Dallas vs San Antonio

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Dallas feels like approximately $49,994 in San Antonio.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Dallas feels like $49,994 in San Antonio. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 29%.

Income
Housing

Dallas

San Antonio

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,648/mo
 
$1,177/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
No income tax
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,803
Remote Work Fit
Dallas is a strong remote work market, combining no state income tax, broad housing options, and a warm climate. Car dependence means transportation costs should factor into the overall picture.
 
San Antonio is one of the strongest value remote work markets — low housing costs, no state income tax, and Texas Hill Country proximity.
Walk Score
46
 
37
Comfortable
$60-80k · Dallas vs San Antonio
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Dallas, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Dallas and San Antonio each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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FAQ

Dallas vs San Antonio — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Dallas or San Antonio?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,648/mo in Dallas and $1,177/mo in San Antonio. San Antonio has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in San Antonio to match Dallas?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Dallas feels like approximately $49,994 in San Antonio — a reduction of about 29% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Dallas and San Antonio?

Dallas is in TX (no state income tax) and San Antonio is in TX (no state income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.