Houston vs San Antonio: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Houston is 11% more expensive than San Antonio. San Antonio is 2% safer. Houston has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Houston population: 2,397,315. 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: Houston vs San Antonio
San Antonio is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 90 vs 100 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.
| Category | Houston | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 100 | 90 |
| Housing | $2,100/moIndex: 118 | $1,566/moIndex: 88 |
| Groceries | $394/moIndex: 96 | $390/moIndex: 95 |
| Transportation | $357/moIndex: 102 | $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: Houston vs San Antonio
San Antonio is 2% safer overall, with a crime rate of 53 per 1,000 residents vs Houston's 54. San Antonio earns a F safety grade compared to Houston's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Houston
Texas
San Antonio
Texas
| Metric | Houston | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 54/1K | 53/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 900.0 | 500.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4500.0 | 4800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 14.7 | 9.3 |
| Assault Rate | 621.4 | 356.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 128.9 | 67.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 769.2 | 837.0 |
| Theft Rate | 3592.5 | 3732.9 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 781.0 | 970.3 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Houston, you have a 1 in 19 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 19 in San Antonio.
Climate: Houston vs San Antonio
Houston Climate Overview
San Antonio Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Houston | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 80°F | 81°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 60.1°F | 57.8°F |
| Annual Rain | 47.9" | 31.5" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 6 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but winter temperatures are comparable. Houston is wetter with 48" of annual rain compared to 32". Houston has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston cheaper than San Antonio?
Is Houston safer than San Antonio?
Which city has better weather, Houston or San Antonio?
Should I move to Houston or San Antonio?
How big is Houston compared to San Antonio?
Is housing cheaper in Houston or San Antonio?
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.
Know before you go
CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.
Explore cities