Austin vs San Antonio: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Austin is 33% more expensive than San Antonio. Austin is 25% safer. Austin has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Austin population: 1,002,632. San Antonio population: 1,548,422.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Austin vs San Antonio
San Antonio is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 90 vs 120 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 30 index points.
| Category | Austin | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 120 | 90 |
| Housing | $2,990/moIndex: 168 | $1,566/moIndex: 88 |
| Groceries | $410/moIndex: 100 | $390/moIndex: 95 |
| Transportation | $368/moIndex: 105 | $350/moIndex: 100 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $314/moIndex: 98 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $220/moIndex: 100 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Austin vs San Antonio
Austin is 25% safer overall, with a crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents vs San Antonio's 53. Austin earns a D- safety grade compared to San Antonio's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Austin
Texas
San Antonio
Texas
| Metric | Austin | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 39.5/1K | 53/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 500.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3600.0 | 4800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.6 | 9.3 |
| Assault Rate | 278.3 | 356.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.6 | 67.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 461.8 | 837.0 |
| Theft Rate | 3112.6 | 3732.9 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 763.2 | 970.3 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Austin, you have a 1 in 25 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 19 in San Antonio.
Climate: Austin vs San Antonio
Austin Climate Overview
San Antonio Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Austin | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 80.2°F | 81°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 58.7°F | 57.8°F |
| Annual Rain | 33.9" | 31.5" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but winter temperatures are comparable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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