San Antonio, TX vs Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison — 2026

Renters in Denver, CO spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 46% higher in Denver, CO. Home prices in Denver, CO run 167% higher.

$62,917
Income in San Antonio
$91,681
Income in Denver
$1,258
Rent in San Antonio
$1,770
Rent in Denver

Detailed Comparison

Metric
San Antonio, TX
Denver, CO
Difference
Median Household Income
$62,917
$91,681
46% higher
Median Home Value
$219,700
$586,700
167% more
Median Monthly Rent
$1,258
$1,770
41% more
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,235
$1,839
49% more
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
4.6%
19% less
Population
1,458,954
713,734

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 Denver, CO, the figure is 23.2% , making Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO, it's 6.4x. Homes are relatively more attainable in San Antonio, TX.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,235 in San Antonio and $1,839 in Denver. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in San Antonio, TX is $62,917; in Denver, CO it is $91,681. That's a $28,764 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.

Unemployment stands at 5.7% in San Antonio and 4.6% in Denver. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 52.0% in San Antonio versus 62.1% in Denver.

Population

San Antonio, TX has a population of 1,458,954, making it the larger of the two cities. Denver, CO has 713,734 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