Average Rent in San Antonio 2026
The average rent in San Antonio, TX is $1,100 for a 1-bedroom, $1,400 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,800 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in San Antonio is 9% below the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $44,000.
San Antonio Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,100
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,400
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,800
per month
Cost of Living in San Antonio
91
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
San Antonio's cost of living index is 91, which is 9% below the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
San Antonio at a Glance
Population
1.4M
Median Income
$55,157
COL Index
91
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in San Antonio?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in San Antonio by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,100/mo rent
$44,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,400/mo rent
$56,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$1,800/mo rent
$72,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in San Antonio
Save $400/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,100
per month
Split 2BR
$700
per person/month
Annual Savings
$4,800
per year
Instead of paying $1,100 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,400) with one roommate brings your share to $700. That is $4,800 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in San Antonio
San Antonio, TX does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for San Antonio Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your San Antonio rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in San Antonio
Is San Antonio expensive to rent in?
San Antonio is one of the most affordable large cities in the US for renters. A 1-bedroom averages $1,100 per month in 2026, about 9% below the national average. Texas has no state income tax, making it even more budget-friendly. The Pearl District and Downtown are pricier, while the far West and South sides offer lower rents.
How much income do you need to rent in San Antonio?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $3,667 per month ($44,000 annually) to afford an average $1,100/month 1-bedroom apartment in San Antonio.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in San Antonio?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,400/month) with one roommate brings your share to $700, saving $400 per month or $4,800 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in San Antonio?