Before we dive into a detailed comparison of San Antonio, Texas, and East San Gabriel Valley, California, let's take a brief overview. Both areas offer distinctive cultures, unique geographical conditions, and robust economies. However, the cost of living, taxes, and weather can vary significantly. San Antonio is a vibrant city known for its historical attractions and cultural diversity, while East San Gabriel Valley is recognized for its suburban charm and proximity to Los Angeles. This comprehensive comparison will consider the factors of crime and safety, locale, economic climate, and more to give you an accurate depiction of what life is like in each city.
San Antonio has made significant strides in addressing crime and has seen a decrease in past years. Though still dealing with some crime issues, many neighborhoods are statistically quite safe. On the other hand, East San Gabriel Valley enjoys a relatively low crime rate, making it one of the safest regions in the Los Angeles Area. Both regions have proactive police forces focusing on community safety.
Cost of Living
When it comes to cost of living, San Antonio generally offers a much cheaper alternative to East San Gabriel Valley. Everything from groceries to housing tends to be significantly less expensive in San Antonio. East San Gabriel Valley, on the other hand, reflects California's generally high cost of living, especially in housing.
Income Tax
In terms of income tax, Texas does not impose a state income tax, making living and working in San Antonio more financially attractive to some individuals. On the other hand, California has a state income tax, with the rate depending on the taxpayer's income.
Property Tax
San Antonio has a relatively high property tax compared to the national average, but this isn't as high as in some other Texas cities. Property tax in East San Gabriel Valley tends to be high, reflecting the high property values throughout California.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is another area where these cities differ. San Antonio has a total sales tax rate of 8.25%, including state, county, and city sales taxes. On the other hand, East San Gabriel Valley, as part of Los Angeles County, has a total sales tax rate of 9.50%.
Income
Type
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$95,242
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$34,474
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
150.2
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $85,633 in East San Gabriel Valley to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio is located in South-Central Texas and features a mix of plains and hill country. East San Gabriel Valley is nestled between the San Gabriel Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offering beautiful landscapes and mild climate conditions.
Geographical information
Type
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
Land area
407.6 sq. miles
212.6 sq. miles
Population density
3,562.3 people per sq. mile
4,478.5 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
San Antonio, TX East San Gabriel Valley, CA
Education
Both regions have diverse educational opportunities. However, East San Gabriel Valley is part of the Los Angeles County education system, offering varying school options and boasting several top-rated schools. San Antonio has a range of public and private schools, including specialized programs for art, technology, and science and has several universities in its proximity.
San Antonio's economy is diverse, with major sectors including healthcare, military, tourism, and a growing IT sector. East San Gabriel Valley's economy is also varied, with healthcare and retail trade ranking high. While both cities face their economic challenges, both regions have promising job growth forecasts.
Biggest Employers
In San Antonio, the top employers are the military, city government, and school districts. The healthcare sector is also significant, notably with the Methodist Healthcare System. In East San Gabriel Valley, the key employers include several healthcare systems, retail companies, and school districts.
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In East San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
2020
58.3%
71.0%
40.1%
26.9%
1.5%
2.1%
2016
54.2%
72.0%
40.8%
22.5%
5.0%
5.5%
2012
51.6%
69.7%
47.1%
27.8%
1.4%
2.4%
2008
52.3%
69.2%
46.7%
28.8%
1.0%
1.9%
2004
44.5%
63.3%
55.0%
35.7%
0.6%
1.0%
2000
44.9%
63.6%
52.3%
32.4%
2.7%
4.0%
1996
49.7%
59.3%
44.6%
31.0%
5.7%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
36.1%
8.6%
4.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
1.0%
23.5%
9.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.7%
0.8%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.2%
1.0%
1.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.4%
1.6%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.2%
2.2%
1.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.5%
0.3%
3.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.3%
2.4%
Weather
San Antonio experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers. It can be prone to heavy rainfall at times, leading to occasional flash flooding. In contrast, East San Gabriel Valley boasts Mediterranean weather, with warm summers and cool, wet winters. Its proximity to the ocean offers beautiful, temperate conditions year-round.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
62.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
64.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
19.6%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
70.7%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
19.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
28.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
63%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
3.7 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in East San Gabriel Valley, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
2018
83
143
N/A
0.36
4.9
14.1
25.6
29.2
0.007
N/A
N/A
29.6
8.0
13.4
0.2
0.3
2017
85
150
N/A
0.35
5.1
14.8
26.9
30.5
0.007
N/A
N/A
32.7
8.4
12.6
1.7
0.3
2016
79
141
N/A
0.31
5.2
15.5
25.7
29.3
0.007
N/A
N/A
30.3
8.2
12.0
0.8
0.3
2015
76
145
N/A
0.30
4.7
15.2
25.4
30.4
0.007
N/A
N/A
30.0
9.2
14.6
0.7
0.2
2014
84
142
N/A
0.32
5.5
16.8
27.3
29.7
0.008
N/A
N/A
33.6
9.5
11.7
0.6
0.3
2013
79
147
N/A
0.33
4.1
17.0
28.2
27.7
0.007
N/A
N/A
31.5
9.0
11.5
0.7
0.4
2012
77
149
N/A
0.39
4.5
18.3
27.5
27.5
0.005
N/A
18.1
30.9
9.2
15.6
N/A
0.6
2011
85
149
N/A
0.40
4.6
18.6
29.2
26.7
0.008
N/A
18.9
30.3
9.9
17.3
N/A
0.5
2010
75
139
0.21
0.44
7.2
19.3
25.8
26.8
N/A
N/A
17.1
26.6
9.2
14.8
N/A
0.4
2009
74
156
0.23
0.40
8.3
21.0
25.7
28.0
0.010
N/A
19.5
26.0
9.8
16.5
0.4
0.6
2008
84
156
0.26
0.48
9.3
22.7
26.8
27.7
0.012
N/A
19.8
27.0
10.1
15.1
0.5
1.0
2007
83
135
0.49
0.52
9.3
25.3
26.3
24.8
0.014
N/A
23.4
N/A
10.3
N/A
N/A
1.3
2006
86
128
0.51
0.55
9.7
25.1
32.7
24.0
0.009
N/A
24.8
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
1.9
2005
86
127
0.53
0.59
10.7
25.7
30.8
22.8
0.014
N/A
22.3
N/A
10.1
N/A
N/A
1.9
2004
76
132
0.48
0.68
10.4
25.4
29.6
24.6
0.016
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2003
77
137
0.57
0.80
10.3
29.9
28.5
24.7
0.021
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2002
88
134
0.52
0.83
11.2
31.4
30.3
23.1
0.021
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
2001
78
141
0.57
1.00
11.9
31.8
29.3
21.4
0.029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
2000
82
150
0.52
1.05
11.7
34.7
29.6
20.7
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
18.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
7,292.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
57%
Transportation
San Antonio's public transportation system includes buses and a growing network of bike lanes. However, most residents own cars and use highways to commute. East San Gabriel Valley has access to Los Angeles' public transit system, which includes both buses and light rail. However, as with many areas in Southern California, commuting by car is also common.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
987
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
Bicycle
0.2%
0.6%
Bus
1.6%
2.9%
Carpooled
12.9%
17.1%
Car alone
81.9%
73.3%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.6%
Walked
1.6%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
Average
27 min
32.3 min
Real Estate
San Antonio real estate tends to be more affordable, with a variety of housing options. Despite a recent surge in prices, it remains cheaper compared to California. In contrast, East San Gabriel Valley has a considerably more expensive real estate market, emblematic of the high property values throughout California.
Neighborhoods
San Antonio offers a mix of vibrant downtown living, suburban neighborhoods, and peaceful rural areas. East San Gabriel Valley consists mostly of residential suburban neighborhoods with varying degrees of affluence and is known for its quiet, tranquil neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
Houses
603,670
270,240
Average household size (people)
2.7
3.5
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
263,338 (97.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
180,683 (68.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
82,655 (31.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,935
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$1,138,428
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$643,048
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.9
Renting percentage
43.5%
32.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
1,270.8
Household income disparities
44.7%
40.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
26,635 (16.4%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
515 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
136,243 (83.6%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
11,429 (7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
21,150 (13%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
25,753
State government workers
29,486
13,845
Unpaid family workers
657
1,494
Industries and Occupations
San Antonio's dominant industries include tourism, healthcare, and military. IT is also an emerging sector in the city. East San Gabriel Valley is dominated by industries like healthcare, retail, and education, reflecting its suburban, family-oriented nature.
Both regions deliver comprehensive health care options. San Antonio boasts a strong healthcare segment with multiple top-rated hospitals. East San Gabriel Valley, through its proximity to Los Angeles, offers an extensive network of hospitals and specialty health centers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Antonio is known for its well-planned infrastructure, including the road system, airports, utilities, and public amenities. Meanwhile, East San Gabriel Valley benefits from the comprehensive infrastructure of the Greater Los Angeles Area, including multiple public airports, major highways, and rail systems.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
East San Gabriel Valley
TV stations
30
24
Culture and Food
San Antonio is rich in history and culture, a melting pot of Mexican and Texan traditions. Its cuisine reflects this combining the best of Tex-Mex, barbeque, and beyond. East San Gabriel Valley, part of Greater Los Angeles, offers a diverse gastronomic scene, with a range of cuisines reflecting the multicultural population, including notable Asian and Hispanic influences.
Sports Teams
San Antonio is home to the NBA's Spurs, fueling a passionate local basketball culture. East San Gabriel Valley residents enjoy access to Los Angeles' rich sports culture, including the Lakers (NBA), Dodgers (MLB), and Rams (NFL), among others.
San Antonio, TX
East San Gabriel Valley, CA
San Antonio, TX and 
East San Gabriel Valley, CA : 1,178.6 miles
