San Antonio, Texas, and Miami, Florida, are two dynamic urban locales in the United States, each with its distinct cultural flair and lifestyle. While San Antonio provides an easier cost of living and historic charm, Miami offers tropical weather and lively nightlife. The following comparison spins around various aspects, including crime and safety, weather, real estate, education, and more, assisting one contemplating relocation or just a visit to either of these vibrant cities.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Miami, FL : 1,146.5 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 230%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Miami has grown by 77,420 people (21.4%) during that time.
While no city is completely free from crime, San Antonio has a somewhat higher crime rate compared to the national average, particularly in property crime. Similarly, Miami also struggles with crime, specifically robberies and burglaries but the trend is downwards. Miami's crime indices look better when compared to other major cities in Florida. Both cities have implemented extensive community policing efforts, however, continuing to focus on reducing crime and increasing 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 3,766 registered sex offenders living in San Antonio and 1,373 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in Miami is 330 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in San Antonio is near to than in Miami.
Cost of Living
San Antonio generally offers a lower cost of living than Miami. This includes costs for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and health care. While salaries might be higher in Miami, San Antonio residents typically see their incomes go further because of the reduced cost of living.
Income Tax
Neither Texas (San Antonio) nor Florida (Miami) have a state income tax, providing a tax advantage for residents in both cities compared to other states.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are generally higher in Texas than in Florida. Thus, homeowners in San Antonio could expect to pay more in property taxes than those in Miami.
Sales Tax
The combined city and state sales tax rate in San Antonio is 8.25%, while Miami's is slightly lower at 7%. This means that most purchases will be a bit cheaper in Miami.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Miami
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$48,789
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$37,223
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
110.1
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $62,771 in Miami to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio features a blend of South Texas plains and hill country, with the beautiful San Antonio River flowing through the city. Miami is situated at the southeastern tip of Florida and offers beautiful beaches, tropical vegetation, and is close to the Florida Everglades.
Both cities offer a variety of educational options, with Miami having a larger school district. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is one of the largest in the nation. Although San Antonio has fewer public schools, it's becoming known for its innovative charter school options. Both cities have reputable colleges, with Miami hosting the University of Miami and Florida International University, while San Antonio is home to Trinity University and University of Texas at San Antonio.
San Antonio has a diversified economy with a strong military presence, health care, government services, and a growing tech scene. The job growth in the city has been positive over recent years. Miami's economy is mainly driven by tourism, finance, and international trade. While the job market is competitive in Miami, it offers more diversity in terms of industries.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in San Antonio include USAA, HEB, and the Northside Independent School District. For Miami, the largest employers include the University of Miami, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and several major hospitals.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 102 building permits issued in Miami in 2012 (81 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Miami (Miami-Dade County), 61.8% voted for Democrats and 38.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Miami
San Antonio
Miami
San Antonio
Miami
2020
58.3%
53.5%
40.1%
46.2%
1.5%
0.3%
2016
54.2%
63.4%
40.8%
33.9%
5.0%
2.7%
2012
51.6%
61.8%
47.1%
38.0%
1.4%
0.3%
2008
52.3%
58.1%
46.7%
41.9%
1.0%
0.0%
2004
44.5%
53.0%
55.0%
46.7%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
44.9%
52.7%
52.3%
46.4%
2.7%
0.9%
1996
49.7%
57.3%
44.6%
37.9%
5.7%
4.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Miami
San Antonio
Miami
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
21.8%
8.6%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
3.2%
23.5%
21.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.9%
0.8%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.1%
1.0%
0.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.5%
1.6%
2.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.2%
2.2%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
1.1%
1.3%
4.3%
Weather
San Antonio boasts a mild winter and a hot, humid summer, while Miami is known for its warm, tropical climate. The weather in Miami is relatively steady, with temperatures rarely dropping below 60 degrees, even in winter. On the other hand, San Antonio experiences a more wide-ranging climate including cooler winters, which could be more appealing to those sensitive to constant heat and humidity.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Miami
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
77.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
77.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
60 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
12.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
76.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
63%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
9.1 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Miami, Florida
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Miami
San Antonio
Miami
San Antonio
Miami
San Antonio
Miami
San Antonio
Miami
San Antonio
Miami
San Antonio
Miami
2018
83
72
N/A
0.24
4.9
2.7
25.6
31.8
N/A
15.5
8.0
8.6
0.2
0.3
2017
85
80
N/A
0.27
5.1
3.0
26.9
30.9
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.5
1.7
0.4
2016
79
68
N/A
0.30
5.2
2.9
25.7
32.6
N/A
N/A
8.2
7.2
0.8
0.0
2015
76
62
N/A
0.23
4.7
2.4
25.4
29.0
N/A
N/A
9.2
8.2
0.7
0.0
2014
84
71
N/A
0.21
5.5
3.8
27.3
30.7
N/A
N/A
9.5
8.0
0.6
0.0
2013
79
64
N/A
0.22
4.1
3.1
28.2
30.8
N/A
N/A
9.0
7.9
0.7
0.0
2012
77
71
N/A
0.19
4.5
2.9
27.5
32.1
18.1
N/A
9.2
8.7
N/A
0.0
2011
85
72
N/A
0.16
4.6
3.0
29.2
32.3
18.9
N/A
9.9
8.7
N/A
0.0
2010
75
77
0.21
0.31
7.2
4.2
25.8
32.3
17.1
N/A
9.2
9.1
N/A
0.0
2009
74
67
0.23
0.53
8.3
3.3
25.7
31.9
19.5
N/A
9.8
9.1
0.4
0.0
2008
84
95
0.26
0.55
9.3
3.8
26.8
31.0
19.8
18.0
10.1
10.5
0.5
0.0
2007
83
94
0.49
0.59
9.3
5.0
26.3
33.5
23.4
21.9
10.3
10.5
N/A
0.0
2006
86
87
0.51
0.48
9.7
5.8
32.7
34.6
24.8
22.3
9.8
10.2
N/A
0.0
2005
86
75
0.53
0.55
10.7
6.0
30.8
31.8
22.3
18.8
10.1
8.7
N/A
0.0
2004
76
69
0.48
1.02
10.4
5.9
29.6
31.3
22.4
19.5
N/A
8.5
N/A
0.3
2003
77
70
0.57
0.99
10.3
6.5
28.5
29.5
26.7
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
0.4
2002
88
75
0.52
0.71
11.2
6.3
30.3
30.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
2.1
2001
78
84
0.57
0.80
11.9
5.9
29.3
30.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
1.5
2000
82
66
0.52
0.89
11.7
6.7
29.6
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Miami
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
63%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
1.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
10%
Transportation
San Antonio's public transit is primarily via buses, with an expanding network of bike lanes and trails. Traffic congestion in San Antonio is relatively low compared to other major cities. In contrast, Miami offers buses, metros, and trolleys. However, Miami is known for its heavy traffic and longer commute times.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Miami
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
987
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
159
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Miami
Bicycle
0.2%
0.8%
Bus
1.6%
3.8%
Carpooled
12.9%
8.5%
Car alone
81.9%
81.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.5%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
2.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Miami
Average
27 min
33.7 min
Other means
23.4 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
48.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Miami
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
84.6%
89%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
0.9%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in San Antonio is generally more affordable than in Miami. The median home price in San Antonio is less than the national average, making it a popular place for relocation. Conversely, Miami boasts a higher-than-average home price, with many high-end luxury properties. Both cities offer a variety of housing options, from city center condos to suburban homes.
Neighborhoods
San Antonio boasts historic neighborhoods like King William and Monte Vista, as well as newer suburban areas like Stone Oak. Miami offers a mixture of stylish urban neighborhoods like Brickell and Coconut Grove, as well as beachfront communities like Miami Beach and affluent enclaves like Coral Gables.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Miami
Houses
603,670
219,775
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1981
Median year house/condo built
1981
1968
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
13.8 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
192,219 (87.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
58,463 (30.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
133,756 (69.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$2,006
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,456
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$1,201,540
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$411,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$499,839
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$427,603
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$107,725
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$570,126
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$238,353
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$768,446
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$550,392
Median house age
37
43
Renting percentage
43.5%
67.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
6,160.8
House value disparities
33.6%
31.5%
Household income disparities
44.7%
51.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$92,897
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$52,201
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
686 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
1,692 (5.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
32,656 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
36 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
2,892 (8.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Miami
One, detached
60.4%
22.6%
One, attached
2.7%
9.7%
Two
2.2%
3.3%
3 or 4
4.9%
4.0%
5 to 9
7.8%
5.8%
10 to 19
8.5%
6.9%
20 to 49
5.4%
8.3%
50 or more
6.6%
39.2%
Mobile homes
1.5%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
26,340
State government workers
29,486
3,509
Unpaid family workers
657
695
Industries and Occupations
San Antonio is primarily known for its defense and healthcare sectors, in addition to an emerging tech scene. Miami, on the other hand, is a global hub for the finance and trade industries, and its location makes it a gateway to Latin America. This offers a wide range of opportunities for professionals in various fields.
San Antonio is home to several large hospitals, and the South Texas Medical Center is a significant health care and research provider. Miami, too, offers top-notch healthcare with many high-ranking hospitals, including the renowned University of Miami Health System.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Miami
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Antonio has historic areas blended with modern developments, with planned efforts to improve infrastructure and accessibility. Miami, with its high-rises and modern architecture, provides an international, urban feel. The city has been investing significantly in improving its infrastructure, especially to combat the effects of climate change.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Miami
Hospitals
130
47
TV stations
30
26
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
333
346
Bank institutions located here
41
53
Main business address for public companies
23
29
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
9
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Miami
1999
6,847
0
2000
2,930
1,368
2001
2,383
1,354
2002
2,313
1,274
2003
3,759
1,618
2004
5,180
2,862
2005
6,554
4,991
2006
6,983
7,400
2007
4,562
5,318
2008
1,781
3,212
2009
847
888
Culture and Food
San Antonio is rich in history and Hispanic culture, offering a myriad of museums, historic sites, and festivals. The city is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine and barbeque. On the contrary, Miami, with its diverse population, offers a fusion of Latin American and Caribbean cultures and cuisines, and burgeoning arts scene.
Sports Teams
San Antonio is home to the NBA's Spurs. Multiple championship wins have cemented the team as a central part of San Antonio's culture. Miami hosts several pro sports teams, including the NBA’s Miami Heat, NFL’s Miami Dolphins, and MLB’s Miami Marlins, offering more sports variety for fans.
San Antonio, TX
Miami, FL
