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San Antonio, Texas

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

49
Overall Score

San Antonio, Texas, is a city rich in history and vibrant culture, known for its iconic River Walk, the historic Alamo, and its deep Spanish colonial roots. As of 2026, the city continues to experience significant population growth, attracting new residents with its unique blend of heritage, a relatively affordable cost of living, and a growing job market. The city's character is defined by its diverse population, strong military presence, and a thriving arts and culinary scene that draws heavily from its Mexican-American influences. People are drawn to San Antonio for its warm climate, community-oriented atmosphere, and the ongoing economic opportunities.

About Texas

Texas, known as the "Lone Star State," is characterized by its vast and diverse landscapes, ranging from eastern forests to western deserts, and a strong sense of cultural identity. Its economy is one of the largest and most diverse in the United States, driven by major industries such as energy (oil, natural gas, and renewables), information technology, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and agriculture. Living in Texas generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with housing expenses being approximately 16% lower. The climate varies significantly across the state, from humid subtropical in the east to semi-arid in the west, with notoriously hot summers, especially in southern cities, and mild to cool winters. The lifestyle often blends urban amenities with a strong appreciation for outdoor activities, Texan heritage, and a generally pro-business environment.

1,572,360
Population
$76K
Avg Salary
91
Cost Index
49.2
Quality Score
How this 49/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 50 / 100 50.0 30% 15.0
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 91.0 55.0 25% 13.8
Economy & jobs Median household income: $66,176 Income needed to live here: $85,000 Unemployment rate: 4.8% 32.5 20% 6.5
Growth Population growth rate: 1.55% Job growth rate: 0.6% 47.9 15% 7.2
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 49.2

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=80), last refreshed 9 August 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
74
Affordability
85
Growth
70

Cost of Living

The cost of living in San Antonio is notably more affordable than the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 91 in 2025, indicating expenses are approximately 9% lower than national trends. Housing is a primary driver of this affordability, with median home prices and average rents significantly below those in many other major U.S. cities. While utilities and groceries are also generally cheaper than the national average, healthcare costs in San Antonio are slightly higher. The absence of a state income tax in Texas further enhances residents' purchasing power, contributing to the city's overall affordability.

Average Rent
$1,805/mo
Groceries
$400/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

San Antonio's economy is dynamic and diverse, showing consistent job creation and rising wages. The city is projected to lead Texas in job growth in 2025, following a strong performance in 2024 where it ranked as the third-fastest-growing major job market in the country. Key growth sectors include life sciences and health, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and technology. Major employers span various industries, including financial services (USAA, Frost Bank), healthcare (Methodist Healthcare, University Health System), and the military (U.S. Air Force). The average annual salary in San Antonio was reported at $76,000 in July 2026. The unemployment rate for the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area stood at 4.8% in June 2026.

The average salary in San Antonio is $76,000 per year. You would need approximately $85,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Healthcare Advanced Manufacturing Government/Military Tourism & Leisure Cybersecurity & Tech

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

San Antonio is largely a car-dependent city due to its sprawling layout, with many residents relying on personal vehicles for daily commutes. The average commute time is around 26 minutes. However, the city's public transportation system, VIA Metropolitan Transit, has received national recognition for its customer satisfaction and safety, ranking as the 6th best public transportation system in Texas in 2024. Despite the positive public transit scores, overall walkability across the city is considered moderate to low, with a general Walk Score of 37, though specific areas like the downtown core and River Walk are highly walkable.

26 min
Avg Commute
72.00/10
Transit Score
37.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
San Antonio's cost of living is approximately 9% lower than the national average, making it an affordable major U.S. city.
The city has demonstrated strong job growth, projected to lead Texas in 2025 and ranking as the third-fastest-growing major job market in 2024.
San Antonio's population continues to grow, with an estimated 1.55% annual increase, driven by both domestic and international migration.
Public transportation, particularly VIA Metropolitan Transit, received the highest customer satisfaction rating in the U.S. for transit agencies in 2024.
Overall crime in San Antonio fell by more than 13% in 2025, with significant drops in both violent and property crimes.
Drawbacks
The median household income in San Antonio, at $66,176 in 2024, remains below the national average.
Healthcare costs in San Antonio are slightly higher than the national average.
Despite a highly-rated public transit system, San Antonio is largely car-dependent with a low overall walkability score for much of the city.
The San Antonio housing market experienced a slight decline in median home prices by 2.6% year-over-year as of May 2026.
Traffic congestion is a concern, with San Antonio ranking as the 25th most congested city in the U.S. in 2025.

Questions about San Antonio

What people ask about living in and moving to San Antonio, Texas.

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio is about $1,805 per month. Prices vary by district; central areas and newer developments tend to be higher, while suburbs may offer slightly lower rates. Check local rental listings and neighborhood guides to find a unit that matches your budget and lifestyle.

How are public schools rated in San Antonio? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in San Antonio vary widely in performance. Some districts consistently receive high ratings for academic achievement and extracurricular programs, while others face challenges. It’s best to review the school district’s website for standardized test scores, graduation rates, and parent reviews. Visiting schools and talking to current parents can also provide insight into the learning environment.

What should I know about moving my belongings to San Antonio? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to San Antonio, consider the city’s weather—hot summers and mild winters—so pack accordingly. Research local moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves and compare quotes. Also, check the city’s utility providers for setting up electricity, water, internet, and trash services. Registering your vehicle and updating your driver’s license at the local motor vehicle office is required within 90 d...

Is San Antonio safe for families? Safety 1 answer

San Antonio’s overall safety score is 50 out of 100, indicating moderate crime levels. Safety can differ significantly between districts; some areas have low crime rates and strong community policing, while others experience higher incidents. Check local crime maps, community watch reports, and neighborhood forums to assess safety in specific locales before deciding where to live.

How does the cost of living in San Antonio compare to other Texas cities? Cost of Living 1 answer

San Antonio’s cost of living index is 91, which is 9% below the national average. Housing and groceries are modestly cheaper than in Dallas or Houston, so a $76,000 salary can comfortably cover rent, utilities, and discretionary spending. However, you should compare specific neighborhoods and factor in local taxes and transportation costs, which can vary.

What industries are hiring most in San Antonio right now? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

San Antonio’s job market is diverse, with strong demand in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. The city’s growing medical facilities and defense contractors create many roles for healthcare administrators. Additionally, the tech sector is expanding, offering positions in software development and data analysis. Explore job boards, local career fairs, and professional networking groups to identify openings that...

What public transportation options are available for commuting? Getting Around 1 answer

The city’s public transit system offers bus routes that cover most of the metropolitan area, with some express services to key employment centers. For longer commutes, regional rail options connect to nearby suburbs. Ride-sharing and bike-share programs are also common. Review the transit authority’s schedule and route maps online to plan your daily travel.

What are the top free attractions in San Antonio? Things to Do 1 answer

San Antonio offers numerous free attractions such as historic riverwalk promenades, public parks, and cultural festivals that run year-round. Many museums host free admission days, and there are open-air markets and live music events in various districts. Checking the city’s tourism portal will give you a calendar of upcoming free activities and events.

What is the overall vibe of living in San Antonio? General 1 answer

San Antonio blends historic charm with modern amenities. The city has a rich cultural heritage, evident in its architecture and festivals, alongside growing business districts and tech hubs. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, affordable housing relative to many Texas cities, and a variety of outdoor spaces. Community events, local markets, and a strong sense of regional identity contribute to a welcoming atmosphere...

What are the major healthcare facilities in San Antonio? Healthcare 1 answer

San Antonio hosts several large hospitals and specialty clinics that provide comprehensive medical services, from emergency care to outpatient procedures. The city’s health system includes tertiary care centers and community health clinics. For specific services, consult the local health department’s directory or the city’s health services website to locate facilities that best meet your needs.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in San Antonio? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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