San Antonio in Texas and Long Beach in California, while both being prominent US cities, offer different experiences whether for residing or visiting. Each city's environmental, socio-economic, and cultural factors differ greatly, affecting factors like cost of living, job prospects, engagements, and others. This comparison examines those elements to provide an understanding of what would be experienced in either city.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Long Beach, CA : 1,192.1 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 218%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Long Beach has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) during that time.
In terms of safety, it must be noted that generally, crime rates are slightly higher in San Antonio than in Long Beach. Violent crime rates per 1,000 residents are also marginally higher in San Antonio than Long Beach. But as with any major city, crime rates can vary by neighborhood and both cities have areas considered relatively safe and others that are less so. Police departments in both cities are actively invested in community policing efforts, aiming to increase 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 807 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in Long Beach is 583 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in San Antonio than in Long Beach.
Cost of Living
Living in Long Beach is generally more expensive than in San Antonio. San Antonio's low cost of living is one of its main attractions. Major factors driving the cost difference are housing and transportation—the median house cost in Long Beach is significantly more than in San Antonio, and the cost of regular public transportation is also less in San Antonio.
Income Tax
California has a scale of progressive income tax, while Texas—San Antonio included—does not levy a state income tax.
Property Tax
Property taxes are generally higher in Texas than in California, but with San Antonio’s lower overall property prices, the tax's impact may be less for homeowners.
Sales Tax
Texas has a relatively high state sales tax rate at 8.25%, but it does not have local sales taxes, while California's state sales tax is 7.25%, but Long Beach imposes an additional 1.25%, totaling 9.5%.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Long Beach
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$73,905
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$37,217
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
142
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $80,958 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Long Beach is a coastal city with numerous beaches and marinas, while San Antonio is inland with a more hilly geography known for its scenic river walk and surrounding plains.
Both cities provide a wide array of public, private, and charter schools. Regarding higher education, San Antonio hosts multiple universities and colleges, including the University of Texas at San Antonio. However, Long Beach boasts the second-largest campus of the esteemed California State University system.
San Antonio's economy is largely driven by military, government services, financial services, oil and gas, and tourism sectors, while Long Beach has a diverse economy centered around the healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and education sectors. Both cities have robust job markets, but different industries dominate each.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in San Antonio include the US military, with several bases in the area, and H-E-B Grocery Company. In Long Beach, the largest employers are Long Beach Unified School District, City of Long Beach, and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 304 building permits issued in Long Beach in 2012 (238 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Long Beach (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Long Beach
San Antonio
Long Beach
San Antonio
Long Beach
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
Long Beach
San Antonio
Long Beach
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
Weather is variable between the two cities. Long Beach experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, while San Antonio experiences subtropical weather, with hot summers and mild to cool winters. Long Beach has a more stable, temperate climate, which can be appealing to those sensitive to temperature changes.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Long Beach
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
26.4%
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
6.1 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Long Beach, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Long Beach
San Antonio
Long Beach
San Antonio
Long Beach
San Antonio
Long Beach
Long Beach
San Antonio
Long Beach
San Antonio
Long Beach
San Antonio
Long Beach
2018
83
124
N/A
0.37
4.9
17.2
25.6
22.1
0.008
N/A
N/A
27.5
8.0
13.5
0.2
0.7
2017
85
122
N/A
0.36
5.1
18.1
26.9
23.2
0.007
N/A
N/A
26.7
8.4
14.5
1.7
0.8
2016
79
115
N/A
0.36
5.2
18.5
25.7
21.9
0.007
N/A
N/A
24.1
8.2
11.6
0.8
0.9
2015
76
111
N/A
0.38
4.7
19.9
25.4
22.5
0.005
N/A
N/A
25.0
9.2
13.9
0.7
0.9
2014
84
127
N/A
0.50
5.5
20.3
27.3
22.0
0.007
N/A
N/A
26.7
9.5
14.3
0.6
1.3
2013
79
126
N/A
0.48
4.1
20.0
28.2
24.7
0.005
N/A
N/A
32.3
9.0
14.6
0.7
1.0
2012
77
132
N/A
0.48
4.5
19.3
27.5
24.4
0.004
N/A
18.1
30.8
9.2
14.1
N/A
0.6
2011
85
119
N/A
0.43
4.6
20.2
29.2
23.4
0.006
N/A
18.9
28.4
9.9
15.6
N/A
1.2
2010
75
115
0.21
0.38
7.2
20.8
25.8
22.7
0.011
N/A
17.1
24.1
9.2
11.9
N/A
0.7
2009
74
132
0.23
0.50
8.3
21.0
25.7
22.0
0.008
N/A
19.5
27.7
9.8
13.1
0.4
1.1
2008
84
124
0.26
0.53
9.3
20.8
26.8
23.2
0.008
N/A
19.8
27.2
10.1
21.6
0.5
1.0
2007
83
109
0.49
0.60
9.3
20.3
26.3
21.1
0.010
N/A
23.4
N/A
10.3
N/A
N/A
1.4
2006
86
119
0.51
0.76
9.7
21.4
32.7
19.9
0.005
N/A
24.8
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
1.7
2005
86
108
0.53
0.74
10.7
24.3
30.8
20.5
0.011
N/A
22.3
N/A
10.1
N/A
N/A
2.7
2004
76
125
0.48
0.56
10.4
28.0
29.6
22.9
0.012
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
2003
77
130
0.57
0.83
10.3
28.1
28.5
22.4
0.032
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
2002
88
120
0.52
0.90
11.2
29.6
30.3
22.2
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
2001
78
124
0.57
0.81
11.9
30.3
29.3
21.5
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
2000
82
142
0.52
0.71
11.7
31.5
29.6
19.6
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Long Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
18.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
6,875.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
57%
Transportation
While both cities offer public transportation systems, San Antonio's are less expensive. However, Long Beach is noted for its bike-friendly environment, while commute times in San Antonio, especially by car, are generally shorter.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Long Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
987
312
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
29
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Long Beach
Bicycle
0.2%
0.5%
Bus
1.6%
3.3%
Carpooled
12.9%
9.8%
Car alone
81.9%
81.8%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.5%
Walked
1.6%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Long Beach
Average
27 min
30.7 min
Other means
23.4 min
28.5 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Long Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
84.6%
89.7%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is more accessible and affordable in San Antonio, with a lower median home cost than Long Beach. Meanwhile, Long Beach’s real estate market is highly competitive and expensive, which reflects California's overall higher housing prices.
Neighborhoods
San Antonio offers diverse neighborhoods ranging from the bustling Downtown to peaceful and family-friendly Stone Oak. Long Beach, home to several unique neighborhoods, combines urban living with beach town charm in locations like Belmont Shore and Bixby Knolls.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Long Beach
Houses
603,670
179,856
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.8
Median year apartment built
1987
1964
Median year house/condo built
1981
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
172,599 (96%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
69,470 (40.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
103,129 (59.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,057
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,692
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$520,992
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$693,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
4.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.5
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$900,658
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$823,515
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$495,928
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$488,399
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$333,777
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$634,684
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$805,766
Median house age
37
62
Renting percentage
43.5%
58.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
3,565.7
House value disparities
33.6%
21.3%
Household income disparities
44.7%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$116,421
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$79,392
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
394 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
3,069 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
49,321 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
3,709 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Long Beach
One, detached
60.4%
40.2%
One, attached
2.7%
4.9%
Two
2.2%
5.3%
3 or 4
4.9%
8.8%
5 to 9
7.8%
10.4%
10 to 19
8.5%
10.8%
20 to 49
5.4%
8.0%
50 or more
6.6%
10.6%
Mobile homes
1.5%
0.8%
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
18,532
State government workers
29,486
6,550
Unpaid family workers
657
178
Industries and Occupations
In San Antonio, healthcare and social assistance are the most common industries, followed by retail trade and accommodation, and food services. Conversely, In Long Beach, the most common industries are health care, educational services, and manufacturing.
The health care sector is strong in both cities. Long Beach has quality hospitals like Long Beach Memorial, and San Antonio is home to prestigious hospitals such as Methodist Hospital-San Antonio.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Long Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in both cities is developed, yet each has its unique demands. Long Beach's infrastructure caters to its coastal location, with key projects including the iconic Rainbow Harbor and its diverse ports. Contrastingly, San Antonio's infrastructure is influenced by its inland, riverine setting, including the famous River Walk.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Long Beach
Hospitals
130
17
TV stations
30
5
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
333
67
Bank institutions located here
41
18
Main business address for public companies
23
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Long Beach
1999
6,847
1,159
2000
2,930
710
2001
2,383
677
2002
2,313
708
2003
3,759
1,861
2004
5,180
2,162
2005
6,554
3,065
2006
6,983
3,591
2007
4,562
2,287
2008
1,781
887
2009
847
475
Culture and Food
In San Antonio, culture is heavily influenced by its Texan and Mexican heritage. Long Beach has an eclectic food scene with a fantastic array of international cuisines, reflecting its rich diversity. Both cities host various festivals and cultural events throughout the year, making them vibrant places to live.
Sports Teams
San Antonio is known for its NBA team, the San Antonio Spurs. Long Beach, however, does not have its own professional sports teams, but is in proximity to Los Angeles home teams.
San Antonio, TX
Long Beach, CA
San Antonio, TX and 
Long Beach, CA : 1,192.1 miles
