San Antonio, TX
Some of the lowest prices on the list, no state income tax, and a slower pace.
San Antonio offers a wide price gap for anyone moving from LA to San Antonio. In the most recent Redfin data the typical San Antonio home sold for about $265K, versus about $904K for the typical LA County zip code. Pair that with no state income tax on wages and it is easy to see why the city shows up on so many shortlists.
The money picture
| Typical LA County zip | San Antonio, TX | |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $904K | $265K |
| Median price per sq ft | $588 | $153 |
| Median days on market | n/a | 64 |
| State income tax on wages | Progressive, top rate 13.3% | None on wages (Texas has no personal income tax) |
Market figures: Redfin Data Center. San Antonio: May 2026, all residential. LA: median of LA County zip-code medians, Mar 2026 to May 2026. Medians are a rough guide and hide a wide range of homes. Tax rates as published by each state for tax year 2026; rates change, so verify with the state's revenue department.
The typical detached house in San Antonio sold for about $267K, and the typical condo for about $160K. Price per square foot ran about $153, compared with about $588 in LA. The market has been slower than LA's, with a median of 64 days on market and an average sale price of about 96.7% of list price, which generally gives buyers more time to compare.
For an LA owner, equity is the asset that makes the numbers move. With a median near $265K against roughly $904K in LA, the proceeds from an LA sale can cover a San Antonio purchase with room to spare in many cases, depending on the home sold and any loan payoff. Some sellers buy outright and keep the rest in reserve. Others trade up to a much larger home or a newer build. Because the gap in price per square foot is so wide, the choice is usually less about whether the money stretches and more about how to balance space, location and the ongoing property tax bill.
Texas has no personal income tax. Texas relies heavily on local property taxes instead, so combined rates are generally well above what long-time California owners pay under Prop 13. Rates depend on the combined local taxing districts for each address, and Texas offers homestead exemptions on a primary residence. Homeowners insurance costs have also been rising in Texas. The Texas Comptroller covers how property tax works statewide, and the county appraisal district has the figures for a specific property.
Say an LA owner sells and buys a home in San Antonio near the $267K detached-house median. On $200,000 of wage income, Texas state income tax would be $0. The ongoing costs to compare are the property tax bill (set by that address's combined local rate, less any exemption) and insurance. The year of the move usually involves a part-year California return, and deductions and timing vary, so a CPA is the right person to check real numbers.
What people tend to weigh
- Climate. Hot summers, short mild winters, and occasional heavy spring and fall storms.
- Housing stock. Historic homes in older neighborhoods near downtown, and a large share of newer subdivisions on the edges of the city.
- Getting back. San Antonio International has nonstop flights to LA, and Austin is roughly an hour and a half up the highway.
- Total cost, not just price. A lower purchase price can still come with a meaningful property tax and insurance bill. Many buyers price out all three together.
Comparing Texas options? See the Austin guide and the Houston guide.
Common questions
How much does a home cost in San Antonio compared with Los Angeles?
The typical San Antonio home sold for about $265K ($153 per square foot) in Redfin's May 2026 data, versus about $904K ($588 per square foot) for a typical LA County zip code. Medians hide a wide range of homes.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
None on wages (Texas has no personal income tax). California's top marginal rate is 13.3%. Tax rules change, so confirm current rates with the state's revenue department and a CPA.
How fast are homes selling in San Antonio?
Homes in San Antonio had a median of 64 days on market and sold for about 96.7% of list price on average (Redfin, May 2026).
What could $1 million from an LA sale buy in San Antonio?
As a rough illustration, $1 million at San Antonio's median of $153 per square foot works out to about 6,540 square feet, compared with about 1,700 at the LA median. Use the calculator on this page for your own numbers.
The move starts with the sale.
Before you land anywhere, your LA home has to sell, and how it sells sets your budget for everything after. The seller's playbook covers timing, California withholding at closing, transfer taxes and the questions to bring your CPA.