San Antonio and Seattle are two vibrant U.S. cities, each offering a unique lifestyle, suitable for different preferences. Our comparison will evaluate each city in terms of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, biggest employers, real estate, neighborhoods, public transportation and commuting, taxes, culture and food, sports teams, geography, and healthcare.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Seattle, WA : 1,784.4 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 98%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Seattle has grown by 170,545 people (30.3%) during that time.
Regarding crime and safety, San Antonio reports higher crime rates than Seattle. However, like any large city, crime rates can significantly differ from neighborhood to neighborhood. Visitors and prospective residents should research individual neighborhoods to gauge safety levels. Seattle, on the other hand, has a lower overall crime rate despite some areas experiencing elevated crime statistics.
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 481 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in Seattle is 1,464 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in San Antonio than that in Seattle.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Antonio is significantly lower than Seattle across all categories, housing being the most significant. Seattle's cost of living is driven up by an increasing demand for housing in response to its growing tech industry.
Income Tax
Washington State, including Seattle, has no state income tax. Conversely, Texas, including San Antonio, also does not levy a state income tax.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in the state of Washington and Texas vary depending on the county and city. However, property taxes tend to be higher in Texas due to the lack of a state income tax.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Seattle is higher at approximately 10.1%, while San Antonio has a general sales tax rate of just 8.25%.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Seattle
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$110,781
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$74,733
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
118.5
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $67,560 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Seattle is a coastal seaport city characterized by hilly terrain and abundant greenery. San Antonio, in contrast, lies in south central Texas with a flatter landscape and has the San Antonio River flowing through it.
Both cities have good education systems. Seattle boasts high-performing schools and is home to the University of Washington, a top-rated university for medicine, engineering, and computer science. On the other hand, San Antonio has reputable school districts and hosts several universities, including the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Seattle's economy is thriving and is home to tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft. San Antonio's economy is diverse, with one of the largest military concentrations in the US, as well as a strong presence in healthcare, tourism, and financial services.
Biggest Employers
In Seattle, Amazon and Microsoft are the biggest employers, while in San Antonio, the military, USAA, and healthcare institutions such as Methodist Healthcare System are the largest employers.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 264 building permits issued in Seattle in 2012 (52 less than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Seattle (King County), 69.0% voted for Democrats and 28.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Seattle
San Antonio
Seattle
San Antonio
Seattle
2020
58.3%
75.1%
40.1%
22.3%
1.5%
2.6%
2016
54.2%
70.0%
40.8%
21.1%
5.0%
8.9%
2012
51.6%
69.0%
47.1%
28.5%
1.4%
2.5%
2008
52.3%
70.2%
46.7%
28.1%
1.0%
1.7%
2004
44.5%
65.1%
55.0%
33.8%
0.6%
1.1%
2000
44.9%
60.3%
52.3%
34.5%
2.7%
5.2%
1996
49.7%
56.4%
44.6%
31.4%
5.7%
12.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Seattle
San Antonio
Seattle
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
14.4%
8.6%
4.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
0.3%
23.5%
3.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.6%
0.8%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.5%
1.0%
2.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.8%
1.6%
2.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
1.3%
2.2%
4.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.6%
0.3%
2.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.6%
1.3%
2.3%
Weather
In terms of weather, Seattle has a temperate climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers while San Antonio experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Seattle's rainfall is well-known, with drizzles throughout the year. In contrast, San Antonio's heat can be intense, especially in summer.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Seattle
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
52.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
78.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
36.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
21.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
11.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
49.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
44%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
20%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Seattle, Washington
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Seattle
San Antonio
Seattle
San Antonio
Seattle
San Antonio
Seattle
Seattle
San Antonio
Seattle
San Antonio
Seattle
San Antonio
Seattle
2018
83
82
N/A
0.21
4.9
10.6
25.6
20.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.0
8.3
0.2
0.7
2017
85
92
N/A
0.23
5.1
11.1
26.9
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.8
1.7
0.3
2016
79
67
N/A
0.22
5.2
11.9
25.7
20.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
6.6
0.8
0.6
2015
76
81
N/A
0.23
4.7
10.8
25.4
19.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
8.5
0.7
0.8
2014
84
75
N/A
0.24
5.5
11.5
27.3
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
7.4
0.6
N/A
2013
79
81
N/A
0.24
4.1
N/A
28.2
17.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
9.1
0.7
0.8
2012
77
77
N/A
0.23
4.5
N/A
27.5
19.5
N/A
N/A
18.1
N/A
9.2
7.7
N/A
1.0
2011
85
72
N/A
0.24
4.6
N/A
29.2
18.6
N/A
N/A
18.9
N/A
9.9
7.5
N/A
1.1
2010
75
71
0.21
0.24
7.2
N/A
25.8
18.0
N/A
N/A
17.1
N/A
9.2
6.7
N/A
1.1
2009
74
94
0.23
0.27
8.3
N/A
25.7
17.7
N/A
N/A
19.5
N/A
9.8
8.0
0.4
1.4
2008
84
80
0.26
0.30
9.3
N/A
26.8
17.8
N/A
N/A
19.8
N/A
10.1
6.5
0.5
1.3
2007
83
83
0.49
0.30
9.3
N/A
26.3
18.2
N/A
N/A
23.4
20.3
10.3
7.9
N/A
1.5
2006
86
98
0.51
N/A
9.7
N/A
32.7
18.3
N/A
N/A
24.8
22.6
9.8
8.7
N/A
N/A
2005
86
101
0.53
0.80
10.7
18.3
30.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.3
24.5
10.1
9.5
N/A
3.5
2004
76
102
0.48
0.81
10.4
17.9
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
10.3
N/A
3.0
2003
77
91
0.57
0.78
10.3
18.5
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
2.4
2002
88
87
0.52
0.82
11.2
19.3
30.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
2.7
2001
78
88
0.57
0.90
11.9
20.7
29.3
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
N/A
3.7
2000
82
98
0.52
1.06
11.7
20.9
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.3
N/A
3.2
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Seattle
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
5.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
1,394.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
30%
Transportation
Seattle is known for its efficient public transportation system, featuring buses, light rail, and ferries. San Antonio offers bus services but lacks light rail. However, both cities have bike-friendly options, and car commuting is common as well.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Seattle
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
987
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Seattle
Bicycle
0.2%
2.1%
Bus
1.6%
8.9%
Carpooled
12.9%
8.7%
Car alone
81.9%
67.8%
Ferryboat
0%
0.7%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.3%
Railroad
0%
1.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.3%
Subway
0%
0.6%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
8%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Seattle
Average
27 min
35 min
Other means
23.4 min
23.5 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
35.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Seattle
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
84.6%
89%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
8.7%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
1.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Seattle are higher than the national average due to high demand, while San Antonio's real estate market offers affordable housing, with prices below the national average.
Neighborhoods
Seattle has a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique character, ranging from hip and bohemian to family-friendly. San Antonio also offers a wide array of neighborhoods, from historic districts to newer suburban developments.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Seattle
Houses
603,670
384,799
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.1
Median year apartment built
1987
1987
Median year house/condo built
1981
1955
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
12.4 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
351,650 (91.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
161,587 (46%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
190,063 (54%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$2,780
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,984
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$860,506
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$848,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
4.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$764,579
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$719,049
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$626,370
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$226,727
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$20,297
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$925,507
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
Over $1,000,000
Median house age
37
47
Renting percentage
43.5%
51.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
4,587.9
House value disparities
33.6%
20.6%
Household income disparities
44.7%
42.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$189,767
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$112,771
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
2,459 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
12,354 (10.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
115,481 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
240 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
13,881 (11.8%)
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%
2.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Seattle
One, detached
60.4%
39.6%
One, attached
2.7%
6.0%
Two
2.2%
2.0%
3 or 4
4.9%
3.2%
5 to 9
7.8%
5.7%
10 to 19
8.5%
7.0%
20 to 49
5.4%
11.9%
50 or more
6.6%
24.4%
Mobile homes
1.5%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
24,994
State government workers
29,486
27,235
Unpaid family workers
657
947
Industries and Occupations
The leading industries in Seattle are technology, aerospace, and healthcare, providing numerous job opportunities. San Antonio, however, is dominated by healthcare, military, tourism, and finance sectors.
Both cities have good healthcare systems. Seattle is home to top-rated hospitals, with a high concentration of healthcare professionals. San Antonio, with its military base, offers military healthcare services along with private healthcare facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Seattle
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Seattle's infrastructure includes good freeway systems, ports, and an international airport. However, it struggles somewhat with traffic congestion. San Antonio's infrastructure is good as well, with well-maintained highways, but also experiences traffic congestion during rush hours.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Seattle
Hospitals
130
22
TV stations
30
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
5
Bank branches located here
333
236
Bank institutions located here
41
37
Main business address for public companies
23
54
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
Seattle
1999
6,847
1,357
2000
2,930
1,148
2001
2,383
890
2002
2,313
840
2003
3,759
1,421
2004
5,180
1,810
2005
6,554
2,341
2006
6,983
2,789
2007
4,562
2,273
2008
1,781
1,113
2009
847
748
Culture and Food
Seattle offers a diverse food scene, and being a coastal city, it is renowned for fresh seafood. San Antonio is known for its rich Hispanic culture and Tex-Mex cuisine. Both cities celebrate local festivals and cultural events year-round.
Sports Teams
Seattle is home to successful professional sports teams such as the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and the Seattle Sounders (MLS). San Antonio hosts the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) as its major professional sports team.
San Antonio, TX
Seattle, WA
San Antonio, TX and 
Seattle, WA : 1,784.4 miles
