Category / Metric	Longmont	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$82,984	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3.9%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$517,045	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$260	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,548	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	148.7	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.3	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.26	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	492.9	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	49.4%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	39

San Antonio vs. Longmont: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between cities is like picking a partner—it’s all about compatibility. Do you want the vibrant, historic charm of a major metro, or the crisp, high-altitude tranquility of a smaller town? Today, we’re throwing San Antonio, Texas into the ring against Longmont, Colorado. This isn’t just a list of facts; it’s a deep dive into what your daily life, bank account, and peace of mind will look like in each spot.

Let’s get one thing straight: these two cities are from different planets. One is a sprawling, sun-baked giant steeped in history; the other is a picturesque foothills town with a fiercely local vibe. I’ve crunched the numbers, weighed the intangibles, and I’m here to tell you exactly which one wins for you.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

San Antonio is the life of the party. It’s Texas’s second-largest city, a cultural melting pot where centuries-old Spanish missions sit blocks away from bustling River Walk restaurants. The vibe is unapologetically Texan—warm, welcoming, and a little bit loud. It’s a city of festivals (Fiesta, anyone?), military bases, and a thriving culinary scene that’s more than just BBQ and Tex-Mex. Think of it as a city that knows how to have a good time without taking itself too seriously. It’s for the person who craves energy, diversity, and a deep sense of history.

Longmont, by contrast, is the quiet, thoughtful friend. Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, about 30 miles northeast of Denver, it’s the quintessential Colorado town. The vibe is outdoorsy, health-conscious, and community-focused. It’s famous for its craft breweries (like Left Hand Brewing), farm-to-table ethos, and stunning views of Longs Peak. Life here moves at a different pace—slower, more deliberate, with a focus on work-life balance and weekend hikes. It’s for the person who prioritizes access to nature, a smaller-town feel with big-city amenities nearby, and a community that values sustainability.

Verdict: If you want a major metro with endless entertainment, San Antonio. If you want a scenic, outdoor-centric lifestyle with a tight-knit community, Longmont.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about purchasing power. The key here is Texas’s lack of a state income tax. Colorado has a flat income tax of 4.4%. On a $100,000 salary, that’s $4,400 right off the top in Colorado, versus $0 in Texas. That’s a massive head start for San Antonio.

But wait, housing costs are the great equalizer. Let’s break it down.

Category	San Antonio, TX	Longmont, CO	Winner
Median Home Price	$264,900	$517,045	San Antonio (by a landslide)
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,548	San Antonio
Housing Index	94.2	148.7	San Antonio
Median Income	$62,322	$82,984	Longmont
State Income Tax	0%	4.4%	San Antonio

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s play a game. If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, you take home the full amount (minus federal taxes). Your median home price is 2.6x your salary. In Longmont, with the same gross salary, you take home roughly $95,600 after state taxes. Your median home price is 5.2x your take-home pay. That’s a world of difference.

Longmont residents earn more on paper, but San Antonio offers insane bang for your buck. The median home in San Antonio is within striking distance for many, while Longmont’s housing market is firmly in the "high-cost" category. Even with Longmont’s higher median income, the math is brutal. In San Antonio, your money stretches significantly further, especially when buying a home.

Verdict: For pure purchasing power and keeping more of your paycheck, San Antonio is the undisputed champion. The tax advantage combined with lower housing costs is a one-two punch that’s hard to beat.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio’s Market: It’s a balanced market, leaning slightly toward buyers. With a median home price of $264,900, the entry point is remarkably low for a major city. Inventory is decent, and while prices have risen, they haven’t reached the stratospheric levels of Austin or Dallas. For renters, the $1,197 average rent for a one-bedroom is affordable relative to the national average. Competition exists, but it’s not the cutthroat frenzy seen in many coastal cities.

Longmont’s Market: This is a classic seller’s market, especially in desirable neighborhoods. The median home price of $517,045 is steep, and competition is fierce. You’ll be up against buyers from the Denver metro area looking for more space and a better quality of life. Renting isn’t a cheap escape either, with a one-bedroom averaging $1,548. The housing index of 148.7 (well above the national average of 100) confirms you’re paying a premium for the Colorado lifestyle.

Insight: In San Antonio, $265k can get you a solid 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a decent suburb like Alamo Heights or the Medical Center area. In Longmont, that same $265k might get you a small condo or a fixer-upper that needs serious work. The gap is staggering.

Verdict: If buying a home is a primary goal, San Antonio is the clear winner. Longmont is a tough market for first-time buyers or those on a strict budget.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is real. As a sprawling city of 1.5 million people, commuting from the suburbs (like Stone Oak or Schertz) can mean a 30-45 minute drive in congestion. The city is car-dependent, though public transit (VIA) exists. The good news? The city is more grid-like and manageable than Houston or Dallas.

Longmont: Traffic is a non-issue. As a town of under 100,000, you can get across town in 15 minutes. The catch? You’re reliant on US-36 or US-85 to get to Denver, and that commute can be a grind—45 minutes to an hour in rush hour. For local errands, though, it’s a breeze.

Verdict: For daily local commutes, Longmont. If you need frequent access to a major metro core, San Antonio has the edge, but be prepared for traffic.

Weather

San Antonio: Hot. Really hot. Summers are long, with highs consistently in the 90s°F and often hitting 100°F+. The humidity is no joke—it’s a "dry heat" but still oppressive. Winters are mild and short, rarely dipping below freezing. If you hate snow and love sunshine (even when it’s scorching), this is your spot.

Longmont: Four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry (highs in the 80s-90s°F), but the low humidity makes it manageable. The real story is winter. You get real snow, cold temperatures (lows in the 20s°F), and the beautiful but sometimes harsh Colorado climate. The sunshine is abundant year-round, which helps.

Verdict: It’s personal. If you can’t handle snow, San Antonio. If you can’t handle 100°F heat, Longmont. No wrong answer here.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be honest and look at the data. We use violent crime rates per 100,000 people as our benchmark.

San Antonio: 798.0 violent crimes per 100k. This is significantly above both the national average (~400) and the Texas average. Like any large city, crime is localized. Areas like the Pearl District and Alamo Heights are very safe, while other neighborhoods struggle. It’s a city of contrasts.
Longmont: 492.9 violent crimes per 100k. This is also above the national average but substantially lower than San Antonio’s rate. As a smaller, more affluent town, the overall risk is lower, but it’s not crime-free.

Verdict: Longmont is statistically safer. However, safety in any city is about specific neighborhoods. Do your homework on both.

The Verdict: Who Wins for You?

This isn’t a simple "one is better" answer. It’s about which city aligns with your life stage, budget, and priorities.

🏆 Winner for Families: San Antonio
The combination of affordable housing (median $264,900), strong public school systems in suburbs like Northside ISD, and a wealth of family-friendly activities (the Zoo, Six Flags, the River Walk) makes it a powerhouse. The 0% state income tax also helps family budgets stretch further. While Longmont has great schools and safety, the financial barrier to entry for homeownership is simply too high for many families.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: San Antonio (with a caveat)
For the young professional who wants an exciting social scene, diverse job market (with a strong healthcare and tech sector), and affordability, San Antonio is a steal. You can rent a nice 1BR for under $1,200 and enjoy a vibrant nightlife. However, if your career is in tech or renewable energy and you highly value outdoor access, Longmont’s proximity to Boulder and Denver’s job market (despite the commute) could be a better long-term bet.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Longmont
This is a tough call, but Longmont edges out for retirees seeking an active, scenic, and manageable lifestyle. The walkable downtown, excellent healthcare (it’s part of the Boulder metro), and endless outdoor activities are perfect for an active retirement. San Antonio is also retiree-friendly with its low cost of living and warm weather, but the intense summer heat can be a dealbreaker for some, and the city’s scale can be overwhelming.

Final Pros & Cons: At a Glance

San Antonio, TX

Pros:

Incredible Affordability: Low home prices and rent.
0% State Income Tax: Keep more of your paycheck.
Vibrant Culture & Food: Endless festivals, history, and dining.
Major City Amenities: Pro sports, airport, healthcare, and education.
Mild Winters: No shoveling snow.

Cons:

High Violent Crime Rate: Requires neighborhood research.
Brutal Summer Heat & Humidity: Can be oppressive for 4-5 months.
Traffic & Sprawl: Car dependency is a must.
Limited Mountain Access: The Hill Country is lovely, but it’s not the Rockies.

Longmont, CO