Austin Vs San Antonio
If you’re considering moving to the Austin area, you’ve probably also checked out San Antonio. But what is the difference between Austin and San Antonio? As someone who’s lived in Austin for over 10 years and visited San Antonio many, many times, I’m going to tell you some of the differences today.
About Me
Hi, I’m Tiffany Moore, a local realtor and broker right here in Austin, Texas. I help people from all over the world move to Austin. If you’re considering moving to Austin or San Antonio, please feel free to reach out to me. I’ve got your back when you’re moving to Austin and I will be sure to help you find the best place for you and your family.
Cost of Living
One of the biggest differences between Austin and San Antonio is the cost of living. In Austin, the cost of living is significantly higher, with the city being 33% more expensive than San Antonio. This is largely due to housing prices. The median sales price in Austin for February 2023 was $440,000 for the Austin Round Rock metro area. In contrast, in San Antonio, the median sales price is $310,000. San Antonio is one of the most affordable places to live, while Austin is the most expensive metro area in Texas.
While Austin is generally more affordable than high-income areas like California or New York, it’s not as budget-friendly as some other cities in the country. In contrast, San Antonio has a lower overall cost of living, with health-related expenses being about 6% lower than in Austin.
In summary, San Antonio is generally more budget-friendly than Austin, with the cost of living being about 30% lower in San Antonio. This means you can maintain your current standard of living with a little bit less money.
Lifestyle
Despite the higher cost of living, Austin has a vibrant cultural scene, with lots of music, art festivals, innovative restaurants, and a growing technology industry. Austin is attracting many people to move here – over 100 people a day are moving to Austin, Texas.
San Antonio, on the other hand, is rich in history, with a strong cultural heritage and iconic historic landmarks like the Alamo and Riverwalk. It also has a thriving job market, with lots of positions in healthcare, military, and cybersecurity. San Antonio is an attractive option for people who want to be closer to Austin or part of Texas but don’t want to pay the Austin price tag. About 66 people a day are moving to San Antonio compared to Austin’s 100.
Housing Prices
Housing prices in Austin are significantly higher than in San Antonio, with the median sales price in Austin for February 2023 being $440,000 for the Austin Round Rock metro area, compared to $310,000 in San Antonio. Rental prices are also significantly higher in Austin than in San Antonio.
Investment Market
While Austin is a great place for appreciation value, it may not be the best place for cash flow if you’re looking to invest in rental properties. The sales prices have gone up so much in the past several years, but the rent hasn’t reached that same level yet. In contrast, San Antonio is a better option for investment properties, with lower prices and more equal rent numbers.
Employment Opportunities
Both Austin and San Antonio have strong economies and job markets, with rapid growth expected in the next few years. While Austin has experienced lower unemployment and more significant job growth, both cities have major companies and strong startup scenes, making them attractive places for people to move to and for companies to expand to.
Tech Industry in Austin and San Antonio
Austin is known for being a hub of technology, with big companies like Tesla, Apple, and Dell being anchors to the city. The Gigafactory, built by Tesla, is a mile long, and Apple is building a new campus that is expanding rapidly. In addition to these big companies, Austin has a thriving startup scene, with many small businesses and independent companies. San Antonio has also made strides in technology, with growth in industries like aerospace, cybersecurity, and medical industries.
When deciding between Austin and San Antonio, it’s important to consider all factors, including cost of living and employment opportunities.
Unemployment Rates and Income
Both Austin and San Antonio have low unemployment rates, with Austin’s rate at 5.1% and San Antonio’s at 6.6%. However, the income in Austin is about 28% higher than in San Antonio and 10% above the national average. This makes Austin an attractive place for people looking to make a higher income.
K-12 Education
When it comes to K-12 education, Austin generally has a higher quality of education compared to San Antonio, with a significantly higher percentage of top-rated schools. However, San Antonio has a 9% higher student-teacher ratio, meaning fewer students per classroom.
Higher Education Opportunities
Both Austin and San Antonio have numerous opportunities for postgraduate school, with many universities and colleges in the area. Some of the top universities in Austin include the University of Texas at Austin and St. Edward’s University, while San Antonio is home to the University of Texas at San Antonio and Trinity University. Both cities also have a variety of private schools, with top schools in Austin including St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, and in San Antonio including TMI Episcopal and St. Mary’s Hall.
International Schools
Austin also has unique international schools offering French and Spanish immersion programs, providing opportunities for students to become fluent in another language.
Arts and Entertainment in Austin
Austin has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, with a reputation as the live music capital of the world. There are numerous live music venues throughout the city, ranging from small intimate clubs to large venues like the Moody Theater and Amphitheater, where big-name performers like Taylor Swift and Beyonce have performed.
Texas and Hispanic Culture in San Antonio
San Antonio has a unique blend of Texas and Hispanic culture, with historic icons like the Alamo and Riverwalk offering opportunities to explore the city’s cultural heritage.
The Alamo, located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, is a small but historically significant site that played a key role in Texas and American history. San Antonio is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its Hispanic and Native American cultures. The city has preserved its history through sites like the missions, which is Texas’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, and events like Fiesta, a 10-day festival celebrating San Antonio’s cultural heritage and diverse cultures.
Fiesta
Fiesta started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Today, it has become a celebration of San Antonio’s cultural heritage and traditions, with parades, live music, and cultural events.
Transportation and Traffic in Austin and San Antonio
While Austin’s public transportation system is limited, it still outshines San Antonio’s. Austin has a light rail system that serves downtown and a few outposts in North Austin and Leander, with plans to expand further. On the other hand, San Antonio has a more extensive highway system and less urban congestion, making it much easier to navigate. Although Austin traffic is not as bad as LA or Atlanta traffic, it is still pretty heavy and ridiculous due to rapid growth, while San Antonio’s traffic is less congested. Both cities are not very walkable, and a car is necessary to get around for activities like grocery shopping and dining out.
Climate and Weather in Austin and San Antonio
Both Austin and San Antonio are similar when it comes to climate and weather. They experience about 106 days annually where the temperature is over 90 degrees, which is hotter than most places in Texas. The average high is 90 degrees, and the average low is 63 degrees. However, it’s important to note that it gets very hot in both cities, and the trend is that it will keep getting hotter and hotter for longer and longer in Austin. If you cannot deal with the heat, neither city is going to be good for you.
Living in Austin and San Antonio
Both cities are great to live in and have booming economies and lots of opportunities. Austin is a little bit more expensive to live in, but it’s also a bit hipper and busier. San Antonio is more affordable, and there’s a bigger focus on cultural history and heritage. It really just depends on what you’re looking for.
Conclusion
When deciding between Austin and San Antonio, it’s important to consider your priorities and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a more affordable and culturally rich environment, both cities have something to offer. Contact us to help you find the perfect spot that resonates with you and helps you live the life that you want to live when you’re moving out here.
