San Antonio, TX vs Urban Honolulu, HI

Cost of Living Comparison — 2026

Renters in San Antonio, TX spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 36% higher in Urban Honolulu, HI. Home prices in Urban Honolulu, HI run 280% higher.

$62,917
Income in San Antonio
$85,428
Income in Urban Honolulu
$1,258
Rent in San Antonio
$1,783
Rent in Urban Honolulu

Detailed Comparison

Metric
San Antonio, TX
Urban Honolulu, HI
Difference
Median Household Income
$62,917
$85,428
36% higher
Median Home Value
$219,700
$834,100
280% more
Median Monthly Rent
$1,258
$1,783
42% more
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,235
$1,809
46% more
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
4.7%
18% less
Population
1,458,954
346,323

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 Urban Honolulu, HI, the figure is 25.0% , 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 Urban Honolulu, HI, it's 9.8x. Homes are relatively more attainable in San Antonio, TX.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,235 in San Antonio and $1,809 in Urban Honolulu. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in San Antonio, TX is $62,917; in Urban Honolulu, HI it is $85,428. That's a $22,511 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.

Unemployment stands at 5.7% in San Antonio and 4.7% in Urban Honolulu. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 52.0% in San Antonio versus 55.4% in Urban Honolulu.

Population

San Antonio, TX has a population of 1,458,954, making it the larger of the two cities. Urban Honolulu, HI has 346,323 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