San Antonio, Texas and Raleigh, North Carolina are two vibrant cities in the United States with unique charm. San Antonio is known for its Tex-Mex culture, historic sites, and large Hispanic population, while Raleigh showcases a strong economy, impressive educational institutions, and a serene family-friendly environment. A comparative analysis will help understand the aspects of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and various city-specific factors to facilitate the best choice for relocating or visiting.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Raleigh, NC : 1,234.0 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 210%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Raleigh has grown by 193,031 people (69.9%) during that time.
San Antonio has a higher rate of crime than Raleigh. According to the FBI, crime rates are typically higher in larger metropolitan areas, and with San Antonio being the second-most populous city in Texas, it faces more challenges than Raleigh. However, just as with any large city, crime rates can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another.
On the other hand, Raleigh has been consistently ranked as one of the safest cities of its size in the United States. Its smaller population and effective law enforcement contribute to its relatively lower crime rate.
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 2,158 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in Raleigh is 213 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Antonio than in Raleigh.
Cost of Living
The cost of living index in San Antonio is generally lower than Raleigh. Housing costs are significantly lower in San Antonio, which greatly contributes to the overall cost of living. In contrast, Raleigh has a higher cost of living, owing mainly to the cost of housing and transportation. However, the median household income in Raleigh is also higher, which may balance out the higher cost of living.
Income Tax
Texas is one of the few states that do not have a state income tax, so San Antonio residents only pay federal income tax. On the other hand, North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 5.25% which Raleigh residents are subject to, alongside federal income tax.
Property Tax
Property taxes in San Antonio are relatively high, with an average rate of 1.93%. Raleigh's property tax rate averages at about 0.86%, which is significantly lower compared to San Antonio.
Sales Tax
The combined state and local sales taxes for San Antonio is 8.25%, while Raleigh has a combined sales tax of 7.25%. Both cities fall within the average range for sales tax in the United States.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Raleigh
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$74,612
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$44,001
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
95.1
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $54,219 in Raleigh 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, with several parks and green spaces.
Raleigh is located in the Atlantic Coastal Plain region and features rolling hills. Raleigh and surrounding areas are lush with vegetation, having an abundance of forests, parks, and lakes.
Raleigh stands out for its strong education system. Known as part of the "Research Triangle," Raleigh is home to notable institutions like North Carolina State University and is in close proximity to Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
San Antonio also offers excellent educational opportunities, with over 30 higher education facilities including the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Raleigh's economy is robust, with a low unemployment rate. The city is known for its thriving tech industry and a strong job market thanks to the Research Triangle Park.
San Antonio's economy is largely driven by military, healthcare, government services, financial services, oil and gas, and tourism. The job market in San Antonio is also strong and diverse, but not as fast-growing as Raleigh's.
Biggest Employers
In San Antonio, the biggest employers are H-E-B, USAA, and the military, which includes several local bases. In the healthcare sector, Methodist Healthcare System and Baptist Health System are significant employers.
The largest employers in Raleigh include the Wake County Public School system, North Carolina State University and technology companies within the Research Triangle like IBM and Cisco Systems.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 1,354 building permits issued in Raleigh in 2012 (366 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Raleigh (Wake County), 54.9% voted for Democrats and 43.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Raleigh
San Antonio
Raleigh
San Antonio
Raleigh
2020
58.3%
62.3%
40.1%
35.9%
1.5%
1.8%
2016
54.2%
57.4%
40.8%
37.2%
5.0%
5.5%
2012
51.6%
54.9%
47.1%
43.5%
1.4%
1.6%
2008
52.3%
56.8%
46.7%
42.3%
1.0%
0.9%
2004
44.5%
48.7%
55.0%
50.9%
0.6%
0.4%
2000
44.9%
46.1%
52.3%
53.2%
2.7%
0.7%
1996
49.7%
45.9%
44.6%
48.2%
5.7%
5.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Raleigh
San Antonio
Raleigh
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
11.0%
8.6%
2.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
9.0%
23.5%
22.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
1.1%
0.8%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
1.0%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
1.1%
1.6%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.6%
2.2%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.4%
0.3%
0.6%
Weather
Raleigh experiences a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with mild and short spring and autumn. Winters can be chilly but snow is a rare occurrence.
San Antonio, on the other hand, experiences a warmer climate year-round, with long, hot summers and brief, mild winters. It can be a great location for those seeking a warmer climate, but those not used to heat may not find it as comfortable.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Raleigh
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
59.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
73.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
44%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
46.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
13.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
18.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
63.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
13%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
51%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
7.1 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Raleigh, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Raleigh
San Antonio
Raleigh
San Antonio
Raleigh
San Antonio
Raleigh
San Antonio
Raleigh
San Antonio
Raleigh
San Antonio
Raleigh
2018
83
71
N/A
0.23
4.9
4.9
25.6
27.5
N/A
14.6
8.0
9.5
0.2
0.2
2017
85
70
N/A
0.23
5.1
5.5
26.9
25.8
N/A
14.7
8.4
9.3
1.7
0.2
2016
79
80
N/A
0.23
5.2
5.6
25.7
26.9
N/A
8.7
8.2
10.0
0.8
0.3
2015
76
79
N/A
0.27
4.7
5.7
25.4
28.6
N/A
12.4
9.2
11.0
0.7
0.3
2014
84
74
N/A
0.26
5.5
6.0
27.3
29.9
N/A
N/A
9.5
11.2
0.6
0.3
2013
79
72
N/A
0.26
4.1
N/A
28.2
26.9
N/A
N/A
9.0
10.7
0.7
0.4
2012
77
80
N/A
0.28
4.5
N/A
27.5
29.7
18.1
N/A
9.2
9.5
N/A
0.6
2011
85
84
N/A
0.27
4.6
N/A
29.2
32.9
18.9
N/A
9.9
10.3
N/A
0.7
2010
75
89
0.21
0.30
7.2
N/A
25.8
32.4
17.1
N/A
9.2
10.9
N/A
1.0
2009
74
77
0.23
0.30
8.3
N/A
25.7
27.8
19.5
N/A
9.8
10.3
0.4
1.0
2008
84
99
0.26
0.36
9.3
N/A
26.8
32.3
19.8
N/A
10.1
12.5
0.5
1.4
2007
83
98
0.49
0.40
9.3
N/A
26.3
35.7
23.4
N/A
10.3
13.9
N/A
1.2
2006
86
90
0.51
0.44
9.7
N/A
32.7
31.9
24.8
N/A
9.8
13.5
N/A
0.9
2005
86
80
0.53
0.38
10.7
N/A
30.8
33.9
22.3
N/A
10.1
N/A
N/A
2.5
2004
76
82
0.48
0.40
10.4
N/A
29.6
28.4
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
2003
77
82
0.57
N/A
10.3
N/A
28.5
29.9
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
2002
88
89
0.52
N/A
11.2
N/A
30.3
36.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
2001
78
128
0.57
N/A
11.9
N/A
29.3
34.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
82
115
0.52
0.64
11.7
N/A
29.6
34.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Raleigh
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
95.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
52.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
18%
Transportation
In San Antonio, owning a car is almost a necessity due to the city's size and spread-out nature. The public transit system, VIA Metropolitan Transit, does provide bus services but is not extensive.
In Raleigh, the GoRaleigh, GoTriangle, and GoDurham bus systems provide reasonably good city-wide coverage. However, like San Antonio, Raleigh is also a car-centric city but offers more options for commuting compared to San Antonio.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Raleigh
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
987
499
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Raleigh
Bicycle
0.2%
0.2%
Bus
1.6%
1.1%
Carpooled
12.9%
8.5%
Car alone
81.9%
87.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
1.6%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Raleigh
Average
27 min
29.4 min
Other means
23.4 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
39.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Raleigh
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
84.6%
90.1%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
7.6%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in San Antonio offers lower median home prices compared to Raleigh. This makes the city more affordable for prospective home buyers.
Raleigh's real estate market is more competitive due to the tech boom and influx of new residents. However, its real estate is still considered reasonably priced compared to other major tech cities.
Neighborhoods
San Antonio offers diverse neighborhoods, from the historic King William district to vibrant arts districts like Southtown. Each area has its own unique charm, welcoming residents with different lifestyles and budgets.
Raleigh, too, offers a mix of residential neighborhoods like the historic Oakwood or trendy Warehouse District. Residents have a wide range of affordable to upscale housing options.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Raleigh
Houses
603,670
217,866
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.4
Median year apartment built
1987
1995
Median year house/condo built
1981
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
11.5 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
194,917 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
103,367 (53%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
91,550 (47%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,740
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,298
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$302,120
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$340,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.7
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$446,507
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$403,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$170,635
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$306,998
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$31,622
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$292,086
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$404,828
Median house age
37
26
Renting percentage
43.5%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
1,901.1
House value disparities
33.6%
30.8%
Household income disparities
44.7%
45.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$114,680
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$81,716
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
1,689 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
6,627 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
78,923 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
7,783 (9.7%)
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%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Raleigh
One, detached
60.4%
45.0%
One, attached
2.7%
14.0%
Two
2.2%
1.2%
3 or 4
4.9%
4.6%
5 to 9
7.8%
6.3%
10 to 19
8.5%
12.4%
20 to 49
5.4%
6.0%
50 or more
6.6%
9.2%
Mobile homes
1.5%
1.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
12,488
State government workers
29,486
19,792
Unpaid family workers
657
523
Industries and Occupations
San Antonio’s primary industries include the military, healthcare, oil and gas, financial services, and tourism. Many San Antonians work in these sectors in a variety of roles.
Raleigh's top industries are technology, healthcare, and education. Many in the workforce are employed in these sectors, given the presence of the Research Triangle Park.
San Antonio has top-notch medical facilities, with the Methodist Hospital and Baptist Medical Center ranked highly in several specialties. Military healthcare is also prominent due to the city's large military population.
Raleigh is home to several top-rated hospitals, including the Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center. Being part of the Research Triangle, Raleigh attracts healthcare professionals and researchers from around the country.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Raleigh
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Antonio boasts significant historical and modern infrastructure and is home to many historic sites like the Alamo and River Walk.
Raleigh, while not as historically significant, is known for its urban planning and well-maintained infrastructure, including excellent roads and a modern cityscape. Its Greenway System covers over 100 miles, providing ample outdoor space for locals and tourists.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Raleigh
Hospitals
130
19
TV stations
30
20
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
333
136
Bank institutions located here
41
27
Main business address for public companies
23
21
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
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
Raleigh
1999
6,847
1,618
2000
2,930
890
2001
2,383
557
2002
2,313
510
2003
3,759
564
2004
5,180
700
2005
6,554
1,083
2006
6,983
1,097
2007
4,562
859
2008
1,781
424
2009
847
253
Culture and Food
San Antonio boasts a mix of Mexican and Texan culture, reflected in their annual events like Fiesta San Antonio and the iconic food, Tex-Mex. The city is known for its vibrant music and arts scene.
Raleigh, part of the Southern culture, is known for its food, particularly barbeque. The city has a burgeoning craft beer scene and is well-regarded for its arts and music scene, hosting annual events like the Artsplosure.
Sports Teams
San Antonio is home to the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, while Raleigh is known for its NHL team, the Carolina Hurricanes. Both cities have a passionate local fan base and sport is a significant part of their cultures.
San Antonio, TX
Raleigh, NC
San Antonio, TX and 
Raleigh, NC : 1,234.0 miles
