San Antonio vs Dallas: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Dallas is 17% more expensive than San Antonio. Dallas is 15% safer. Dallas has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). San Antonio population: 1,548,422. Dallas population: 1,329,491.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: San Antonio vs Dallas
San Antonio is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 90 vs 105 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 15 index points.
| Category | San Antonio | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 90 | 105 |
| Housing | $1,566/moIndex: 88 | $2,314/moIndex: 130 |
| Groceries | $390/moIndex: 95 | $402/moIndex: 98 |
| Transportation | $350/moIndex: 100 | $357/moIndex: 102 |
| Healthcare | $314/moIndex: 98 | $320/moIndex: 100 |
| 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: San Antonio vs Dallas
Dallas is 15% safer overall, with a crime rate of 44.8 per 1,000 residents vs San Antonio's 53. Dallas earns a F safety grade compared to San Antonio's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
San Antonio
Texas
Dallas
Texas
| Metric | San Antonio | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 53/1K | 44.8/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 500.0 | 680.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4800.0 | 3800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 9.3 | 9.6 |
| Assault Rate | 356.2 | 535.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 67.7 | 103.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 837.0 | 504.3 |
| Theft Rate | 3732.9 | 3024.2 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 970.3 | 916.4 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In San Antonio, you have a 1 in 19 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 22 in Dallas.
Climate: San Antonio vs Dallas
San Antonio Climate Overview
Dallas Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 81°F | 77.5°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 57.8°F | 56.9°F |
| Annual Rain | 31.5" | 37.9" |
| Annual Snow | None | 1.5" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Dallas is 4°F colder in winter than San Antonio. Dallas gets 2 inches of snow annually, while San Antonio rarely sees any. Dallas is wetter with 38" of annual rain compared to 32". Dallas has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
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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