Quick answer
Overall prices in the Chicago, IL metro were 103.6 vs 94.7 in San Antonio, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so Chicago is 9.4% more expensive than San Antonio; housing rents differ by 18% (112.0 vs 94.6). A $75,000 income in Chicago buys about what $68,572 buys in San Antonio, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Chicago | San Antonio | Chicago vs San Antonio |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | 94.7 | +9.4% |
| Goods | 107.3 | 93.8 | +14.4% |
| Housing (rents) | 112.0 | 94.6 | +18.4% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 82.2 | +1.7% |
| Other services | 100.5 | 96.2 | +4.4% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.4 | 96.1 | +9.7% |
| $50,000 in Chicago equals in San Antonio | $45,715 | ||
| $100,000 in Chicago equals in San Antonio | $91,429 | ||
| $150,000 in Chicago equals in San Antonio | $137,144 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.