San Antonio and Austin are vibrant Texas cities that offer residents and tourists a unique blend of modern living and rich cultural heritage. Despite their proximity, these two cities have distinct differences in regards to crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries, and occupations. From individual standout features such as San Antonio's historic attractions and Austin's lively music scene, to their varied taxation and real estate markets, choosing between these two cities depends widely on one's preferences and lifestyle.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Austin, TX : 74.5 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 51%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Austin has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) during that time.
In terms of crime and safety, both cities have their pros and cons. Austin reportedly has a lower crime rate than San Antonio, particularly in terms of property crime. However, both cities are consistently working to improve safety measures. Residents of both cities report feeling safe, particularly in suburban neighborhoods or gated communities. For tourists, as with any busy urban area, it is advisable to maintain vigilance and be mindful of personal safety.
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 3,767 registered sex offenders living in San Antonio and 1,428 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in Austin is 664 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in San Antonio than in Austin.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin is generally higher than San Antonio. Housing is notably more expensive in Austin, with both rental and purchase prices surpassing those in San Antonio. Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare also tend to be more expensive in Austin. San Antonio is often cited as one of the most affordable big cities in America, offering a lower cost of living while still providing many benefits of big city living.
Income Tax
Texas is one of the few states that does not collect state income tax. This applies to both Austin and San Antonio. While this can be a significant advantage for both residents and relocators, it’s also important to note that other taxes like property taxes can be higher to compensate.
Property Tax
While the state of Texas does not impose an income tax, it does have higher property tax rates. Both Austin and San Antonio have similar average property tax rates, but Austin's higher property values result in more tax dollars paid.
Sales Tax
Both cities have the same sales tax rate due to the statewide mandate of Texas, currently at 6.25%. They also have additional local taxes, bringing the total sales tax to 8.25% in both Austin and San Antonio. This is important for both residents and tourists when considering the final cost of goods and services.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Austin
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$79,542
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$53,937
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
96.4
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $54,960 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin, located in Central Texas Hill Country, features more hilly terrain, with numerous green spaces and access to several lakes. San Antonio, located in south-central Texas, is flatter and lies closer to the Texas Gulf Coast, making it slightly more humid. Both cities have access to various outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and water sports.
Austin is renowned for its vibrant educational scene, epitomized by the presence of the University of Texas. Austin schools are generally ranked higher than those in San Antonio. However, San Antonio has a diverse range of educational institutions, including some high-performing schools. Both cities offer a variety of educational opportunities for lifelong learning and development.
Economically, Austin is considered a tech hub, thanks largely to the emergence of "Silicon Hills." The city boasts numerous start-ups and tech companies, including Dell and IBM. In contrast, San Antonio's economy is driven by healthcare, tourism, military, and civil service sectors. However, both cities have robust economies, offering a variety of job opportunities in diverse fields.
Biggest Employers
In Austin, the biggest employers include the State of Texas, the University of Texas at Austin, Dell Technologies, and the City of Austin. In San Antonio, top employers comprise the City of San Antonio, USAA, HEB, and several medical and healthcare groups such as University Health System and Methodist Healthcare System.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Austin
San Antonio
Austin
San Antonio
Austin
2020
58.3%
71.7%
40.1%
26.5%
1.5%
1.8%
2016
54.2%
65.8%
40.8%
27.2%
5.0%
7.0%
2012
51.6%
60.2%
47.1%
36.2%
1.4%
3.6%
2008
52.3%
63.8%
46.7%
34.4%
1.0%
1.8%
2004
44.5%
56.1%
55.0%
42.1%
0.6%
1.8%
2000
44.9%
41.7%
52.3%
47.0%
2.7%
11.3%
1996
49.7%
52.4%
44.6%
40.0%
5.7%
7.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Austin
San Antonio
Austin
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
17.3%
8.6%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
8.0%
23.5%
22.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
1.2%
0.8%
0.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.9%
1.0%
2.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
1.4%
1.6%
2.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
1.0%
2.2%
2.5%
Weather
Both Austin and San Antonio experience hot summers and mild winters, characteristic of the Texas climate. However, Austin generally tends to be slightly cooler than San Antonio. The latter experiences more humid and rainy weather patterns due to its closer proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. For those who enjoy warmer climates, San Antonio might be more appealing while Austin can be better for those seeking a slightly milder temperature.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Austin
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
68.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
75.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
40%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
49%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
33.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
1.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
19.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
63.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
50%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
7.2 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Austin
San Antonio
Austin
San Antonio
Austin
San Antonio
Austin
San Antonio
San Antonio
Austin
San Antonio
Austin
2018
83
76
N/A
N/A
4.9
4.9
25.6
26.7
N/A
N/A
8.0
8.7
0.2
0.2
2017
85
76
N/A
N/A
5.1
4.6
26.9
29.7
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.3
1.7
0.3
2016
79
71
N/A
N/A
5.2
4.2
25.7
29.5
N/A
N/A
8.2
8.2
0.8
0.2
2015
76
78
N/A
N/A
4.7
4.4
25.4
28.9
N/A
N/A
9.2
8.6
0.7
0.3
2014
84
74
N/A
N/A
5.5
5.2
27.3
28.3
N/A
N/A
9.5
8.7
0.6
0.5
2013
79
78
N/A
0.09
4.1
5.5
28.2
29.5
N/A
N/A
9.0
8.6
0.7
0.5
2012
77
86
N/A
0.13
4.5
5.5
27.5
30.1
18.1
N/A
9.2
8.6
N/A
N/A
2011
85
83
N/A
0.11
4.6
2.6
29.2
33.0
18.9
N/A
9.9
9.1
N/A
N/A
2010
75
77
0.21
0.05
7.2
3.2
25.8
29.4
17.1
N/A
9.2
8.8
N/A
N/A
2009
74
76
0.23
0.05
8.3
2.6
25.7
29.7
19.5
N/A
9.8
9.0
0.4
N/A
2008
84
81
0.26
0.12
9.3
3.2
26.8
30.7
19.8
N/A
10.1
9.7
0.5
N/A
2007
83
82
0.49
0.12
9.3
3.1
26.3
27.1
23.4
N/A
10.3
9.8
N/A
N/A
2006
86
89
0.51
0.14
9.7
3.8
32.7
31.3
24.8
N/A
9.8
10.0
N/A
0.2
2005
86
92
0.53
0.15
10.7
4.4
30.8
29.0
22.3
N/A
10.1
10.7
N/A
0.2
2004
76
74
0.48
0.16
10.4
3.3
29.6
26.8
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2003
77
85
0.57
0.26
10.3
4.2
28.5
28.9
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
2002
88
83
0.52
0.33
11.2
3.9
30.3
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
78
83
0.57
0.31
11.9
4.2
29.3
25.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
82
86
0.52
0.28
11.7
4.7
29.6
27.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Austin
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
137.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
80.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
29%
Transportation
For public transit, Austin has a more established system that includes buses, a commuter rail, carpooling services, taxis, and bike rentals. San Antonio’s public transportation, VIA, also offers bus and paratransit service throughout the city. However, as with most Texan cities, personal vehicles are often the preferred mode of commuting.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Austin
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
987
911
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
21
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Austin
Bicycle
0.2%
0.8%
Bus
1.6%
1.5%
Carpooled
12.9%
7.9%
Car alone
81.9%
85.9%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
2%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Austin
Average
27 min
29.9 min
Other means
23.4 min
22.7 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
37.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Austin
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
84.6%
91.2%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
6.3%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Austin is more expensive compared to San Antonio. The booming tech industry and desirability of Austin have driven up home prices and rentals, making it harder for some people to afford living in the city. San Antonio, with its more affordable cost of living, presents more budget-friendly housing options.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast a diverse selection of neighborhoods, catering to a wide array of preferences. Austin has areas like Hyde Park, which is family-friendly, and the bustling downtown core, which caters to young professionals. In San Antonio, the historic Alamo Heights and high-end Stone Oak offer suburban comforts while downtown areas offer urban living close to museums and parks.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Austin
Houses
603,670
469,156
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.4
Median year apartment built
1987
1997
Median year house/condo built
1981
1988
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
449,399 (95.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
196,458 (43.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
252,941 (56.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,286
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,521
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$549,769
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$482,900
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
4.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$595,996
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$393,984
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$262,826
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$576,111
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$56,102
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$459,657
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$571,154
Median house age
37
28
Renting percentage
43.5%
54.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
1,865.3
House value disparities
33.6%
28.4%
Household income disparities
44.7%
44.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$141,177
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$86,430
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
1,799 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
6,421 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
132,628 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
206 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
8,515 (6.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
0.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Austin
One, detached
60.4%
43.1%
One, attached
2.7%
5.2%
Two
2.2%
2.4%
3 or 4
4.9%
4.1%
5 to 9
7.8%
7.2%
10 to 19
8.5%
11.0%
20 to 49
5.4%
8.9%
50 or more
6.6%
17.2%
Mobile homes
1.5%
1.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
38,777
State government workers
29,486
46,229
Unpaid family workers
657
102
Industries and Occupations
As noted, Austin's prominent industry is technology, but it also has a strong presence of education, healthcare, and government jobs. San Antonio, on the other hand, is more diverse, with significant employment in healthcare, tourism, education, and military sectors. Both cities offer opportunities for careers in a broad selection of industries, with chances for advancement and professional growth.
Both Austin and San Antonio have numerous medical facilities and healthcare providers. In Austin, health tech is a growing industry, with advancements in telemedicine and health innovation. San Antonio also has a strong healthcare sector, which is one of the city's top employers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Austin
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin's infrastructure is rapidly developing to accommodate its fast-growing population, with continual improvements in its transport, utility, and public service structures. San Antonio, known for its River Walk, Pearl District, and historic Missions, has a more established infrastructure, balancing between preserving its historic charm and accommodating modern urban growth.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Austin
Hospitals
130
65
TV stations
30
20
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
333
264
Bank institutions located here
41
43
Main business address for public companies
23
44
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
46
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Austin
1999
6,847
4,733
2000
2,930
2,950
2001
2,383
2,038
2002
2,313
1,772
2003
3,759
2,213
2004
5,180
2,458
2005
6,554
3,121
2006
6,983
3,367
2007
4,562
2,560
2008
1,781
1,747
2009
847
1,067
Culture and Food
Both cities have a strong sense of culture, deeply rooted in Tex-Mex traditions. Austin is renowned for its live music scene, often referred to as the "Live Music Capital of the World", with popular events like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest. It also has a thriving food scene, famous for its food trucks and the original Whole Foods Market. San Antonio is known for its historic sites, such as the Alamo, and its famous River Walk area packed with restaurants, shops, and festivals. It's also celebrated for its Tex-Mex cuisine and BBQ joints.
Sports Teams
For sports enthusiasts, San Antonio is home to the NBA's San Antonio Spurs. Austin, on the other hand, does not have any major league sports teams but boasts a strong dedication to college sports, most notably the University of Texas Longhorns. Minor league and semi-pro sports are also popular in both cities.
San Antonio, TX
Austin, TX
