Let the numbers do the talking.
Austin, TX vs San Antonio, TX
Austin, TX vs San Antonio, TX: What the data shows
Austin, TX is in Austin, TX while San Antonio, TX is in San Antonio, TX — both in the same state. On home prices, San Antonio, TX is the more affordable option at $600,400 median — $593,800 less than Austin, TX's $1,194,200. WYLT rates Austin, TX as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and San Antonio, TX as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Austin, TX has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. San Antonio, TX has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Austin, TX has Low flood risk and San Antonio, TX has Low flood risk.
San Antonio, TX is the more walkable neighborhood. Austin, TX scores 14/100 (car-dependent) versus San Antonio, TX's 50/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, Austin, TX has the higher school rating — Austin, TX rates 7.4/10 and San Antonio, TX rates 6.9/10.
| Category | Austin, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $1.19M | $600K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $140K ✓ Higher income | $37K |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 14/100 | 50/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 14/100 ✓ Better transit | 10/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | 76/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 6 min | N/A |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 6.9/10 |
| Best for | High‑income professionalsRemote workers with budgetStudents needing proximity to downtown | young professionalsbike commuterspet owners |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have strong and weak points, but for someone prioritizing affordability and accessibility, San Antonio may be a slightly more suitable fit, despite its moderate crime and limited public transit. If having a short drive to downtown and a high-end lifestyle is key, Austin might work for you, but be prepared for a steep price tag. In general, consider San Antonio if budget is a concern and Austin if budget isn't.
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