Quick answer
Memphis costs $240/month less overall ($1,455 vs $1,695/mo). Both cities have None state income tax, so the rent gap is the real difference.
City Comparison · 2026
Memphis vs San Antonio
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Memphis vs San Antonio at a Glance
| Metric | Memphis | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $980 ✓ | $1,480 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,220 ✓ | $1,480 |
| Median Home Price | $195K ✓ | $285K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $150 ✓ | $175 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $325 ✓ | $340 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,455 ✓ | $1,695 |
| Walk Score | 36/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 28/100 ✓ | 28/100 |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | None |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Memphis's 1BR averages $980/month vs $1,180 in San Antonio — a $200/month difference, or $2,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Both cities carry the same state income tax rate (None), so this isn't a differentiator.
Home buying: Median homes in Memphis are $195K vs $285K in San Antonio. At a 20% down payment, that's a $18,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: San Antonio utilities run $25 more per month than Memphis.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Memphis, TN
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Memphis. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
San Antonio, TX
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in San Antonio. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Memphis
Hot humid summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms, high annual rainfall
San Antonio
Hot and humid summers (similar to Houston, slightly less rain), mild winters, occasional ice storms
Job Market
Memphis top industries
San Antonio top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Memphis if…
- →You're a logistics / supply chain workers
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a musicians
- →You're a remote workers seeking extreme affordability
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to San Antonio if…
- →You're a military families
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a retirees
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or San Antonio cheaper to live in?
Memphis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,455 in Memphis vs $1,695 in San Antonio — a $240/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Memphis or San Antonio?
San Antonio is more walkable with a Walk Score of 36/100 vs 36/100. Memphis is more car-dependent.
Memphis vs San Antonio: which has lower state income tax?
Both Memphis and San Antonio have the same state income tax rate (None).
Is Memphis or San Antonio better for buying a home?
Memphis has lower median home prices at $195K vs $285K in San Antonio — a $90,000 difference on the median home.