San Antonio and Fort Worth, two of Texas's largest cities, offer unique lifestyles that are both similar and contrasting. From factors like crime/safety, cost of living, schooling and jobs, to culture and sports, it's essential to weigh both cities cautiously. While San Antonio exhibits a deep-rooted Hispanic influence with its architecture, culture, and food, Fort Worth boasts a classic Western heritage and carries the nickname "Cowtown." Both cities sprout in business and tourism, although they differ in weather conditions, dominant industries, and living expenses. This comprehensive comparison will serve as an extensive guide for those considering relocating or just visiting these two magnificent cities.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Fort Worth, TX : 237.6 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 55%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Fort Worth has grown by 400,814 people (75.0%) during that time.
San Antonio's crime rate is slightly higher than Fort Worth's, according to recent FBI crime data. However, crime rates tend to vary depending on the particular neighborhood. Both cities have taken considerable measures to implement community policing programs, boosting safety.
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 3,166 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in Fort Worth is 270 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Antonio than in Fort Worth.
Cost of Living
Both cities are reasonably affordable compared to the national average. However, the cost of living in San Antonio is generally slightly lower than in Fort Worth. This is largely due to the more affordable housing options in San Antonio.
Income Tax
Texas is one of seven U.S. states that does not collect a state income tax from individuals. This means residents of San Antonio and Fort Worth will have no state or local income taxes to pay.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are slightly higher in Fort Worth than in San Antonio. Homeowners in Fort Worth can expect to pay a little more in property taxes on average.
Sales Tax
Both cities have the same sales tax rate, as this is determined at the state level in Texas. The Texas state sales tax is 6.25%, but Fort Worth and San Antonio each levy an additional 2% city sales tax, making the total sales tax rate 8.25% in both cities.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Fort Worth
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$68,235
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$34,106
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
95.4
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $54,390 in Fort Worth to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio is flat with low-lying plains and a humid subtropical climate. Fort Worth, located in North Texas, has more diverse terrain with areas of rolling hills and prairie, and has a hot semi-arid climate.
San Antonio and Fort Worth are home to a multitude of public, private, and charter schools. Notable is Fort Worth's Texas Christian University and San Antonio's The University of Texas in San Antonio. Both cities offer quality education, but Fort Worth reports higher graduation rates.
While the San Antonio's economy is driven by the military, healthcare, and tourism sectors, Fort Worth's economy is more diversified with significant contributions from the energy sector, manufacturing, and aerospace.
Biggest Employers
San Antonio's largest employers include the military and health care institutions like San Antonio Military Medical Center and University Health System. For Fort Worth, it's American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and Fort Worth Independent School District.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 7,236 building permits issued in Fort Worth in 2012 (4810 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fort Worth (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Fort Worth
San Antonio
Fort Worth
San Antonio
Fort Worth
2020
58.3%
49.3%
40.1%
49.1%
1.5%
1.6%
2016
54.2%
43.2%
40.8%
51.8%
5.0%
5.0%
2012
51.6%
41.4%
47.1%
57.1%
1.4%
1.4%
2008
52.3%
43.8%
46.7%
55.5%
1.0%
0.7%
2004
44.5%
37.0%
55.0%
62.5%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
44.9%
36.9%
52.3%
60.9%
2.7%
2.3%
1996
49.7%
41.6%
44.6%
50.9%
5.7%
7.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Fort Worth
San Antonio
Fort Worth
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
11.1%
8.6%
1.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
17.3%
23.5%
33.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
2.2%
0.8%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.5%
1.0%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.3%
1.6%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.3%
2.2%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.3%
1.6%
Weather
San Antonio experiences a warmer year-round climate with higher humidity. July is usually the hottest month with temperatures soaring to the upper 90s. Conversely, Fort Worth experiences more fluctuation in temperature, with summer highs in the lower 90s and chillier winters than San Antonio.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Fort Worth
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
65°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
71.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
34.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
82.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
35 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
22.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
54%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Fort Worth, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Fort Worth
San Antonio
Fort Worth
San Antonio
Fort Worth
San Antonio
Fort Worth
San Antonio
San Antonio
Fort Worth
San Antonio
Fort Worth
2018
83
67
N/A
N/A
4.9
5.8
25.6
27.1
N/A
N/A
8.0
N/A
0.2
N/A
2017
85
67
N/A
N/A
5.1
6.2
26.9
27.2
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
1.7
N/A
2016
79
56
N/A
N/A
5.2
6.3
25.7
25.5
N/A
N/A
8.2
N/A
0.8
N/A
2015
76
61
N/A
N/A
4.7
6.5
25.4
24.8
N/A
N/A
9.2
N/A
0.7
N/A
2014
84
56
N/A
0.22
5.5
6.8
27.3
26.6
N/A
N/A
9.5
N/A
0.6
N/A
2013
79
64
N/A
0.25
4.1
6.4
28.2
26.5
N/A
N/A
9.0
N/A
0.7
N/A
2012
77
87
N/A
0.26
4.5
7.8
27.5
30.3
18.1
N/A
9.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
2011
85
79
N/A
0.23
4.6
7.9
29.2
30.7
18.9
N/A
9.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
2010
75
70
0.21
0.23
7.2
8.5
25.8
27.7
17.1
N/A
9.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
2009
74
81
0.23
0.25
8.3
8.7
25.7
29.5
19.5
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.4
N/A
2008
84
69
0.26
0.25
9.3
9.6
26.8
25.8
19.8
N/A
10.1
N/A
0.5
N/A
2007
83
75
0.49
0.30
9.3
10.6
26.3
24.6
23.4
N/A
10.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
2006
86
90
0.51
0.34
9.7
10.2
32.7
29.7
24.8
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2005
86
102
0.53
0.34
10.7
10.9
30.8
28.4
22.3
N/A
10.1
11.3
N/A
0.9
2004
76
78
0.48
0.39
10.4
10.6
29.6
25.4
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2003
77
82
0.57
0.40
10.3
11.1
28.5
27.2
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2002
88
94
0.52
0.37
11.2
11.8
30.3
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
78
16
0.57
0.48
11.9
N/A
29.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
82
17
0.52
0.55
11.7
N/A
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Fort Worth
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
249.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
562.8%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
23%
Transportation
While both cities provide public transportation options, Fort Worth's Spur commuter rail and Trinity Railway Express provide commuters with more efficient transportation to neighboring cities. San Antonio relies heavily on buses for public transit and has an extensive highway system.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Fort Worth
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
987
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Fort Worth
Bicycle
0.2%
0.1%
Bus
1.6%
0.4%
Carpooled
12.9%
11%
Car alone
81.9%
85.8%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
1.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Fort Worth
Average
27 min
28.5 min
Other means
23.4 min
25.3 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
41.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Fort Worth
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
84.6%
87.6%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
2.5%
In 4 person carpool
1%
1.1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in San Antonio is generally more affordable with a median home price lower than that in Fort Worth. Conversely, Fort Worth's real estate market is more competitive, with home values appreciating at a faster rate.
Neighborhoods
San Antonio is known for its historic neighborhoods like King William and Alamo Heights, while Fort Worth boasts charming communities like Tanglewood and Arlington Heights, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern conveniences.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Fort Worth
Houses
603,670
361,341
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.8
Median year apartment built
1987
1991
Median year house/condo built
1981
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
334,286 (92.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
185,197 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
149,089 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,068
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,328
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$288,576
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$249,000
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
5.3
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
$279,885
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$337,081
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$298,062
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$58,470
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$20,297
$16,069
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$279,957
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$279,281
Median house age
37
29
Renting percentage
43.5%
40.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
1,235.2
House value disparities
33.6%
31.8%
Household income disparities
44.7%
43.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$106,170
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$72,147
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
2,986 (2.4%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
3,696 (3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
121,099 (97.6%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
66 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
5,171 (4.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
1.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Fort Worth
One, detached
60.4%
65.4%
One, attached
2.7%
2.9%
Two
2.2%
1.6%
3 or 4
4.9%
4.1%
5 to 9
7.8%
5.8%
10 to 19
8.5%
6.5%
20 to 49
5.4%
4.6%
50 or more
6.6%
7.0%
Mobile homes
1.5%
2.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
27,257
State government workers
29,486
8,587
Unpaid family workers
657
392
Industries and Occupations
The primary industries in San Antonio are military, health care, and tourism. At the same time, Fort Worth is home to diverse industries including aerospace, technology, and logistics.
San Antonio has excellent healthcare facilities, including the Methodist Hospital and the University Hospital-San Antonio. Fort Worth also boasts top-ranking hospitals like the Baylor Surgical Hospital and the Texas Health Harris Methodist.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Fort Worth
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Antonio's infrastructure is well-developed, with many modern amenities and easy access to services. Fort Worth is known for its excellent roadway systems and infrastructure improvement efforts, proving beneficial for both residents and businesses.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Fort Worth
Hospitals
130
76
TV stations
30
25
Arenas or stadiums
2
7
Bank branches located here
333
175
Bank institutions located here
41
42
Main business address for public companies
23
24
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Fort Worth
1999
6,847
3,575
2000
2,930
2,473
2001
2,383
2,109
2002
2,313
1,701
2003
3,759
2,183
2004
5,180
3,202
2005
6,554
4,261
2006
6,983
4,161
2007
4,562
2,871
2008
1,781
1,256
2009
847
585
Culture and Food
San Antonio stands out with its vibrant Hispanic culture, reflected in its music, festivals, and cuisine. The San Antonio River Walk is a top cultural attraction. Conversely, Fort Worth is known for its strong western heritage and offers a unique blend of cowboy culture mixed with a thriving arts scene.
Sports Teams
San Antonio has the Spurs, one of the NBA's most successful teams. Fort Worth, being part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, residents typically root for Dallas teams like the Cowboys (NFL) and the Mavericks (NBA).
San Antonio, TX
Fort Worth, TX
San Antonio, TX and 
Fort Worth, TX : 237.6 miles
