TexasPop. 1,479,835Large cities
Is San Antonio a Good Place to Live? San Antonio, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
San Antonio ranks #1010 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #27 of 37 large cities and #60 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (94.7, #6 of 37) and fast population growth (+0.9%, #6 of 37), and trails on low household income ($65,056, #29 of 37).
San Antonio by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with San Antonio's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in San Antonio?
San Antonio's cost of living index is 94.7, 5% below the US level of 100 and #427 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,324/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $247,453, 17% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | San Antonio | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 94.7#427 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $247,453#238 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,386/mo#242 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $235,700#349 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,324/mo#563 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 24.4%#937 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
San Antonio housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. San Antonio is in the San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is San Antonio safe?
San Antonio recorded 532 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 62% above the US rate of 328 and 54% above Texas's 345. That ranks #867 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #12 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Antonio Police Department. Property crime runs 3,917 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | San Antonio | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 532#867 of 1,085 | 345 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 3,917#1039 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in San Antonio?
The median household in San Antonio earns $65,056, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | San Antonio | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $65,056#922 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 17.1%#988 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in San Antonio?
The median resident of San Antonio is 34.9 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 29% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #834 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | San Antonio | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 34.9 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 29%#834 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 52.2% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are San Antonio's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for San Antonio; its public schools have 15.2 students per teacher and spend $12,147 per pupil. 34.9% of adults are obese and 15.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | San Antonio | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 15.2#498 of 1,188 | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $12,147#922 of 1,188 | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 34.9%#764 of 1,311 | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 15.2%#1173 of 1,311 | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 24.5%#1266 of 1,311 | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 260,753 students are enrolled in San Antonio's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in San Antonio?
The average commute in San Antonio is 24.5 minutes (Texas 27.5); 2% of workers take transit and 13.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index San Antonio scores 11.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #521 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.3°F and winters 54°F, with 32.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | San Antonio | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 24.5 min#734 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 5.3%#614 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 68.3% | 71.8% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2% | 1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.9% | 1.6% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 13.5% | 12.9% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.6#521 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63.3 | 41 | 2 |
| Feb | 67.5 | 45.1 | 1.7 |
| Mar | 73.8 | 51.8 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 80.3 | 58.4 | 2.4 |
| May | 86.6 | 66.4 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 92.4 | 72.7 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 94.9 | 74.7 | 2.4 |
| Aug | 96 | 74.9 | 2.2 |
| Sep | 90.1 | 69.6 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 82.2 | 60.4 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 71.7 | 49.8 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 64.7 | 42.4 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Antonio International Airport.
| Measure | San Antonio | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 69.6°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 84.3°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 54°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 32.4 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Antonio International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in San Antonio?
Bexar County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 43% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bexar County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | San Antonio | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#644 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bexar County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bexar County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.023% | 96% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.098% | 67% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0077% | 46% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does San Antonio compare with similar-size cities?
San Antonio is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #27 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 1,479,835.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TXPop. 1,479,835 | #1010 | 49.8 | $65,056 | $1,324/mo | 532 | 24.5 min |
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | #460 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 | 33.1 min |
| Phoenix, AZPop. 1,642,323 | #924 | 51.3 | $81,332 | $1,582/mo | 696 | 25.6 min |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #1102 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 | 31.7 min |
| San Diego, CAPop. 1,389,526 | #567 | 57.0 | $108,077 | $2,313/mo | 374 | 23.5 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does San Antonio compare with the rest of Texas?
San Antonio ranks #60 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 49.8 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 18% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 54% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Victoria, TXPop. 65,625 | … #56 | 50.5 | $67,226 | $1,172/mo | 364 |
| Laredo, TXPop. 257,619 | #57 | 50.3 | $63,915 | $1,030/mo | 316 |
| Lubbock, TXPop. 264,814 | #58 | 50.2 | $60,895 | $1,182/mo | 699 |
| Waco, TXPop. 143,570 | #59 | 50.2 | $54,365 | $1,165/mo | 414 |
| San Antonio, TXPop. 1,479,835 | #60 | 49.8 | $65,056 | $1,324/mo | 532 |
| Edinburg, TXPop. 104,550 | #61 | 49.8 | $59,466 | $996/mo | 213 |
| Mesquite, TXPop. 149,299 | #62 | 49.2 | $72,537 | $1,513/mo | 453 |
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | #63 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #64 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of San Antonio among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is San Antonio's score calculated?
San Antonio scores 49.8 out of 100, #1010 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in San Antonio. Similar-size median 50.4.
49.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by San Antonio's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
44.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in San Antonio. Similar-size median 52.4.
45.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in San Antonio's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.5.
44.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
San Antonio's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
74.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in San Antonio. Similar-size median 43.4.
37.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in San Antonio. Similar-size median 40.4.
50.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in San Antonio. Similar-size median 56.6.
51.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across San Antonio's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
55.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
44.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: San Antonio's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories San Antonio has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in San Antonio
Is San Antonio, TX a good place to live?
San Antonio ranks #1010 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #27 of 37 large cities and #60 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (94.7, #6 of 37) and fast population growth (+0.9%, #6 of 37), and trails on low household income ($65,056, #29 of 37).
What is the cost of living in San Antonio?
San Antonio's cost of living index is 94.7, 5% below the US level of 100 and #427 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,324/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $247,453, 17% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in San Antonio?
San Antonio recorded 532 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 62% above the US rate of 328 and 54% above Texas's 345. That ranks #867 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #12 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Antonio Police Department. Property crime runs 3,917 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in San Antonio?
The median household in San Antonio earns $65,056, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in San Antonio?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,324/mo (Census), #563 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,386/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in San Antonio?
The typical home value in San Antonio is $247,453, down 2.2% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $235,700.
How are the public schools in San Antonio?
There is no city graduation rate for San Antonio; its public schools have 15.2 students per teacher and spend $12,147 per pupil.
How long is the commute in San Antonio?
The average commute is 24.5 minutes, #734 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 5.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in San Antonio?
San Antonio averages 69.6°F over the year, 84.3°F in summer and 54°F in winter, with 32.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is San Antonio walkable?
San Antonio scores 11.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #521 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is San Antonio at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bexar County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 53% of US counties.
How is the air quality in San Antonio?
Bexar County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 43% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in San Antonio?
San Antonio has 1,479,835 residents. The median resident of San Antonio is 34.9 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 29% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #834 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does San Antonio compare with the rest of Texas?
San Antonio ranks #60 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 49.8 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 18% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 54% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to San Antonio?
The tracked cities in other states closest to San Antonio's population of 1,479,835 are Chicago, IL (#460 overall), Phoenix, AZ (#924 overall), Philadelphia, PA (#1102 overall), San Diego, CA (#567 overall), and Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall). San Antonio is #1010.