When deciding between living in San Antonio, TX and Corpus Christi, TX, various factors come into play. Each city has unique benefits and drawbacks, but your personal preferences, lifestyle, and goals could make one more appealing. Below we'll examine crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, biggest employers, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, and taxes. We also delve into their culture, sports teams, geographical conditions, and healthcare facilities.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Corpus Christi, TX : 135.9 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 357%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Corpus Christi has grown by 40,319 people (14.5%) during that time.
San Antonio, as a larger city, sees more crime than Corpus Christi, although both locales are investing in public safety. According to Neighborhood Scout, San Antonio's crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, but it's important to remember that crime density often correlates with city size. Corpus Christi, while smaller, has parts with comparably high crime rates. For tourists, downtown areas in both cities are typically safer, and recommended precautions against theft apply.
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 3,768 registered sex offenders living in San Antonio and 1,070 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in Corpus Christi is 304 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Antonio than in Corpus Christi.
Cost of Living
Corpus Christi generally has a lower cost of living than San Antonio. According to Payscale, housing tends to be more affordable in Corpus Christi, while other costs, such as groceries, healthcare, and utilities, are slightly lower in San Antonio. Given that both cities are less expensive than the national average, they may appeal to retirees, students, or those looking for affordability.
Income Tax
Both Cities benefit from Texas' no state or city income tax law. This tax-free income scenario attracts many individuals and businesses to both cities.
Property Tax
San Antonio’s property tax rate is higher than Corpus Christi's. However, it's worth noting that Texas, generally, has one of the highest property tax rates in the country. The actual amount paid varies greatly based on the valuation of the property.
Sales Tax
In terms of sales tax, both cities align with the Texas norm. Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax, while San Antonio and Corpus Christi add a 2% city sales tax, making the total sales tax 8.25% for both cities.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$59,812
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$29,969
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
86.6
If you make $50,000 in Corpus Christi, you will have to make $50,635 in San Antonio to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio lies in the Texas Hill Country, with landscapes ranging from rolling hills to flat coastal plains. Corpus Christi is coastal, offering beautiful beach landscapes and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.
San Antonio is home to over 30 higher education institutions, including the University of Texas at San Antonio and Trinity University. In contrast, Corpus Christi's educational landscape is smaller, with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi being the notable institution. For K-12 education, both cities boast high-performing schools, with San Antonio offering more choice due to its size.
San Antonio has a vibrant economy with a strong focus on healthcare, education, government, and the military. Tourism also plays a major role, contributing significantly to the city's economy. Corpus Christi, while smaller, enjoys a diverse economy with emphasis on oil refining, tourism, and the Port of Corpus Christi — one of America's largest ports.
Biggest Employers
In San Antonio, HEB, USAA, and the city's health systems and school districts make up some of the largest employers. Corpus Christi’s biggest employers include CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, Corpus Christi Independent School District, and various petroleum companies.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 1,470 building permits issued in Corpus Christi in 2012 (839 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Corpus Christi (Nueces County), 47.6% voted for Democrats and 51.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
2020
58.3%
47.9%
40.1%
50.8%
1.5%
1.4%
2016
54.2%
47.2%
40.8%
48.8%
5.0%
4.0%
2012
51.6%
47.6%
47.1%
51.0%
1.4%
1.4%
2008
52.3%
47.4%
46.7%
51.8%
1.0%
0.8%
2004
44.5%
42.6%
55.0%
56.9%
0.6%
0.4%
2000
44.9%
46.7%
52.3%
51.4%
2.7%
1.9%
1996
49.7%
53.7%
44.6%
40.2%
5.7%
6.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
32.8%
8.6%
10.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
10.6%
23.5%
28.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.7%
0.8%
0.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.5%
1.0%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.8%
1.6%
2.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.3%
2.2%
1.1%
SALVATION ARMY
0.0%
0.5%
0.3%
0.3%
Weather
Both cities enjoy a warm climate, with San Antonio being slightly hotter in summer — often exceeding 100°F. Corpus Christi's coastal location brings mild winters and breezier summers with higher humidity. Corpus Christi also faces hurricane threats, while San Antonio experiences less severe weather conditions. Those who prefer milder weather might lean towards San Antonio.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
71.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
81.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
37%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
93%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
32.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
0.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
17%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
64.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
36%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
43%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
12.7 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Corpus Christi, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
San Antonio
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
2018
83
89
N/A
N/A
4.9
N/A
25.6
23.9
N/A
N/A
8.0
9.2
0.2
0.4
2017
85
70
N/A
N/A
5.1
N/A
26.9
27.3
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.7
1.7
0.4
2016
79
59
N/A
N/A
5.2
N/A
25.7
26.9
N/A
N/A
8.2
8.1
0.8
0.5
2015
76
75
N/A
N/A
4.7
N/A
25.4
25.9
N/A
N/A
9.2
9.3
0.7
0.3
2014
84
75
N/A
N/A
5.5
N/A
27.3
26.1
N/A
N/A
9.5
9.3
0.6
0.2
2013
79
80
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
28.2
27.3
N/A
N/A
9.0
8.6
0.7
0.2
2012
77
78
N/A
N/A
4.5
N/A
27.5
28.6
18.1
N/A
9.2
8.9
N/A
0.2
2011
85
80
N/A
N/A
4.6
N/A
29.2
29.3
18.9
N/A
9.9
10.0
N/A
0.3
2010
75
85
0.21
N/A
7.2
N/A
25.8
27.9
17.1
N/A
9.2
9.7
N/A
0.5
2009
74
72
0.23
N/A
8.3
N/A
25.7
26.3
19.5
N/A
9.8
9.9
0.4
0.4
2008
84
82
0.26
N/A
9.3
N/A
26.8
26.4
19.8
N/A
10.1
10.0
0.5
0.6
2007
83
85
0.49
N/A
9.3
N/A
26.3
25.3
23.4
N/A
10.3
10.3
N/A
0.5
2006
86
88
0.51
N/A
9.7
N/A
32.7
27.0
24.8
N/A
9.8
10.3
N/A
0.7
2005
86
81
0.53
N/A
10.7
N/A
30.8
24.8
22.3
N/A
10.1
10.3
N/A
1.1
2004
76
74
0.48
N/A
10.4
N/A
29.6
26.8
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
2003
77
88
0.57
N/A
10.3
N/A
28.5
27.0
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2002
88
88
0.52
N/A
11.2
N/A
30.3
27.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
2001
78
85
0.57
N/A
11.9
N/A
29.3
26.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
2000
82
78
0.52
N/A
11.7
N/A
29.6
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
68.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
52%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
24%
Transportation
San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit provides bus services throughout the city, while Corpus Christi has the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). However, commute times in San Antonio, given its larger urban sprawl, tend to be longer than in Corpus Christi.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
987
298
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Bicycle
0.2%
0.2%
Bus
1.6%
1.1%
Carpooled
12.9%
9.9%
Car alone
81.9%
86.5%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Average
27 min
21.4 min
Other means
23.4 min
20.1 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
37.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
84.6%
90.4%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
7.6%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices are generally lower in Corpus Christi than San Antonio, offering more affordable homeownership options. Rent prices also tend to be lower in Corpus Christi. Both markets have plenty of availability in condos, townhomes, and single-family homes.
Neighborhoods
San Antonio, with its larger population, offers a diverse array of neighborhoods to fit individual preferences, from artsy downtown districts to suburban neighborhoods. Corpus Christi offers waterside living with most neighborhoods providing easy access to the beach, marinas, and parks.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Houses
603,670
137,431
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.7
Median year apartment built
1987
1984
Median year house/condo built
1981
1981
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
13.3 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
117,366 (85.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
67,874 (57.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
49,492 (42.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,470
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,102
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$329,579
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$171,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.6
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$212,792
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$219,111
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$270,664
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$270,817
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$33,205
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$20,297
$66,701
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$168,101
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$210,115
Median house age
37
40
Renting percentage
43.5%
40.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
888.7
House value disparities
33.6%
37.5%
Household income disparities
44.7%
45%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$84,755
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$55,283
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
190 (0.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
1,163 (3.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
37,907 (99.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
1,292 (3.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
2.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
2.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
One, detached
60.4%
65.0%
One, attached
2.7%
1.6%
Two
2.2%
3.0%
3 or 4
4.9%
6.5%
5 to 9
7.8%
8.7%
10 to 19
8.5%
5.7%
20 to 49
5.4%
2.3%
50 or more
6.6%
4.1%
Mobile homes
1.5%
2.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
10,817
State government workers
29,486
6,884
Unpaid family workers
657
230
Industries and Occupations
San Antonio's economy is service-oriented, with jobs in healthcare, education, government, and the military. Corpus Christi's economy primarily relies on petroleum and natural gas, shipping, and tourism. Both cities also have a noticeable presence in the retail industry providing employment opportunities.
Both cities have quality healthcare options. San Antonio's healthcare ecosystem is larger, housing top hospitals like Methodist Hospital-San Antonio and University Hospital. Corpus Christi is served by the South Texas Health System, with hospitals like Corpus Christi Medical Center and CHRISTUS Spohn.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Antonio's infrastructure is more developed due to its size, offering more facilities, amenities, and services. The city is also a major transport hub due to its location. Corpus Christi, being a coastal city, has a smaller infrastructure, with the city's greatest infrastructure asset being its deepwater port.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Hospitals
130
34
TV stations
30
21
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
333
83
Bank institutions located here
41
17
Main business address for public companies
23
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
1999
6,847
1,534
2000
2,930
814
2001
2,383
738
2002
2,313
631
2003
3,759
737
2004
5,180
1,013
2005
6,554
1,275
2006
6,983
1,217
2007
4,562
942
2008
1,781
546
2009
847
413
Culture and Food
San Antonio, known for its rich history and cultural institutions like The Alamo, offers a lively cultural scene with popular events like Fiesta San Antonio. The city's cuisine is heavily influenced by Mexican food. Corpus Christi’s cultural scene is smaller but vibrant, with seafood as the staple of local cuisine.
Sports Teams
San Antonio boasts a professional NBA team, the Spurs, giving it an edge in sports culture. Corpus Christi has minor league teams like the Corpus Christi Hooks (baseball) and the IceRays (hockey), which provide ample entertainment for sports fans.
San Antonio, TX
Corpus Christi, TX
