Lee's Summit vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Lee's Summit	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$100,625	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$380,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$167	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$886	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	88.1	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.0	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	—	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	28	39

Okay, let's talk relocation. You're staring down the barrel of a major life decision: San Antonio, Texas versus Lee's Summit, Missouri. On the surface, they couldn't be more different. One is a sprawling, historic cultural hub in the South; the other is a quintessential Midwestern suburb. But the devil is in the data, and as your Relocation Expert, I'm here to cut through the noise and tell you where your hard-earned money and lifestyle will actually fare best.

We’re not just looking at vibes—we’re looking at the nitty-gritty: your paycheck, your mortgage, your commute, and your safety. Buckle up. This is the ultimate head-to-head showdown.

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The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Suburban Comfort

First, the lay of the land. San Antonio is a beast. With a population of 1.49 million (and a metro area that balloons to over 2.5 million), it’s a major U.S. city. The culture is rich, steeped in Texan and Mexican heritage. Think the River Walk, the Alamo, world-class tacos, massive military bases, and a thriving tourism and healthcare economy. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality—from the historic King William to the trendy Pearl District. The vibe is humid, warm, and energetic. It’s for the person who craves city amenities, diverse food, and a sense of place, but doesn’t need the jaw-dropping coastal price tag.

Lee’s Summit, on the other hand, is a picture-perfect American suburb. With a population of just over 104,000, it’s a fraction of the size. It’s part of the Kansas City metro area, offering a quieter, family-oriented lifestyle. The highlight here is space—both in your home and your schedule. Think top-rated public schools, manicured lawns, and a tight-knit community feel. The vibe is stable, safe, and convenient. It’s for the person who prioritizes tranquility, excellent schools, and a short commute over big-city nightlife.

Who’s it for?

• San Antonio: Young professionals, families who love cultural immersion, foodies, and those who thrive in a bustling environment. It’s also a magnet for military families and retirees who want sun and activities.
• Lee’s Summit: Families with school-aged children, professionals seeking a work-life balance, and those who prefer a quieter, more predictable suburban existence.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might think a lower median home price means San Antonio is cheaper, but we need to talk about purchasing power—what your salary can actually buy you.

Let’s break down the cost of living. We’ll use a baseline of $100,000 annual income for a single earner to see where it feels richer.

Expense Category	San Antonio, TX	Lee's Summit, MO	The Takeaway
Median Income	$62,322	$100,625	Lee's Summit residents earn significantly more on average.
Median Home Price	$264,900	$380,000	San Antonio has a lower entry point for homebuyers.
1-BR Rent	$1,197	$886	Surprisingly, Lee's Summit is cheaper for renters.
Housing Index	94.2	88.1	Lee's Summit is 6.5% below the national average for housing costs.
State Income Tax	0%	4.825% (top bracket)	This is a massive factor. Texas has no state income tax.

Salary Wars & The Tax Factor:
Here’s the critical insight. If you earn $100,000 in Lee's Summit, after Missouri’s state income tax (roughly 4.5% on average), your take-home pay is closer to $95,500. In Texas, with 0% state income tax, your take-home is $100,000. That’s an extra $4,500 in your pocket annually just from taxes.

Now, let’s apply that to housing:

• In San Antonio: A $264,900 home is more attainable. With your full $100k income (no state tax), you’re in a better position to buy early. However, property taxes are high in Texas (often 2-2.5% of home value). That’s an extra cost to factor in.
• In Lee's Summit: A $380,000 home is the standard. With a lower take-home pay due to taxes, the mortgage feels heavier. However, Missouri’s property taxes are lower (around 1-1.5%), which helps balance the scale.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: For a renter, Lee's Summit is cheaper. For a buyer, San Antonio offers a lower entry price, but the high property taxes can be a sting. However, the lack of state income tax in Texas is a universal win for all earners. If you're making $100k, your dollar goes noticeably further in San Antonio, especially if you're a high earner. The sticker shock in Lee's Summit is real when you see the home prices, but the trade-off is superior public services and schools funded by that higher income tax.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition

San Antonio:

• Buyer's Market (Leaning): With a housing index of 94.2, it's slightly below the national average. The market is vast and varied. You can find a historic bungalow, a modern condo, or a sprawling suburban home. Competition exists in desirable neighborhoods but is less cutthroat than in coastal metros.
• Renting: The rental market is robust, with $1,197 for a one-bedroom. It's a solid option for newcomers to test-drive neighborhoods before buying. Availability is generally good.

Lee's Summit:

• Seller's Market (Likely): A housing index of 88.1 might seem low, but it's a reflection of a highly desirable, stable market. With a smaller inventory and high median income, competition for the "perfect" family home is fierce. You'll likely face multiple offers, especially in the top-rated school districts.
• Renting: Surprisingly affordable at $886 for a one-bedroom. This is a great entry point for young professionals or families saving to buy. However, the rental stock is limited, so you'll need to act fast.

The Bottom Line: If you have a flexible budget and want more house for your money, San Antonio is the clear winner. If you have a specific budget and are targeting a top-tier school district, Lee's Summit will require patience and likely a bidding war.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute:

• San Antonio: Traffic is brutal. As a major city, the I-35 congestion is legendary. Commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes in rush hour. You must factor this into your location choice.
• Lee's Summit: A suburb. Commutes are generally manageable, especially if you work in the KC metro. A 20-30 minute drive is typical. Traffic is a minor inconvenience, not a daily nightmare.

Weather:

• San Antonio: Hot and humid. Summers regularly hit 95°F+ with oppressive humidity. Winters are mild (rarely freezing). You need to love the heat and be prepared for the occasional hurricane/tropical storm threat.
• Lee's Summit: Four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy (36°F is the average January temp, but it can dip much lower). Summers are hot but less humid than Texas. You get a true autumn and spring. If you hate snow, this is a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety:
Let's be brutally honest here. San Antonio has a violent crime rate of 798.0 per 100k—more than three times higher than the U.S. national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, the city-wide statistic is a serious concern and requires diligent research on where you live.
Lee's Summit has a violent crime rate of 234.0 per 100k, which is slightly below the national average. It's consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Missouri. This is a massive point in its favor for families and retirees.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyle factors, here are the winners for each category.

🏆 Winner for Families: Lee's Summit
Why: The trifecta of top-tier public schools, significantly lower crime, and a safe, community-focused environment is unbeatable for raising kids. The trade-off is higher home prices and state taxes, but for most families, safety and education are non-negotiable.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: San Antonio
Why: Purchasing power and vibrancy. The lack of state income tax means your salary stretches further. The city offers endless cultural events, a booming food scene, and a lively social atmosphere. You can rent affordably and have a blast while building your career. The higher crime rate is a factor, but savvy urban living can mitigate it.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Lee's Summit (Slight Edge)
Why: This is a close call. San Antonio's warm winters are a huge draw. However, Lee's Summit wins on safety, lower overall density (less hustle), and proximity to world-class healthcare (Kansas City's medical district). The cost of living is manageable, especially if you're downsizing from a more expensive state. For retirees prioritizing peace, safety, and four seasons, Lee's Summit edges out.

Final Pros & Cons Lists

San Antonio, TX

• PROS: No state income tax, lower median home price, vibrant culture & food scene, warm winters, diverse job market, vast entertainment options.
• CONS: High violent crime rate, brutal summer heat/humidity, heavy traffic, high property taxes, can feel overwhelming due to its size.

Lee's Summit, MO

• PROS: Excellent public schools, very low crime rate, manageable cost of living, four distinct seasons, great for families, strong sense of community.
• CONS: State income tax, higher home prices, harsh winters, less cultural diversity, smaller metro area (fewer big-city perks).

The Bottom Line: If your priority is safety, schools, and a quiet life, choose Lee's Summit. If your priority is cultural energy, warm weather, and stretching your salary, choose San Antonio. There’s no wrong answer—just the right fit for your next chapter.