Los Angeles, California and San Antonio, Texas are two immensely different cities each with their unique charm and offerings. Los Angeles is a bustling global city known for its entertainment industry, diverse culture, and mediterranean climate, while San Antonio is renowned for its rich colonial heritage, Tex-Mex cuisine, and lower cost of living. The comparison between these two cities spans various categories such as safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more which will be detailed in the following sections.
Distance between
Los Angeles, CA and
San Antonio, TX : 1,207.7 miles
Los Angeles's population is larger by 165%. Its population has grown by 154,477 people (4.2%) since 2000. The population of San Antonio has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) during that time.
Crime rates can vary greatly within a city, but overall, Los Angeles has a higher crime rate than San Antonio. While both cities experience crime, Los Angeles has higher rates of both violent and property crime. However, safer neighborhoods can be found in both cities. When visiting, tourists should always remain cautious and aware, as they would in any major city.
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 4,426 registered sex offenders living in Los Angeles and 3,771 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Los Angeles is 898 to 1; the ratio in San Antonio is 396 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Los Angeles than in San Antonio.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than in San Antonio. Housing is the most significant factor in the cost of living difference. Everything from groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation is more expensive in Los Angeles. San Antonio offers a lower cost of living which can be appealing for families and retirees.
Income Tax
California has one of the highest state income taxes in the United States, while Texas has no state income tax, which can be a significant financial advantage for San Antonio residents.
Property Tax
While Texas has no income tax, it does have a higher property tax rate than California. However, due to the higher property prices in Los Angeles, homeowners may still end up paying more in property tax in Los Angeles.
Sales Tax
California has a higher state sales tax than Texas. Los Angeles has an additional city sales tax making purchases more expensive than in San Antonio, where there's no city sales tax. Texas does not have a state income tax, making it attractive for many.
Income
Type
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Estimated median household income
$70,372
$54,923
Estimated per capita income
$39,509
$28,860
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
145.1
87.7
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $82,725 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Los Angeles, located along the Pacific Coast, offers picturesque beaches and mountain ranges. San Antonio, located in the southern part of Texas, features gentle hills and is close to several natural parks, offering a range of outdoor activities.
Both Los Angeles and San Antonio have numerous public and private schools, and both have access to higher education institutions. Los Angeles has a higher number of highly rated schools and is home to many prestigious universities such as the University of Southern California and UCLA. San Antonio also has good schools and is home to the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Los Angeles has a diverse economy with entertainment, technology, fashion, and tourism playing significant roles. San Antonio's economy is centered around military, healthcare, tourism, and financial services. Both cities offer a variety of job opportunities, but the competition can be higher in Los Angeles due to its larger population.
Biggest Employers
In Los Angeles, some of the biggest employers are the County of Los Angeles, University of Southern California, and Northrop Grumman. In San Antonio, the largest employers are USAA, H-E-B Grocery, and the City of San Antonio.
There were 2,475 building permits issued in Los Angeles in 2012 (1950 more than in 2011) compared to 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011).
In Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Los Angeles
San Antonio
2020
71.0%
58.3%
26.9%
40.1%
2.1%
1.5%
2016
72.0%
54.2%
22.5%
40.8%
5.5%
5.0%
2012
69.7%
51.6%
27.8%
47.1%
2.4%
1.4%
2008
69.2%
52.3%
28.8%
46.7%
1.9%
1.0%
2004
63.3%
44.5%
35.7%
55.0%
1.0%
0.6%
2000
63.6%
44.9%
32.4%
52.3%
4.0%
2.7%
1996
59.3%
49.7%
31.0%
44.6%
9.7%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Los Angeles
San Antonio
CATHOLIC CHURCH
36.1%
30.8%
4.7%
8.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
6.8%
9.0%
23.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
1.2%
1.0%
0.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.5%
0.2%
3.1%
0.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
2.4%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
1.4%
1.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.6%
1.9%
2.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.7%
1.6%
1.0%
Weather
Weather is a notable difference between Los Angeles and San Antonio. Los Angeles enjoys a mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. On the other hand, San Antonio experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Both cities have plenty of sunny days, making them great for outdoor activities.
Weather and climate
Type
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Temperature - Average
63.9°F
68.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
60.9%
74.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
16.1%
37%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
65.1%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17.1 in
32.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
1.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
29.9%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
62.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
85%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
48%
Wind speed - Average
2.1 mph
8.9 mph
Average climate in Los Angeles, California
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Los Angeles
San Antonio
2018
137
83
0.38
N/A
9.9
4.9
26.9
25.6
0.008
N/A
24.4
N/A
16.0
8.0
0.4
0.2
2017
136
85
0.41
N/A
10.3
5.1
27.2
26.9
0.007
N/A
25.0
N/A
16.2
8.4
0.5
1.7
2016
128
79
0.37
N/A
10.0
5.2
27.7
25.7
0.007
N/A
23.8
N/A
15.4
8.2
0.4
0.8
2015
128
76
0.38
N/A
10.9
4.7
28.5
25.4
0.005
N/A
21.8
N/A
17.4
9.2
0.3
0.7
2014
139
84
0.50
N/A
12.0
5.5
27.8
27.3
0.007
N/A
26.4
N/A
19.9
9.5
0.3
0.6
2013
140
79
0.48
N/A
11.8
4.1
26.2
28.2
0.007
N/A
25.5
N/A
19.0
9.0
0.3
0.7
2012
144
77
0.48
N/A
10.9
4.5
26.3
27.5
0.008
N/A
24.8
18.1
19.9
9.2
0.4
N/A
2011
141
85
0.38
N/A
13.4
4.6
24.2
29.2
0.009
N/A
32.4
18.9
18.3
9.9
0.3
N/A
2010
127
75
0.44
0.21
12.2
7.2
23.2
25.8
0.027
N/A
33.9
17.1
17.3
9.2
0.5
N/A
2009
153
74
0.51
0.23
16.0
8.3
24.0
25.7
0.009
N/A
45.2
19.5
18.8
9.8
1.1
0.4
2008
145
84
0.37
0.26
14.0
9.3
24.8
26.8
0.010
N/A
44.7
19.8
19.5
10.1
1.0
0.5
2007
121
83
0.39
0.49
14.0
9.3
24.3
26.3
0.013
N/A
N/A
23.4
N/A
10.3
1.9
N/A
2006
131
86
0.38
0.51
15.4
9.7
23.1
32.7
0.006
N/A
N/A
24.8
N/A
9.8
1.9
N/A
2005
132
86
0.43
0.53
12.8
10.7
24.1
30.8
0.012
N/A
N/A
22.3
N/A
10.1
3.7
N/A
2004
142
76
0.64
0.48
17.6
10.4
27.5
29.6
0.016
N/A
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
2.5
N/A
2003
145
77
0.94
0.57
27.1
10.3
19.8
28.5
0.030
N/A
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
2.1
N/A
2002
154
88
1.04
0.52
31.3
11.2
21.7
30.3
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
N/A
2001
135
78
1.16
0.57
37.0
11.9
18.7
29.3
0.041
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
N/A
2000
147
82
1.13
0.52
31.1
11.7
16.7
29.6
0.035
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
16.2%
91.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,082.4%
73.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
57%
21%
Transportation
Both cities face traffic congestion, but Los Angeles is infamous for its heavy traffic. LA does have a sprawling metro and bus system. San Antonio, while not as developed, offers the VIA bus system, and many residents find commuting by car more feasible.
Transport
Type
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
669
987
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
14
29
Means of transportation to work
Type
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Bicycle
0.6%
0.2%
Bus
5.8%
1.6%
Carpooled
10.6%
12.9%
Car alone
76.5%
81.9%
Ferryboat
0.2%
0%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.1%
0%
Streetcar
0.5%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
3%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Average
34.8 min
27 min
Other means
28.5 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
46.4 min
43.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.4%
84.6%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
10.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
3.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Los Angeles is known for its high housing costs, making homeownership a challenge for many residents. In contrast, San Antonio offers significantly more affordable housing options with a lower median home price.
Neighborhoods
Los Angeles is known for its diverse array of neighborhoods from the glamorous Hollywood to the artsy Silver Lake. San Antonio has charming areas like Alamo Heights and Southtown that are rich in history and local culture.
Houses and residents
Type
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Houses
1,542,391
603,670
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.7
Median year apartment built
1970
1987
Median year house/condo built
1957
1981
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16 years
14.3 years
Houses occupied
1,410,594 (91.5%)
549,245 (91%)
Houses occupied by owners
521,485 (37%)
290,123 (52.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
889,109 (63%)
259,122 (47.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,146
$1,143
Median monthly housing costs
$1,845
$1,101
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,410,311
$189,213
Estimated median house or condo value
$812,800
$197,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.1
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$238,319
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$906,968
$407,491
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$752,598
$120,363
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$760,192
$163,867
Median house price - mobile homes
$204,691
$105,850
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$134,345
$20,297
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$809,932
$188,542
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$234,615
Median house age
57
37
Renting percentage
61.8%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
3,288.2
1,481.2
House value disparities
23.2%
33.6%
Household income disparities
47.7%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$122,032
$87,382
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$83,712
$60,785
Housing units without a mortgage
5,970 (1.6%)
5,815 (3.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
28,556 (7.6%)
6,350 (3.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
369,242 (98.4%)
160,674 (96.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,061 (0.5%)
129 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
37,750 (10.1%)
7,761 (4.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
15
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
2.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
1.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Los Angeles
San Antonio
One, detached
37.2%
60.4%
One, attached
5.7%
2.7%
Two
2.8%
2.2%
3 or 4
6.3%
4.9%
5 to 9
8.9%
7.8%
10 to 19
9.5%
8.5%
20 to 49
13.1%
5.4%
50 or more
15.9%
6.6%
Mobile homes
0.6%
1.5%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
200,073
46,328
State government workers
54,504
29,486
Unpaid family workers
4,643
657
Industries and Occupations
Los Angeles is known for its role in entertainment, featuring prominent companies like Universal and Warner Brothers. Other major sectors include technology, finance, and manufacturing. San Antonio is known for its healthcare and bio-science industries, as well as cybersecurity, aerospace, and military.
Both cities have high-quality healthcare options. Los Angeles has world-class hospitals like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Medical Center. San Antonio also has excellent healthcare with well-respected facilities such as the University Hospital and Methodist Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Los Angeles
San Antonio
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Los Angeles attracts newcomers with its skyscrapers, developed neighborhoods, and advanced public transit system, while San Antonio prides itself on its well-taken-care-of roads, historic architecture, and expanding public transit system. Both cities provide sufficient infrastructural access, but Los Angeles provides more options due to its larger size.
Infrastructure
Type
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Hospitals
62
130
TV stations
21
30
Arenas or stadiums
5
2
Bank branches located here
385
333
Bank institutions located here
73
41
Main business address for public companies
69
23
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
7
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Los Angeles
San Antonio
1999
10,170
6,847
2000
9,527
2,930
2001
7,928
2,383
2002
9,092
2,313
2003
14,114
3,759
2004
18,901
5,180
2005
22,524
6,554
2006
26,600
6,983
2007
19,394
4,562
2008
7,924
1,781
2009
4,210
847
Culture and Food
Culturally, both cities are rich and diverse. Los Angeles, with its mix of cultures, offers a variety of food, music, and entertainment. San Antonio, with its strong Hispanic influence, is famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine and annual Fiesta celebration.
Sports Teams
Los Angeles is home to many professional sports teams including the Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams, making it a great city for sports fans. San Antonio is home to the beloved Spurs, an NBA team with a strong following.
Los Angeles, CA
San Antonio, TX
Los Angeles, CA and 
San Antonio, TX : 1,207.7 miles
