so, what *is* cheaper in SA? (honest question, not trying to stir up trouble) (San Antonio: sale, apartment)

[needsomeinfo]

We will be moving to SA from Plano this fall. I have always heard the cost of living is cheaper in SA. So far, I have determined the housing costs the same or more, the property taxes are definitely higher (even outside the city limits), and the HOA fees are much higher as well. The electricity will be much cheaper, which is great. But I don't think that alone will offset the other costs (esp. if we buy a larger house, and use more electricity. I expect that one to be a wash).

So, question is, what else is cheaper? food? services (trash, cable, internet, etc.)? gas?

Any info would be helpful, as we want to know so we can plan our house budget accordingly.

[rd2007]

a house in SA is more expensive than Plano? I always thought housing up there was significantly more expensive? Maybe it's the particular neighborhood you're looking in or something?
and the prices here are catching up thanks to a lot of publicity on how the cost of living here is pretty low and most of the bad things happening in the rest of the country aren't really applicable here. I've read it takes longer to sell a house, but values were up 4% overall. Not a huge number, but WAY better than the depreciation in most large markets.

[firstclassflyer]

Where did you hear that SA was cheaper? Things have gone up, just as anywhere.

[needsomeinfo]

Originally Posted by firstclassflyer

Where did you hear that SA was cheaper? Things have gone up, just as anywhere.

from friends/family who lived there 5 or so years ago. maybe things have changed in the last few years.

[scuba steve]

Price differences I noticed (between Seattle and here):
Food - at the grocery store, going out, wherever: San Antonio = 10%+ Less
Milk: San Antonio = 50 cents More / gallon
Water: San Antonio = less, not sure about the factor because I was in an apartment there and used less
Electricity: ???? Haven't gotten a bill yet
Gas: 30 cents less / gallon
Housing: 60% less (King County averaged 400K per house)
Property Taxes: San Antonio was ~1 percentage point more
Cable / Internet: Same
Phone: Same, it's all mobile
Car Insurance: San Antonio is 15% Less

[firstclassflyer]

Yes, they have indeed. Prices are catching up. 5 years is an eternity here.

[SanAntoQT]

"Cheap" is such an ugly word. Let's say less expensive.

[needsomeinfo]

thanks- I guess I am just spoiled!

Plano's property tax is 2.074 (yes, in the "city" (it's all city)). for that, I get an exemplary elem schools and great middle/high schools, wonderful parks, libraries, etc. all within 2-3 miles of my house.

gas is around $3.94 right now.

I do pay $.11/kwh for electricty, which stinks. My summer electric bill is usually $350, and that's for a 2500 sq ft home set at 80 degrees most of the time.

not sure of the rates for the gas bill, but summer is usually $35 a month, winter is higher- maybe $150, due to the gas furnaces.

our HOA is voluntary, and even the mandatory ones for "normal" neighborhoods (not gated) are usually not over $300. (very expensive neighborhoods are much more, naturally). virtually none of the neighborhoods are gated, even the most exclusive ones (willow bend country, etc.)

I pay $3/gallon for milk (on sale or at Target/Wal-Mart).

so, I guess we had it really good, I just never realized *how* good!

[mamatotex97]

Hey. I'm from Plano. That's where I grew up. I remember property taxes being outrageous there. What area or price range are you considering? Plano can vary by area too, just as any city. Which end of Plano are you at? dm me if ya want.

[needsomeinfo]

Originally Posted by SanAntoQT

"Cheap" is such an ugly word. Let's say less expensive.

cheap is *never* an ugly word to me!