San Antonio: The Data Profile (2026)

San Antonio represents a distinct economic outlier in the post-2024 landscape. With a population of 1,495,312, it is a major metropolitan hub, yet it operates on a significantly lower cost structure than the national average. The median household income sits at $62,322, which is -16.4% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, this income disparity is offset by a Cost of Living index where Housing is just 82.5 (-17.5% vs national average).

The educational attainment rate is 30.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, trailing the US average of 33.1%. The statistical target demographic for San Antonio in 2026 is the "Value-Seeking Hybrid Worker." This profile fits individuals or families prioritizing housing affordability over high-end salary potential, often leveraging remote work to bridge the income gap while enjoying a lower baseline expense structure.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage in San Antonio is driven by structural savings in essential categories. While the median income is lower, the aggregate savings in housing, utilities, and services result in a higher relative disposable income for the median earner compared to coastal metros.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
For the median earner ($62,322), the post-tax monthly income is approximately $4,150. A single person spending the estimated $2,809 retains $1,341 in disposable income. This is a 32.3% savings rate, which is significantly healthier than the US average of 18% for median earners.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary driver of relocation to San Antonio. With a median home price of $285,000, the barrier to entry is -32.1% lower than the national median of $420,000. The market is currently balanced with homes spending 42 days on market, indicating neither a frantic seller's market nor a buyer's freeze.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buying vs. Renting:
In a balanced market with a Price-to-Rent ratio favoring ownership (approx 12.5 years of rent to buy), buying is statistically advantageous for those planning a stay of 5+ years. The -32.1% differential in home prices means a mortgage payment on a median home is often comparable to renting a comparable unit, building equity in a stable market.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

San Antonio's economy is anchored by Military, Healthcare, and Tourism. In 2026, the "Return to Office" (RTO) mandate has impacted the city less severely than tech-heavy hubs. The local industry stability is high, but the income ceiling is capped by the sector mix.

• Commute Times: Average commute is 26.5 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 29.5 minutes due to less congestion than Austin or Dallas.
• RTO Impact: Approximately 35% of the workforce is fully remote, with 45% hybrid. This has kept downtown commercial real estate stable but not booming.
• Unemployment Rate: 4.2%, which is statistically on par with the US average of 4.0%, indicating a stable but not hyper-competitive labor market.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is strong, the health and safety data requires scrutiny. San Antonio scores high on air quality and general health scores but struggles significantly with violent and property crime rates, as well as chronic health risk factors like obesity and diabetes.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
San Antonio presents a complex safety profile. Violent Crime stands at 798 per 100k (more than 2x the US average of 380). Property Crime is even more pronounced at 4,120 per 100k (over 2x the US average of 2,000). Neighborhood selection is critical; statistical safety varies wildly by zip code.

Air Quality & Weather:
San Antonio excels in air quality with an AQI of 35 and PM2.5 levels of 8.5 µg/m³, staying well below the WHO limit of 10. The weather is currently 67.0°F with a high of 60°F and low of 47°F, typical for the season. Summers are hot, with average highs of 95°F in July/August.

Schools:
The city is served by North East ISD and San Antonio ISD. Standardized test scores average 48th percentile nationally, slightly below the US average of 50th percentile.

The Verdict

PROS:

• Housing Affordability: At $285,000, the median home price is $135,000 cheaper than the national average.
• Cost of Living: Overall COL index of ~90 allows median earners to live comfortably.
• Air Quality: Excellent AQI of 35 and low PM2.5.
• Market Stability: 42 Days on Market indicates a balanced, predictable real estate environment.

CONS:

• Crime Rates: Violent crime is 110% higher than the US average; property crime is 106% higher.
• Income Ceiling: Median income is $62,322, significantly below the national median.
• Health Risks: High rates of obesity (34.9%) and diabetes (15.2%) suggest a challenging environment for preventative health.

Final Recommendation:
San Antonio is a High-Value Relocation Hub for 2026. It is highly recommended for remote workers earning above the local median (e.g., $80k+) who can leverage the low housing costs to build wealth. It is not recommended for those prioritizing walkability, low crime, or high local salary potential without remote income supplementation.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in San Antonio in 2026?
For a single person, a salary of $60,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings. For a family of four, $95,000 is recommended to account for childcare and larger housing needs.

2. Is San Antonio significantly cheaper than Austin?
Yes. San Antonio's median home price ($285,000) is approximately -40% lower than Austin's median (~$475,000). Daily expenses like dining and groceries are also roughly -15% cheaper.

3. How bad is the crime rate really?
It is statistically high. You are 2.1x more likely to be a victim of a violent crime and 2.05x more likely to be a victim of a property crime than the national average. Gated communities or suburbs like Alamo Heights/The Dominion are recommended for safety.

4. When is the best time to move/ buy?
The market is balanced year-round, but inventory peaks in late Spring (May-June). Moving in Q2 allows for settling before the intense summer heat (July/August highs of 95°F+).