San Antonio, TX vs Miami, FL

Cost of Living Comparison — 2026

Renters in San Antonio, TX spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 6% higher in San Antonio, TX. Home prices in Miami, FL run 116% higher.

$62,917
Income in San Antonio
$59,390
Income in Miami
$1,258
Rent in San Antonio
$1,657
Rent in Miami

Detailed Comparison

Metric
San Antonio, TX
Miami, FL
Difference
Median Household Income
$62,917
$59,390
6% lower
Median Home Value
$219,700
$475,200
116% more
Median Monthly Rent
$1,258
$1,657
32% more
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,235
$1,666
35% more
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
4.9%
14% less
Population
1,458,954
446,663

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 Miami, FL, the figure is 33.5% , making San Antonio, TX 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 Miami, FL, it's 8.0x. Homes are relatively more attainable in San Antonio, TX.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,235 in San Antonio and $1,666 in Miami. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in San Antonio, TX is $62,917; in Miami, FL it is $59,390. That's a $3,527 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.

Unemployment stands at 5.7% in San Antonio and 4.9% in Miami. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 52.0% in San Antonio versus 56.9% in Miami.

Population

San Antonio, TX has a population of 1,458,954, making it the larger of the two cities. Miami, FL has 446,663 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