Relocating or just visiting Texas requires a good understanding of the differences between cities like Houston and San Antonio. This comprehensive comparison, spanning from crime rates to cultural offerings, will help you decide between these two unique destinations. Each city has its distinct advantages, and depending on your lifestyle, job sector, and preferences on the factors below, one might suit you better than the other.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
San Antonio, TX : 189.2 miles
Houston's population is larger by 58%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of San Antonio has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) during that time.
Safety is an important aspect while considering relocation or visitation. Houston ranks higher on the crime index, meaning it has a slightly higher crime rate than San Antonio. However, crime rates differ by neighborhood in both cities, so choosing a safe neighborhood is key. Both cities have well-trained police departments and community safety programs to enhance resident and visitor security.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 7,864 registered sex offenders living in Houston and 3,766 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in San Antonio is 396 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Houston than in San Antonio.
Cost of Living
Texas is generally affordable, but there is a noticeable difference between Houston and San Antonio. Houston's cost of living index is somewhat higher, attributed to higher housing costs and slightly higher overall living expenses. San Antonio offers a more affordable lifestyle.
Income Tax
Just like every other city in Texas, Houston and San Antonio residents do not pay state or local income tax. The state's economic growth is mainly funded by sales tax and property tax revenues.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Houston are generally higher than in San Antonio. Given the scale and diversity of property types in Houston, this may translate into a significant amount depending on the property value.
Sales Tax
Both cities bear the same sales tax rate of 8.25% since they are within the same state. It's also worth noting that Texas does not levy a state income tax, which might be beneficial to some residents.
Income
Type
Houston
San Antonio
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$54,923
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$28,860
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
87.7
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $55,416 in Houston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston's proximity to the Gulf Coast affects its geographical conditions, making it more likely to experience hurricanes. It is also notably flat, contributing to occasional flooding. San Antonio features a more hilly landscape due to its location in the Texas Hill Country.
Houston has some of the top-rated schools in Texas, with numerous excellent universities like Rice University and University of Houston. San Antonio also offers a broad range of educational options, including top-ranked Northside School District and University of Texas at San Antonio. Both cities cater to the education needs of preschool through college-age students.
Houston's economy leans heavily towards energy, healthcare, and aerospace, while San Antonio's economy is heavily reliant upon military, healthcare, tourism, and finance. Houston has a higher average income, but San Antonio has a lower unemployment rate. Both cities offer a stable economy and growing job market.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Houston include Texas Medical Center, Walmart, and NASA. San Antonio's biggest employers include the military (particularly the Air Force and Army), public school systems, and healthcare providers like Methodist Healthcare System.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
San Antonio
Houston
San Antonio
Houston
San Antonio
2020
56.0%
58.3%
42.7%
40.1%
1.3%
1.5%
2016
54.0%
54.2%
41.6%
40.8%
4.4%
5.0%
2012
49.4%
51.6%
49.3%
47.1%
1.3%
1.4%
2008
50.5%
52.3%
48.9%
46.7%
0.6%
1.0%
2004
44.6%
44.5%
54.9%
55.0%
0.5%
0.6%
2000
43.0%
44.9%
54.4%
52.3%
2.6%
2.7%
1996
45.2%
49.7%
49.2%
44.6%
5.6%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
San Antonio
Houston
San Antonio
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
30.8%
3.6%
8.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
6.8%
26.8%
23.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
1.2%
1.6%
0.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.6%
1.4%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.7%
1.5%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.6%
1.1%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.2%
1.7%
1.3%
Weather
Houston and San Antonio share a similar climate – hot, humid summers and mild winters. Houston, however, is located closer to the Gulf Coast, which essentially makes its weather slightly more humid than San Antonio. Hurricane season also affects Houston more due to its proximity to the coast.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
San Antonio
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
68.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
74.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
37%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
32.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
1.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
62.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
48%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.9 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
San Antonio
Houston
San Antonio
Houston
San Antonio
Houston
San Antonio
Houston
San Antonio
Houston
San Antonio
Houston
San Antonio
2018
102
83
0.19
N/A
9.2
4.9
21.5
25.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
8.0
0.3
0.2
2017
96
85
0.16
N/A
9.4
5.1
23.1
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
8.4
0.3
1.7
2016
91
79
0.16
N/A
10.4
5.2
22.7
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.2
0.2
0.8
2015
109
76
0.15
N/A
10.1
4.7
21.7
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
9.2
0.2
0.7
2014
98
84
0.24
N/A
10.4
5.5
21.8
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
9.5
0.3
0.6
2013
106
79
0.25
N/A
11.1
4.1
23.0
28.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
9.0
0.4
0.7
2012
115
77
0.25
N/A
11.6
4.5
23.8
27.5
N/A
N/A
18.1
N/A
11.1
9.2
0.5
N/A
2011
118
85
0.27
N/A
10.8
4.6
24.6
29.2
N/A
N/A
18.9
N/A
11.5
9.9
0.8
N/A
2010
110
75
0.25
0.21
12.8
7.2
22.8
25.8
N/A
N/A
17.1
N/A
11.4
9.2
1.1
N/A
2009
115
74
0.21
0.23
10.5
8.3
22.1
25.7
N/A
N/A
19.5
N/A
11.4
9.8
1.0
0.4
2008
105
84
0.30
0.26
13.1
9.3
22.1
26.8
0.006
N/A
19.8
N/A
12.4
10.1
1.3
0.5
2007
119
83
0.31
0.49
15.2
9.3
20.5
26.3
0.006
N/A
23.4
N/A
13.5
10.3
1.9
N/A
2006
134
86
0.32
0.51
14.6
9.7
22.3
32.7
0.006
N/A
24.8
N/A
13.0
9.8
2.3
N/A
2005
126
86
0.42
0.53
16.3
10.7
22.8
30.8
0.005
N/A
22.3
N/A
13.9
10.1
3.5
N/A
2004
137
76
0.44
0.48
17.7
10.4
20.4
29.6
0.010
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
N/A
2003
146
77
0.62
0.57
17.0
10.3
20.9
28.5
0.009
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
N/A
2002
128
88
0.55
0.52
16.1
11.2
19.7
30.3
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
N/A
2001
147
78
0.44
0.57
18.4
11.9
19.6
29.3
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
N/A
2000
136
82
0.50
0.52
17.0
11.7
22.0
29.6
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
San Antonio
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
91.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
73.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
21%
Transportation
Houston has a fairly extensive public transit system and a high commuter population, leading to heavy traffic at peak times. San Antonio's public transportation is less extensive, but the city has less congestion and generally shorter commute times. Parking is easier and cheaper in San Antonio compared to Houston.
Transport
Type
Houston
San Antonio
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
987
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
29
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
San Antonio
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
2.4%
1.6%
Carpooled
11.1%
12.9%
Car alone
81.2%
81.9%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.1%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
San Antonio
Average
32 min
27 min
Other means
27.1 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
43.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
San Antonio
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
84.6%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
10.4%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
3.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Houston offers a more expensive real estate market than San Antonio. However, with the higher cost comes a wide range of housing options – everything from urban lofts to suburban homes. San Antonio's real estate market is more affordable, with a focus on family homes and downtown apartments.
Neighborhoods
Each city offers neighborhoods with unique vibes. In Houston, inner Loop neighborhoods like West University and Montrose are popular for their diversity and cultural amenities. In contrast, San Antonio's Alamo Heights and Stone Oak are well-known for their charm, family-friendly atmosphere, and close-knit community.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
San Antonio
Houses
1,028,763
603,670
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.7
Median year apartment built
1985
1987
Median year house/condo built
1976
1981
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
14.3 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
549,245 (91%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
290,123 (52.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
259,122 (47.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$1,143
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$1,101
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$189,213
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$197,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
$238,319
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
$407,491
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$120,363
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$163,867
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$105,850
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$50,694
$20,297
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
$188,542
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
$234,615
Median house age
40
37
Renting percentage
54.6%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
1,481.2
House value disparities
40.9%
33.6%
Household income disparities
49%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$87,382
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$60,785
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
5,815 (3.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
6,350 (3.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
160,674 (96.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
129 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
7,761 (4.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
2.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
1.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
San Antonio
One, detached
43.2%
60.4%
One, attached
4.8%
2.7%
Two
2.2%
2.2%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.9%
5 to 9
7.1%
7.8%
10 to 19
10.9%
8.5%
20 to 49
7.7%
5.4%
50 or more
18.6%
6.6%
Mobile homes
0.9%
1.5%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
75,956
46,328
State government workers
38,359
29,486
Unpaid family workers
2,429
657
Industries and Occupations
Houston is globally recognized for oil, gas exploration, and healthcare. It also has a substantial presence in biomedical research and aeronautics. San Antonio, on the other hand, is home to significant military bases and prominent healthcare systems. It also maintains a large hospitality and tourism sector.
Both cities provide high-quality healthcare. Houston's Texas Medical Center is the largest medical complex in the world, known for cutting-edge medical treatment. San Antonio also offers robust healthcare services with a focus on military medicine, pediatric care, and cancer treatment.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
San Antonio
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have been investing in their infrastructure. Houston's larger size results in a more extensive infrastructure in terms of highways, roads, bridges, and public buildings. However, San Antonio is also rapidly expanding its infrastructure to support its growth and is known for its well-maintained city features.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
San Antonio
Hospitals
156
130
TV stations
26
30
Arenas or stadiums
6
2
Bank branches located here
755
333
Bank institutions located here
81
41
Main business address for public companies
197
23
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
7
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
San Antonio
1999
9,163
6,847
2000
0
2,930
2001
0
2,383
2002
0
2,313
2003
8,173
3,759
2004
11,803
5,180
2005
15,127
6,554
2006
16,911
6,983
2007
10,643
4,562
2008
4,410
1,781
2009
2,279
847
Culture and Food
In terms of culture and food, both cities boast a rich and vibrant scene. Houston is a multicultural city with a thriving arts scene, and its diverse food culture reflects its population. San Antonio is known for its historic sites, including the Alamo, and boasts a unique blend of Mexican and Texan cuisine.
Sports Teams
When it comes to sports, both cities tout successful professional teams. Houston is home to the Rockets (NBA), Astros (MLB), and Texans (NFL). Similarly, San Antonio houses the beloved Spurs (NBA), and a vibrant local sports scene.
Houston, TX
San Antonio, TX
