Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physical therapist in San Antonio earns roughly $90,309/yr (~$5,595/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,180/mo — that's 21% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
TX · 2026
Can a Physical Therapist Afford to Live in San Antonio?
Using local salary estimates and San Antonio's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physical therapist in San Antonio, TX in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$90,309/yr local estimate
$7,526
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
None state income tax
-$1,931
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$5,595
1BR rent
21% of take-home
-$1,180
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$175
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$340
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$3,550
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physical therapist in San Antonio could save roughly $17,040/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 21% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 21% of take-home pay, a physical therapist in San Antonio is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
No state income tax in TX meaningfully helps. A physical therapist earning $90,309/yr saves roughly $4,064/year compared to a 4.5% state income tax state — that's equivalent to one month of rent.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $90,309/yr — adjusted from the national Physical Therapist median of $99,710/yr based on San Antonio's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio for a Physical Therapist
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
King William Historic District
Victorian mansions, Riverwalk adjacent, arts community, most historic; 1BR $1,300–1,700
Southtown / Blue Star
Arts galleries, walkable, independent restaurants, young professionals; 1BR $1,200–1,600
Pearl District / Midtown
Best farmers market in Texas, food hall, converted brewery, premium; 1BR $1,500–2,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physical Therapist in San Antonio?
A Physical Therapist in San Antonio earns approximately $90,309 per year, based on the national BLS median of $99,710/yr adjusted for San Antonio's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is San Antonio affordable for a physical therapist in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 21% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physical therapist can live comfortably in San Antonio with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physical Therapist get in San Antonio?
After federal taxes, no state income tax, and FICA, a Physical Therapist earning $90,309/yr takes home roughly $5,595/month in San Antonio.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physical Therapist in San Antonio?
A 1-bedroom apartment in San Antonio costs a median of $1,180/month. On a Physical Therapist salary, that's 21% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.