71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
San Antonio wins 2–1 overall (72/100)
💰 San Antonio is more affordable
💼 San Antonio has lower unemployment
🛡️ San Antonio has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs San Antonio — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to San Antonio's 72/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, San Antonio has a clear edge with home prices 16% lower. San Antonio may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in San Antonio are 16% lower — a difference of $37,000 in median home value.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 19 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$198,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,189
Median Income
$60,440
$59,593
San Antonio edges out Houston on housing costs by 16%, a difference of $37,000. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.3%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
31 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 19 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
19
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to San Antonio: Common Questions
Is Houston or San Antonio cheaper to live in?
San Antonio is more affordable overall. Home prices are $37,000 lower in San Antonio. Monthly rent is $1,189 in San Antonio vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or San Antonio have better weather?
San Antonio scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or San Antonio better for finding a job?
San Antonio currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in San Antonio. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $59,593 in San Antonio.
Which city is safer — Houston or San Antonio?
In terms of natural disaster risk, San Antonio is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in San Antonio. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for San Antonio.
Should I move from Houston to San Antonio?
Based on our data, San Antonio scores 72.0/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — San Antonio is more affordable, while San Antonio has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.