San Antonio, TX vs Columbus, GA

Cost of Living Comparison — 2026

Renters in Columbus, GA spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 10% higher in San Antonio, TX. Home prices in San Antonio, TX run 17% higher.

$62,917
Income in San Antonio
$56,622
Income in Columbus
$1,258
Rent in San Antonio
$1,072
Rent in Columbus

Detailed Comparison

Metric
San Antonio, TX
Columbus, GA
Difference
Median Household Income
$62,917
$56,622
10% lower
Median Home Value
$219,700
$182,300
17% less
Median Monthly Rent
$1,258
$1,072
15% less
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,235
$1,064
14% less
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
6.0%
5% more
Population
1,458,954
204,383

Housing Costs and Affordability

A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In San Antonio, TX, renters allocate roughly 24.0% of median household income to rent (within that threshold). In Columbus, GA, the figure is 22.7% , making Columbus, GA the easier city for renters on a budget.

For prospective homebuyers, the price-to-income ratio tells you how many years of gross income it takes to match the median home price. In San Antonio, TX, that ratio is 3.5x. Homes cost 3.5 times the median annual income. In Columbus, GA, it's 3.2x. Homeownership is relatively more accessible in Columbus, GA.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,235 in San Antonio and $1,064 in Columbus. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in San Antonio, TX is $62,917; in Columbus, GA it is $56,622. That's a $6,295 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.

Unemployment stands at 5.7% in San Antonio and 6.0% in Columbus. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 52.0% in San Antonio versus 47.0% in Columbus.

Population

San Antonio, TX has a population of 1,458,954, making it the larger of the two cities. Columbus, GA has 204,383 residents. City size affects everything from transit options and job market depth to cost pressures. Larger metros typically see higher housing demand.

Data Sources

All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Income, housing, and employment figures represent the most recent available estimates. Data is refreshed as new Census releases become available.

Verify this data at data.census.gov