San Antonio, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana are two distinct American cities each with unique offerings for both residents and visitors. Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, San Antonio is slightly safer and cheaper than New Orleans, with a stronger economy and better-rated public education. Meanwhile, New Orleans, with its exciting nightlife, rich musical history, and eclectic food scene offers a more dynamic cultural experience. Each city has its pros and cons in terms of weather, work and economy, city taxes and healthcare. But regardless of these differences, both cities continue to attract people from all walks of life, seeking exciting experiences or promising opportunities.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
New Orleans, LA : 508.4 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 285%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of New Orleans has decreased by 107,703 people (22.2%) during that time.
According to FBI Crime Data, both San Antonio and New Orleans have crime rates higher than the national average but New Orleans' rate is significantly higher. Though both cities have implemented safety measures, it's recommended for tourists and residents alike to stay vigilant, especially in certain neighborhoods.
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 700 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in New Orleans is 559 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in San Antonio than in New Orleans.
Cost of Living
San Antonio is generally cheaper to live in compared to New Orleans. You'll find lower housing costs, cheaper groceries, and overall lower cost of utilities in San Antonio. However, healthcare is slightly more expensive in San Antonio than in New Orleans.
Income Tax
Neither Texas nor Louisiana levies a city income tax. However, Louisiana residents are subject to state income tax, while Texas residents are not.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are lower in San Antonio than in New Orleans, contributing to the more affordable cost of living in San Antonio.
Sales Tax
The total sales tax rate in San Antonio is 8.25%, compared to New Orleans where the total sales tax can reach up to 9.45%.
Income
Type
San Antonio
New Orleans
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$46,942
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$35,587
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
97.9
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $55,815 in New Orleans to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio is located on the southwestern corner of an urban region known as the Texas Triangle. It's landlocked and experiences less severe weather conditions. New Orleans is situated along the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico, which leaves it vulnerable to hurricanes.
San Antonio's education system ranks better compared to New Orleans. It is home to several esteemed universities like the University of Texas at San Antonio. While New Orleans also has notable institutions, their primary and secondary school system struggles with low-ratings and performance.
San Antonio has a more robust economy with unemployment rates consistently lower than the national average. Key industries include healthcare, tourism, and military. Despite New Orleans' struggling economy post-Hurricane Katrina, the city has seen resurgence particularly in sectors like tourism and film production.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in San Antonio are H-E-B, the US military, and the city's school district. In New Orleans, the top employers are Ochsner Health System, Tulane University, and the City of New Orleans.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 716 building permits issued in New Orleans in 2012 (1 less than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In New Orleans (Orleans Parish), 80.5% voted for Democrats and 17.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
New Orleans
San Antonio
New Orleans
San Antonio
New Orleans
2020
58.3%
83.6%
40.1%
15.1%
1.5%
1.3%
2016
54.2%
81.1%
40.8%
14.7%
5.0%
4.2%
2012
51.6%
80.5%
47.1%
17.8%
1.4%
1.7%
2008
52.3%
79.6%
46.7%
19.1%
1.0%
1.3%
2004
44.5%
77.8%
55.0%
21.8%
0.6%
0.4%
2000
44.9%
76.2%
52.3%
21.8%
2.7%
2.0%
1996
49.7%
90.7%
44.6%
8.2%
5.7%
1.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
New Orleans
San Antonio
New Orleans
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
30.9%
8.6%
16.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
4.3%
23.5%
13.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.5%
0.8%
1.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.5%
1.0%
3.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
1.5%
1.6%
4.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.2%
2.2%
0.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.6%
0.3%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
1.1%
1.3%
1.8%
Weather
San Antonio experiences a hot semi-arid climate with mild winters, making it ideal for individuals who dislike cold weather. On the other hand, New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Severe weather conditions such as hurricanes can affect New Orleans due to its coastal location.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
New Orleans
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
69.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
80.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
62.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
0.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
16.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
48%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
8.7 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in New Orleans, Louisiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
New Orleans
San Antonio
New Orleans
San Antonio
New Orleans
San Antonio
New Orleans
San Antonio
New Orleans
San Antonio
New Orleans
San Antonio
New Orleans
2018
83
75
N/A
N/A
4.9
5.5
25.6
27.9
N/A
19.6
8.0
9.5
0.2
1.1
2017
85
73
N/A
N/A
5.1
6.0
26.9
27.6
N/A
18.8
8.4
9.5
1.7
1.6
2016
79
71
N/A
N/A
5.2
6.7
25.7
29.1
N/A
16.5
8.2
9.4
0.8
1.7
2015
76
76
N/A
N/A
4.7
6.3
25.4
26.5
N/A
17.5
9.2
8.8
0.7
1.3
2014
84
79
N/A
N/A
5.5
6.7
27.3
25.6
N/A
17.7
9.5
7.7
0.6
2.0
2013
79
73
N/A
N/A
4.1
6.5
28.2
25.8
N/A
17.8
9.0
7.4
0.7
2.6
2012
77
84
N/A
N/A
4.5
7.8
27.5
26.8
18.1
24.0
9.2
10.0
N/A
2.5
2011
85
93
N/A
N/A
4.6
7.8
29.2
27.0
18.9
24.9
9.9
8.8
N/A
2.1
2010
75
89
0.21
N/A
7.2
7.8
25.8
27.5
17.1
26.7
9.2
9.5
N/A
2.9
2009
74
81
0.23
N/A
8.3
7.6
25.7
26.5
19.5
N/A
9.8
9.1
0.4
2.8
2008
84
81
0.26
N/A
9.3
9.3
26.8
27.3
19.8
N/A
10.1
10.0
0.5
3.0
2007
83
97
0.49
N/A
9.3
9.1
26.3
28.4
23.4
N/A
10.3
10.2
N/A
3.6
2006
86
93
0.51
N/A
9.7
9.7
32.7
28.7
24.8
N/A
9.8
11.2
N/A
N/A
2005
86
93
0.53
0.58
10.7
9.0
30.8
24.7
22.3
N/A
10.1
10.6
N/A
N/A
2004
76
96
0.48
0.68
10.4
9.5
29.6
21.3
22.4
N/A
N/A
10.3
N/A
N/A
2003
77
91
0.57
0.84
10.3
9.9
28.5
19.5
26.7
N/A
N/A
11.5
N/A
N/A
2002
88
68
0.52
0.61
11.2
9.3
30.3
20.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
78
88
0.57
0.81
11.9
10.2
29.3
20.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
82
105
0.52
0.55
11.7
11.3
29.6
24.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
New Orleans
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
125.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
44.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
21%
Transportation
San Antonio's public transportation is rated higher for access and affordability. However, New Orleans has a unique and charming streetcar system that is not only practical but also a tourist attraction.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
New Orleans
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
987
201
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
New Orleans
Bicycle
0.2%
1.4%
Bus
1.6%
3.3%
Carpooled
12.9%
9%
Car alone
81.9%
79.9%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.5%
Walked
1.6%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
New Orleans
Average
27 min
27.7 min
Other means
23.4 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
New Orleans
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
84.6%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
In San Antonio, the real estate market is more affordable with higher homeownership rates. New Orleans, though improving, is still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Katrina on its housing market.
Neighborhoods
San Antonio is known for its upscale neighborhoods like Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills. While, New Orleans is famous for its vibrant neighborhoods, like the historic French Quarter and artsy Bywater.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
New Orleans
Houses
603,670
194,701
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.3
Median year apartment built
1987
1966
Median year house/condo built
1981
1960
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
15.5 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
158,827 (81.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
83,516 (52.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
75,311 (47.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,126
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,106
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$470,732
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$279,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$360,278
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$499,015
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$347,348
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$400,453
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$25,502
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$365,362
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$369,282
Median house age
37
61
Renting percentage
43.5%
52.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
1,078.3
House value disparities
33.6%
38.2%
Household income disparities
44.7%
53.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$89,566
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$53,790
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
629 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
3,326 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
47,733 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
296 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
4,588 (9.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
5.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
New Orleans
One, detached
60.4%
48.0%
One, attached
2.7%
9.7%
Two
2.2%
15.1%
3 or 4
4.9%
6.9%
5 to 9
7.8%
4.1%
10 to 19
8.5%
3.8%
20 to 49
5.4%
3.9%
50 or more
6.6%
8.1%
Mobile homes
1.5%
0.4%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
9,492
State government workers
29,486
9,130
Unpaid family workers
657
527
Industries and Occupations
San Antonio's economy is dominated by healthcare, education, and government jobs. New Orleans, on the other hand, relies heavily on the tourism industry, providing myriad jobs in hospitality, food services, and entertainment.
Both cities have numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities. Although healthcare expenses are higher in San Antonio, it consistently ranks higher in healthcare quality and accessibility compared to New Orleans.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
New Orleans
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Antonio boasts well-maintained infrastructure including highways and public facilities. However, New Orleans continues to struggle with infrastructure issues, largely due to the damage sustained during Hurricane Katrina.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
New Orleans
1999
6,847
1,021
2000
2,930
942
2001
2,383
820
2002
2,313
820
2003
3,759
991
2004
5,180
1,379
2005
6,554
1,899
2006
6,983
1,426
2007
4,562
1,245
2008
1,781
683
2009
847
378
Culture and Food
Both cities excel in this field. San Antonio is known for its Mexican and Tejano influences leading to a vibrant fiesta culture and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. New Orleans' Cajun and Creole cuisines, and its dynamic music scene—birthplace of jazz—is renowned worldwide.
Sports Teams
San Antonio has the Spurs, a successful NBA team. Conversely, New Orleans is home to the NFL's Saints and the NBA’s Pelicans, both offering a thrilling game day experience.
San Antonio, TX
New Orleans, LA
