San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo City, and St. Louis, Missouri, known as the Gateway to the West, provide residents and tourists a variety of unique experiences. The two cities have differences and similarities in numerous aspects like safety, climate, living costs, education, employment opportunities, infrastructure, dominant industries, real estate, neighborhoods, public transit, taxes, culture, sports, geography, and healthcare. This comparison will help you make an informed decision whether you plan to visit or relocate to either of these vibrant American cities.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
St. Louis, MO : 790.5 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 395%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of St. Louis has decreased by 54,879 people (15.8%) during that time.
Safety is an important factor when considering a new place to live or visit. Both San Antonio and St. Louis have struggled with high crime rates, particularly violent crimes. St. Louis, in recent years, has had a higher violent crime rate than San Antonio. However, like many cities, the crime tends to be concentrated in specific areas, and various parts of both cities are considered safe and family-friendly.
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 3,771 registered sex offenders living in San Antonio and 2,530 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in St. Louis is 123 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in San Antonio than in St. Louis.
Cost of Living
Compared to St. Louis, San Antonio offers a slightly higher cost of living. This is primarily driven by housing costs. Other costs like food, healthcare, and utilities are relatively similar in both cities. However, both cities have a cost of living lower than the national average, offering affordable lifestyles compared to many other cities across the United States.
Income Tax
Income tax is a clear win for San Antonio residents as Texas does not impose a state income tax. On the contrary, St. Louis residents are subject to Missouri's state income tax, with the top rate being 5.4%.
Property Tax
Property taxes also favor San Antonio as Texas has a lower average property tax rate compared to Missouri.
Sales Tax
Tax rates are another key factor. San Antonio falls under Texas jurisdiction, which has a 8.25% combined city and state sales tax. St. Louis, Missouri, has a combined sales tax rate of 9.679%, which is higher than San Antonio.
Income
Type
San Antonio
St. Louis
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$49,965
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$33,810
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
96.5
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $55,017 in St. Louis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio is characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain with downtown built on a large flat area by the San Antonio River. St. Louis sits near the confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers offering scenic riverfront views and plenty of outdoor activities.
Both cities provide a variety of educational opportunities. San Antonio houses several quality school districts along with institutions of higher learning like University of Texas at San Antonio. St. Louis is home to highly rated public schools, private schools, and prestigious universities like Washington University.
San Antonio's economy is primarily driven by sectors such as healthcare, tourism, military, and education. St. Louis has a diversified economy with services, manufacturing, trade, transportation, and tourism playing key roles. Both cities provide substantial job opportunities, but St Louis has an edge when it comes to wages with the median income slightly higher than San Antonio.
Biggest Employers
In San Antonio, healthcare and education providers like HCA Healthcare and Northside ISD are among the largest employers. Meanwhile, BJC Healthcare and Boeing are some of the biggest employers in St. Louis.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 146 building permits issued in St. Louis in 2012 (105 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In St. Louis (St. Louis city), 82.4% voted for Democrats and 15.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
St. Louis
San Antonio
St. Louis
San Antonio
St. Louis
2020
58.3%
82.4%
40.1%
16.1%
1.5%
1.6%
2016
54.2%
79.0%
40.8%
15.8%
5.0%
5.2%
2012
51.6%
82.4%
47.1%
15.9%
1.4%
1.6%
2008
52.3%
83.8%
46.7%
15.5%
1.0%
0.7%
2004
44.5%
80.4%
55.0%
19.2%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
44.9%
77.5%
52.3%
19.9%
2.7%
2.6%
1996
49.7%
74.8%
44.6%
18.1%
5.7%
7.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
St. Louis
San Antonio
St. Louis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
15.4%
8.6%
9.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
2.5%
23.5%
9.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
1.1%
0.8%
2.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
2.2%
1.0%
6.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.5%
1.6%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.2%
2.2%
1.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
1.8%
0.3%
2.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.3%
1.3%
0.5%
Weather
The climatic conditions contrast between the two cities. San Antonio features a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. High temperatures can reach around 95°F in the peak of summer. St. Louis displays a humid continental/humid subtropical hybrid climate. St. Louis experiences hot humid summers, and winters are cold with snow and temperatures dipping to around 30°F.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
St. Louis
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
56.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
74.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
53%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
39 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
37.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
16.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
62.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
30%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
71%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
41%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
9.8 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in St. Louis, Missouri
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
St. Louis
San Antonio
St. Louis
San Antonio
St. Louis
San Antonio
St. Louis
St. Louis
San Antonio
St. Louis
San Antonio
St. Louis
San Antonio
St. Louis
2018
83
101
N/A
0.26
4.9
10.7
25.6
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.7
8.0
9.8
0.2
0.8
2017
85
90
N/A
0.25
5.1
10.4
26.9
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.2
8.4
8.0
1.7
1.4
2016
79
96
N/A
0.29
5.2
11.1
25.7
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.5
8.2
8.5
0.8
1.2
2015
76
97
N/A
0.28
4.7
11.8
25.4
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.6
9.2
10.5
0.7
1.6
2014
84
97
N/A
0.27
5.5
12.2
27.3
25.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.8
9.5
10.5
0.6
1.8
2013
79
92
N/A
0.27
4.1
12.2
28.2
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
9.0
10.6
0.7
2.1
2012
77
114
N/A
0.27
4.5
14.4
27.5
27.9
N/A
N/A
18.1
17.5
9.2
10.2
N/A
2.3
2011
85
107
N/A
0.27
4.6
13.2
29.2
27.0
N/A
N/A
18.9
17.3
9.9
12.4
N/A
2.7
2010
75
110
0.21
0.31
7.2
12.8
25.8
23.1
N/A
N/A
17.1
16.2
9.2
12.9
N/A
3.3
2009
74
101
0.23
0.31
8.3
12.5
25.7
22.2
0.039
N/A
19.5
21.6
9.8
12.4
0.4
2.8
2008
84
98
0.26
0.32
9.3
12.9
26.8
22.9
0.054
N/A
19.8
32.4
10.1
12.8
0.5
2.6
2007
83
125
0.49
0.37
9.3
14.1
26.3
24.3
0.055
N/A
23.4
38.8
10.3
14.6
N/A
2.9
2006
86
109
0.51
0.38
9.7
15.2
32.7
23.3
0.044
N/A
24.8
38.2
9.8
14.7
N/A
3.1
2005
86
110
0.53
0.39
10.7
16.3
30.8
24.4
0.056
N/A
22.3
41.4
10.1
N/A
N/A
4.1
2004
76
92
0.48
0.49
10.4
20.0
29.6
19.6
0.013
N/A
22.4
38.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
2003
77
106
0.57
0.49
10.3
19.6
28.5
21.7
0.044
N/A
26.7
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
2002
88
117
0.52
0.56
11.2
21.7
30.3
21.1
0.022
N/A
N/A
45.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
2001
78
100
0.57
0.57
11.9
22.4
29.3
20.4
0.057
N/A
N/A
46.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.0
2000
82
98
0.52
0.78
11.7
23.8
29.6
20.6
0.057
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.5
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
St. Louis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
182.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
413.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
0%
Transportation
San Antonio primarily relies on roadways with a network of highways and city buses. San Antonio does not have a subway or light rail systems. St. Louis provides MetroLink light rail system and buses. Both cities offer bike routes and pedestrian-friendly areas, but public transportation reach and efficiency is better in St. Louis.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
St. Louis
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
987
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
St. Louis
Bicycle
0.2%
0.5%
Bus
1.6%
3.7%
Carpooled
12.9%
7.5%
Car alone
81.9%
83.9%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
1.6%
2.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
St. Louis
Average
27 min
29.4 min
Other means
23.4 min
22.9 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
42.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
St. Louis
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
84.6%
91.6%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
6.5%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.7%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market is comparatively more expensive in San Antonio than St. Louis. While San Antonio has seen a stable rise in home values, St Louis market has been fairly steady. Both cities offer a range of housing options from urban apartments to suburban homes.
Neighborhoods
Both cities showcase a range of neighborhoods, each representing a unique cultural flavor. San Antonio's neighborhoods like Alamo Heights and Stone Oak are renowned for their charm. St. Louis's Central West End and Clayton are among the city's most desirable neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
St. Louis
Houses
603,670
173,493
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.2
Median year apartment built
1987
1943
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
14.2 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
139,736 (80.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
63,653 (45.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
76,083 (54.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$923.98
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$883
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$56,913
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$170,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$196,007
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$166,673
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$155,363
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$260,843
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$35,054
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$272,667
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$200,041
Median house age
37
2,021
Renting percentage
43.5%
54.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
2,801.7
House value disparities
33.6%
38.7%
Household income disparities
44.7%
48.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$87,762
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$55,824
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
1,236 (2.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
2,537 (6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
41,018 (97.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
188 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
3,349 (7.9%)
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%
9.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
5.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
St. Louis
One, detached
60.4%
43.2%
One, attached
2.7%
4.1%
Two
2.2%
14.2%
3 or 4
4.9%
13.5%
5 to 9
7.8%
4.9%
10 to 19
8.5%
2.2%
20 to 49
5.4%
3.8%
50 or more
6.6%
13.5%
Mobile homes
1.5%
0.5%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
8,126
State government workers
29,486
2,962
Unpaid family workers
657
315
Industries and Occupations
With San Antonio being home to multiple military bases, the defense industry plays a significant role. Tourism and healthcare are also major sectors. St. Louis, on the other hand, has a robust activity in healthcare, manufacturing, and biotechnology. Both cities have a good mix of white and blue-collar jobs.
Healthcare facilities are top-notch in both cities. San Antonio has some of the country's top hospitals like the Methodist Hospital-San Antonio. St. Louis is home to renowned health facilities like Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
St. Louis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Antonio has modern infrastructure with a variety of amenities including parks, museums, and a bustling downtown area. St. Louis boasts an impressive infrastructure boasting one of the largest urban parks in the country, a bustling downtown, and stunning architecture. Both cities have ongoing redevelopment projects aiming to continually improve and expand their infrastructure.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
St. Louis
1999
6,847
0
2000
2,930
0
2001
2,383
0
2002
2,313
0
2003
3,759
1,583
2004
5,180
2,101
2005
6,554
2,853
2006
6,983
3,391
2007
4,562
2,022
2008
1,781
841
2009
847
247
Culture and Food
The culture and food scenes in both cities offer diverse experiences. San Antonio is known for its Hispanic influence, vibrant festivals, and Tex-Mex cuisine. St. Louis has a rich cultural heritage with a lively music scene, art galleries, and its unique BBQ and pizza styles.
Sports Teams
Sports fans have plenty to cheer about in both cities. San Antonio is home to the NBA's Spurs, while St. Louis houses MLB's Cardinals, the NHL's Blues, and is steeped in a rich sports tradition.
San Antonio, TX
St. Louis, MO
