San Antonio, Texas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, both offer unique advantages for residents and visitors alike. Enriched with history, culture, and unique attractions, these two cities offer contrasting yet inviting atmospheres. However, contrasting geographical conditions, weather, cost of living, employment opportunities, and cultural offerings all influence the overall experience of living, working, or visiting these vibrant urban centers.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Tulsa, OK : 485.1 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 253%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Tulsa has grown by 18,352 people (4.7%) during that time.
Safety is a significant concern for both residents and tourists. Oklahoma's crime rates, including Tulsa, are higher than Texas's average, with San Antonio reporting fewer violent crimes per capita. However, San Antonio has a higher property crime rate. Both cities have numerous community initiatives aiming to enhance neighborhood safety. It’s important for residents and tourists to stay informed and take necessary precautions, irrespective of the location.
Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living in Tulsa is generally lower than in San Antonio. Lower housing prices majorly contribute to this difference. However, basic amenities like food, healthcare, and transportation can be comparable in both cities. Besides, state taxes in Texas are generally higher than in Oklahoma.
Income Tax
Texas, including San Antonio, doesn’t levy state income tax, which can be a significant advantage for those relocating. On the other hand, Oklahoma, including Tulsa, imposes a state income tax, varying due to income brackets.
Property Tax
San Antonio has a higher median property tax than Tulsa. It’s worth noting for prospect home buyers or long-term residents that Texas has one of the highest median property taxes in the US.
Sales Tax
Both residents and visitors will notice a higher city and state sales tax in San Antonio, Texas (8.25%) than in Tulsa, Oklahoma (8.517%). These sales taxes are used to fund various state and local services.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Tulsa
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$51,008
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$33,002
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
86.5
If you make $50,000 in Tulsa, you will have to make $50,694 in San Antonio to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio enjoys a location in the southeastern part of Texas, with flat to rolling terrain sprinkled with hills. Conversely, Tulsa is located in the "Green Country" region of Oklahoma, known for its green vegetation and hilly terrains.
Both cities are known for their commitment to education. San Antonio hosts several well-known universities, like the University of Texas at San Antonio. Tulsa also boasts of respected institutions such as the University of Tulsa. San Antonio offers more diversity in terms of academic programs, while Tulsa has a more focused curriculum.
San Antonio has a more diversified economy, with key industries including healthcare, tourism, military, and cybersecurity. On the other hand, Tulsa's economy traditionally relies on the oil industry, but has diversified into sectors like aerospace and technology in recent years. Both cities offer ample employment opportunities, but job-seekers in specialized industries might find one city more attractive than the other based on their specific skill set.
Biggest Employers
In San Antonio, major employers include H-E-B, USAA, and the Northside Independent School District. In Tulsa, some of the biggest employers are American Airlines, Saint Francis Health System, and the Tulsa Public Schools.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 652 building permits issued in Tulsa in 2012 (333 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Tulsa (Tulsa County), 36.3% voted for Democrats and 63.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Tulsa
San Antonio
Tulsa
San Antonio
Tulsa
2020
58.3%
40.9%
40.1%
56.5%
1.5%
2.7%
2016
54.2%
35.6%
40.8%
58.4%
5.0%
6.1%
2012
51.6%
36.3%
47.1%
63.7%
1.4%
0.0%
2008
52.3%
37.8%
46.7%
62.2%
1.0%
0.0%
2004
44.5%
35.6%
55.0%
64.4%
0.6%
0.0%
2000
44.9%
37.3%
52.3%
61.3%
2.7%
1.3%
1996
49.7%
37.1%
44.6%
53.6%
5.7%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Tulsa
San Antonio
Tulsa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
8.1%
8.6%
3.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
14.9%
23.5%
18.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.5%
0.8%
0.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.7%
1.0%
1.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.8%
1.6%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.4%
2.2%
0.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.3%
0.3%
0.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.3%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
0.1%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.0%
0.7%
0.4%
0.7%
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FREE WILL BAPTISTS
0.0%
0.5%
0.2%
3.1%
Weather
San Antonio enjoys a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, while Tulsa experiences a more varied climate with hot summers and colder winters. Tornadoes can occur in Tulsa, given Oklahoma's location in the US's "Tornado Alley". Conversely, San Antonio is susceptible to hot, dry conditions, sometimes leading to droughts.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Tulsa
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
60.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
73.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
42.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
18.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
21.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
64.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
50%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
10.2 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Tulsa
San Antonio
Tulsa
San Antonio
Tulsa
San Antonio
Tulsa
Tulsa
San Antonio
San Antonio
Tulsa
San Antonio
Tulsa
2018
83
88
N/A
0.24
4.9
N/A
25.6
28.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.0
11.6
0.2
0.4
2017
85
80
N/A
0.22
5.1
N/A
26.9
29.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
10.2
1.7
0.5
2016
79
86
N/A
0.24
5.2
N/A
25.7
29.1
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
9.5
0.8
0.5
2015
76
74
N/A
0.25
4.7
N/A
25.4
28.1
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
8.6
0.7
0.8
2014
84
74
N/A
0.16
5.5
N/A
27.3
29.2
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
9.2
0.6
0.3
2013
79
85
N/A
0.21
4.1
N/A
28.2
29.8
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
10.1
0.7
0.5
2012
77
103
N/A
0.21
4.5
N/A
27.5
32.4
0.007
N/A
18.1
N/A
9.2
11.7
N/A
0.7
2011
85
108
N/A
0.27
4.6
N/A
29.2
33.8
0.005
N/A
18.9
N/A
9.9
13.8
N/A
0.8
2010
75
83
0.21
0.26
7.2
N/A
25.8
30.1
0.004
N/A
17.1
N/A
9.2
12.2
N/A
0.7
2009
74
88
0.23
0.26
8.3
N/A
25.7
29.8
0.004
N/A
19.5
N/A
9.8
12.2
0.4
0.7
2008
84
71
0.26
N/A
9.3
N/A
26.8
26.7
0.007
N/A
19.8
N/A
10.1
N/A
0.5
N/A
2007
83
77
0.49
0.32
9.3
N/A
26.3
28.8
0.007
N/A
23.4
N/A
10.3
N/A
N/A
0.8
2006
86
95
0.51
N/A
9.7
N/A
32.7
32.9
N/A
N/A
24.8
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2005
86
84
0.53
N/A
10.7
N/A
30.8
28.9
N/A
N/A
22.3
N/A
10.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
2004
76
71
0.48
N/A
10.4
N/A
29.6
27.5
N/A
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2003
77
94
0.57
N/A
10.3
N/A
28.5
29.2
N/A
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2002
88
85
0.52
0.83
11.2
7.8
30.3
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
78
102
0.57
0.75
11.9
14.4
29.3
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
82
101
0.52
0.69
11.7
15.3
29.6
28.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Tulsa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
277.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
901.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
34%
Transportation
San Antonio, being larger, has a greater extent of public transportation with buses, bike-sharing programs and growing rideshare availability. Tulsa too has a decent public transportation system, though less extensive. Both cities are car-dependent, with commuting best done by personal vehicle.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Tulsa
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
987
808
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
35
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Tulsa
Bicycle
0.2%
0.1%
Bus
1.6%
0.1%
Carpooled
12.9%
9%
Car alone
81.9%
87.9%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Tulsa
Average
27 min
23.8 min
Other means
23.4 min
19.2 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
40.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Tulsa
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
84.6%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
8.7%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1.5%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is more expensive in San Antonio than in Tulsa, with median home prices being higher in San Antonio. However, San Antonio also offers a more diverse housing market with options ranging from downtown condos to single-family homes. But the lower cost in Tulsa could be more attractive to some homebuyers or renters.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse neighborhoods. In San Antonio, the River Walk area is popular for its blend of history, culture, and modern entertainment. In Tulsa, the Brookside and Cherry Street areas are trendy thanks to a mix of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Tulsa
Houses
603,670
194,402
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.3
Median year apartment built
1987
1975
Median year house/condo built
1981
1969
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
12.9 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
173,943 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
89,307 (51.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
84,636 (48.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$899.30
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$897
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$163,212
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$172,000
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$247,367
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$496,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$94,964
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$176,274
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$73,235
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$20,297
$166,906
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$184,309
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$241,263
Median house age
37
49
Renting percentage
43.5%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
1,064.4
House value disparities
33.6%
41.8%
Household income disparities
44.7%
48.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$84,820
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$57,403
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
855 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
2,464 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
50,494 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
93 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
3,580 (7%)
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%
1.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Tulsa
One, detached
60.4%
62.9%
One, attached
2.7%
2.8%
Two
2.2%
1.9%
3 or 4
4.9%
5.0%
5 to 9
7.8%
6.8%
10 to 19
8.5%
9.2%
20 to 49
5.4%
4.4%
50 or more
6.6%
5.8%
Mobile homes
1.5%
1.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
13,964
State government workers
29,486
5,897
Unpaid family workers
657
284
Industries and Occupations
San Antonio offers more diversity in industries which ranges from healthcare to tourism, military, and cybersecurity. In contrast, Tulsa has traditionally depended on the oil industry, although there’s been considerable growth in aerospace and technology sectors recently.
Both cities boast excellent healthcare facilities. San Antonio is home to the South Texas Medical Center, a healthcare and bioscience giant, while Tulsa houses some of Oklahoma's top hospitals, including the Saint Francis Hospital and the Hillcrest Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Tulsa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Antonio is larger in area and population than Tulsa, leading to more urban development and better infrastructure. Tulsa, however, also boasts of well-developed infrastructure with continuous efforts for improvement and modernization. Both cities are historically rich, contributing to the preservation and restoration of various landmarks.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Tulsa
Hospitals
130
45
TV stations
30
20
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
333
160
Bank institutions located here
41
40
Main business address for public companies
23
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Tulsa
1999
6,847
2,135
2000
2,930
1,531
2001
2,383
1,216
2002
2,313
1,106
2003
3,759
1,243
2004
5,180
1,354
2005
6,554
1,709
2006
6,983
1,756
2007
4,562
1,014
2008
1,781
517
2009
847
327
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes with a variety of festivals, museums, music, and food. San Antonio reflects a blend of Mexican and Texan cultures while Tulsa is known for its arts and music scene, including the famous Tulsa Sound in Country and Western Music. San Antonio's culinary scene is rich in Mexican cuisine, while Tulsa offers a variety of options including BBQ and Southern comfort food.
Sports Teams
San Antonio is home to the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, while Tulsa doesn't have a major league sports team. However, Tulsa does have minor league teams and college sports, with the University of Tulsa competing in NCAA Division I.
San Antonio, TX
Tulsa, OK
