San Antonio, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio are two major US cities with unique climates, economies, and cultures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on individual lifestyle preferences. Factors such as crime & safety, weather, cost of living, and others should be considered when exploring these cities. This analysis should provide valuable insights for anyone considering moving or visiting either city.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Columbus, OH : 1,140.2 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 60%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Columbus has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) during that time.
San Antonio has a higher crime rate than Columbus. However, like many cities, crime is concentrated in certain neighborhoods. Both cities have a strong police presence and numerous community programs aimed at reducing crime. It's recommended for prospective residents or visitors to research neighborhoods closely before renting or buying a property.
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 1,506 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in Columbus is 573 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in San Antonio than in Columbus.
Cost of Living
San Antonio tends to have a lower cost of living than Columbus, especially regarding housing. Groceries, utilities, and transportation can cost slightly more in Columbus. However, personal expenses may vary based on lifestyle, consumption habits, and individual needs.
Income Tax
As noted, Texas, and therefore San Antonio, does not have a state income tax. Conversely, Columbus residents are subject to a municipal income tax of 2.5%, in addition to the Ohio state income tax of up to 4.797%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in San Antonio are typically higher than in Columbus. Rates differ in each city based on the exact location of the property.
Sales Tax
San Antonio has a combined city and state sales tax of 8.25%. It’s important to note that Texas does not have a state income tax. Columbus, on the other hand, has a combined sales tax rate of 7.5%.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Columbus
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$58,202
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$32,392
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
96.1
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $54,789 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio is in the southwestern corner of an urban megaregion known as the Texas Triangle, on generally flat land. Columbus is characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain with a dense tree cover, closer to the Appalachian Mountains.
Columbus hosts The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the U.S, well-known for its research programs. San Antonio is home to multiple institutions like the University of Texas at San Antonio. Both cities have strong public and private school systems for younger students.
San Antonio boasts a robust economy with a focus on the healthcare, tourism, and military sectors. Columbus, however, has a diversified economy led by education, government, insurance, banking, defence, aviation, food, and fashion. Both cities have shown resilience and adaptability in economic downturns.
Biggest Employers
Major employers in San Antonio include HEB, USAA, and the Northside Independent School District. In Columbus, the Ohio State University, the state government, and JPMorgan Chase top the list.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Columbus
San Antonio
Columbus
San Antonio
Columbus
2020
58.3%
64.7%
40.1%
33.4%
1.5%
1.9%
2016
54.2%
59.8%
40.8%
33.9%
5.0%
6.2%
2012
51.6%
60.8%
47.1%
37.9%
1.4%
1.3%
2008
52.3%
59.8%
46.7%
39.0%
1.0%
1.2%
2004
44.5%
54.5%
55.0%
45.2%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
44.9%
48.9%
52.3%
47.9%
2.7%
3.2%
1996
49.7%
48.1%
44.6%
44.5%
5.7%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Columbus
San Antonio
Columbus
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
13.2%
8.6%
5.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
1.6%
23.5%
6.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
1.3%
0.8%
1.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.2%
1.0%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.4%
1.6%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
1.6%
2.2%
3.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
1.0%
0.3%
3.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.3%
2.0%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
1.3%
0.2%
1.2%
Weather
The weather in San Antonio is typically warmer, with hot summers and mild winters, making it great for outdoor activities. Conversely, Columbus experiences a more seasonal climate, with cold winters and humid summers. For those averse to extreme temperatures, Columbus could be considered more comfortable.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Columbus
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
52.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
74.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
39.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
56.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
12%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
49.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
27%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
55%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
28%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
8.2 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Columbus
San Antonio
Columbus
San Antonio
Columbus
San Antonio
Columbus
San Antonio
Columbus
San Antonio
Columbus
San Antonio
Columbus
2018
83
69
N/A
0.11
4.9
10.0
25.6
33.8
N/A
N/A
8.0
6.0
0.2
0.0
2017
85
68
N/A
0.16
5.1
9.6
26.9
28.7
N/A
N/A
8.4
5.5
1.7
0.1
2016
79
76
N/A
0.17
5.2
10.6
25.7
28.5
N/A
N/A
8.2
5.6
0.8
0.1
2015
76
74
N/A
0.16
4.7
11.3
25.4
27.0
N/A
N/A
9.2
6.1
0.7
0.1
2014
84
82
N/A
0.20
5.5
11.0
27.3
28.5
N/A
N/A
9.5
7.4
0.6
0.5
2013
79
78
N/A
N/A
4.1
8.9
28.2
29.6
N/A
N/A
9.0
7.8
0.7
0.6
2012
77
87
N/A
N/A
4.5
N/A
27.5
32.9
18.1
N/A
9.2
8.9
N/A
N/A
2011
85
89
N/A
N/A
4.6
N/A
29.2
28.1
18.9
N/A
9.9
8.9
N/A
N/A
2010
75
90
0.21
N/A
7.2
N/A
25.8
30.5
17.1
N/A
9.2
9.1
N/A
N/A
2009
74
61
0.23
N/A
8.3
N/A
25.7
28.7
19.5
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.4
N/A
2008
84
65
0.26
N/A
9.3
N/A
26.8
31.2
19.8
N/A
10.1
N/A
0.5
1.8
2007
83
80
0.49
N/A
9.3
N/A
26.3
30.8
23.4
N/A
10.3
N/A
N/A
2.8
2006
86
75
0.51
N/A
9.7
N/A
32.7
30.0
24.8
23.7
9.8
N/A
N/A
3.3
2005
86
87
0.53
N/A
10.7
N/A
30.8
29.6
22.3
27.5
10.1
N/A
N/A
4.1
2004
76
77
0.48
N/A
10.4
N/A
29.6
27.8
22.4
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
2003
77
91
0.57
N/A
10.3
N/A
28.5
26.4
26.7
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
2002
88
93
0.52
N/A
11.2
N/A
30.3
31.3
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
2001
78
84
0.57
N/A
11.9
N/A
29.3
29.2
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
2000
82
57
0.52
N/A
11.7
N/A
29.6
N/A
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Columbus
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
119.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
96.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
16%
Transportation
San Antonio relies heavily on car commuting, but also has bus and bike share programs. Columbus offers extensive bus services and growing bike culture. Airports in both cities provide numerous domestic flights.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Columbus
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
987
415
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Columbus
Bicycle
0.2%
0.6%
Bus
1.6%
1.6%
Carpooled
12.9%
7.4%
Car alone
81.9%
86.7%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Columbus
Average
27 min
26.1 min
Other means
23.4 min
21.7 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
35.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Columbus
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
84.6%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
7.3%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is generally more affordable in San Antonio, with options for downtown condos and suburban homes. Columbus offers more in terms of upscale homes and luxury condos, but with a higher price tag.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods in San Antonio range from vibrant downtown locales to peaceful suburban communities. Columbus boasts historic and arts districts, as well as family-friendly suburbs.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Columbus
Houses
603,670
422,120
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.3
Median year apartment built
1987
1982
Median year house/condo built
1981
1977
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
390,605 (92.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
175,427 (44.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
215,178 (55.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,371
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,110
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$195,022
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$219,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$233,452
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$121,729
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$215,337
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$240,711
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$121,578
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$20,297
$27,006
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$218,726
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$229,736
Median house age
37
42
Renting percentage
43.5%
53%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
2,007.5
House value disparities
33.6%
30.2%
Household income disparities
44.7%
42.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$89,058
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$59,295
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
4,290 (3.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
10,651 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
125,487 (96.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
775 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
13,558 (10.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
1.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Columbus
One, detached
60.4%
45.8%
One, attached
2.7%
9.1%
Two
2.2%
4.0%
3 or 4
4.9%
8.6%
5 to 9
7.8%
11.8%
10 to 19
8.5%
8.6%
20 to 49
5.4%
4.5%
50 or more
6.6%
6.8%
Mobile homes
1.5%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
20,915
State government workers
29,486
31,881
Unpaid family workers
657
724
Industries and Occupations
Top industries in San Antonio include healthcare, tourism, and cybersecurity, whereas, in Columbus, educational services, healthcare, and finance play a lead role. Both cities offer diverse job opportunities.
Both cities have top-notch healthcare facilities. San Antonio is known for its research hospitals, while Columbus is known for the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Columbus
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have invested significantly in infrastructure, San Antonio especially with respect to tourist sites like the River Walk. Columbus is known for its excellent public library system, parks and recreation facilities, making it one of the best cities for tech jobs.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Columbus
Hospitals
130
47
TV stations
30
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
333
200
Bank institutions located here
41
25
Main business address for public companies
23
23
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
17
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Columbus
1999
6,847
2,450
2000
2,930
2,376
2001
2,383
1,897
2002
2,313
1,483
2003
3,759
2,087
2004
5,180
3,216
2005
6,554
4,275
2006
6,983
4,662
2007
4,562
2,679
2008
1,781
1,015
2009
847
555
Culture and Food
San Antonio is known for its rich Tex-Mex cuisine and western culture, while Columbus offers diverse food options and is home to multiple festivals, arts scene, a zoo, and the largest state fair in the U.S.
Sports Teams
San Antonio is home to one major professional sports team, the Spurs (NBA). Columbus is home to the Blue Jackets (NHL), the Crew (MLS), and the Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA).
San Antonio, TX
Columbus, OH
San Antonio, TX and 
Columbus, OH : 1,140.2 miles
