best to have a car.
The Job Market
San Antonio has a huge tourism industry. While the River Walk and the Alamo attract millions of visitors each year, the city is also well-known for its booming financial and big tech industries. You’ll find large and small companies that support a range of industries including biosciences, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
San Antonio is also home to several military installations including Lackland Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, Joint Base San Antonio, and Randolph Air Force Base.
Conclusion
Moving to San Antonio may be the best decision you’ve ever made! Before making the leap, ensure you know the ins and outs of the city, especially cost of living. There’s no better feeling than knowing that you’re moving to a location where you can thrive in your career, education, and of course, financially.
