Raleigh vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Raleigh	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$86,309	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$425,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$226	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,466	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	104.0	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.5	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	398.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	55.7%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	32	39

Let's cut to the chase. You're standing at a crossroads, trying to decide between the capital of North Carolina and the cultural gem of South Central Texas. It’s Raleigh vs. San Antonio: a battle between the "Silicon Peach" and the "Alamo City."

This isn't just about BBQ vs. vinegar-based sauce. This is about where you’ll stake your claim, build your life, and (hopefully) thrive. As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the humidity, and looked at the soul of both cities.

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown.

The Vibe Check: Ambition vs. Tradition

First, let's talk about the air you'll be breathing—both literally and figuratively.

Raleigh is the engine of the Research Triangle. It’s young, hungry, and relentlessly educated. The vibe here is "ambitious but friendly." You’ll find tech bros debating AI over craft beer and young families flocking to the suburbs for top-tier schools. It’s a city that feels like it’s perpetually under construction, constantly reaching for the next level. It’s for the hustler who wants a backyard.

San Antonio moves at its own pace. It’s a city with deep roots, where history isn't just in museums; it's on every corner. The culture is a vibrant blend of Tex-Mex, military pride (it’s home to several massive military bases), and a heavy tourist trade centered on the River Walk. It’s slower, louder, and infinitely more colorful. It’s for the person who values community, culture, and a cold margarita on a Tuesday.

Verdict:

Raleigh: High-energy, professional growth, college-town energy.

San Antonio: Laid-back, culturally rich, "take your time" atmosphere.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?

Here is where the gloves come off. You might look at the salary data and think Raleigh is the clear winner, but hold your horses. We have to talk about purchasing power.

The median income in Raleigh is a whopping $86,309 compared to San Antonio’s $62,322. That’s a massive gap. However, San Antonio is significantly cheaper, and the lack of state income tax in Texas is a heavy hitter.

Let’s look at the monthly burn rate for a 1-Bedroom apartment:

Metric	Raleigh	San Antonio	The Winner
Median Income	$86,309	$62,322	Raleigh
Rent (1BR)	$1,466	$1,197	San Antonio
Housing Index	98.5	82.5	San Antonio
State Income Tax	4.75% (Flat)	0%	San Antonio

The "Sticker Shock" Reality:
If you earn the median salary in Raleigh, you are bringing home significantly more money. Even with the higher rent, your bank account at the end of the month will likely be heavier than it would be in San Antonio.

However, if you are moving with a remote salary of $100,000:

In Raleigh: Your take-home is roughly $95,250 (after state tax). Your rent is $1,466.
In San Antonio: Your take-home is $100,000 (no state tax). Your rent is $1,197.

In that specific scenario, San Antonio gives you the ultimate "bang for your buck." But for the average local worker, Raleigh offers higher earning potential that outweighs the higher cost of living.

Verdict: Raleigh wins on raw earning potential and career ceiling. San Antonio wins on pure cost efficiency and tax benefits, specifically for high earners or retirees.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Buying a home is the American dream, but the entry price varies wildly here.

San Antonio is arguably one of the most affordable major cities in the US. A median home price of $285,000 is rare in 2024. You can still get a lot of house for your money. However, the market is competitive because everyone is chasing that affordability.

Raleigh has seen insane growth. The median home price sits at $435,000. That is a $150,000 difference between the two cities. That is a luxury car difference.

In Raleigh: You are paying a premium for the "it" factor—the jobs, the schools, the future appreciation. It’s a Seller’s market, and you’ll likely face bidding wars.
In San Antonio: You are buying into a stable, mature market. It’s much easier to find a starter home without breaking the bank.

Verdict: If your goal is homeownership on a standard budget, San Antonio is the clear winner. If you have capital to invest and want high equity growth potential, Raleigh is the play.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Sometimes the spreadsheet doesn't matter. Sometimes it's about traffic, safety, and weather.

1. Weather

Raleigh: The data says the average low is 27°F. That’s just the winter average. You get all four seasons. Summers are humid and hot, but you get crisp autumns and the occasional snow dusting.
San Antonio: Average low is 45°F. Sounds great, right? Don't be fooled. San Antonio summers are brutal. We are talking weeks of 100°F+ heat. It’s a dry, baking heat that forces you inside for months. If you hate the cold, San Antonio is for you. If you hate melting, Raleigh edges it out.

2. Traffic & Commute

Raleigh: The "Research Triangle" implies sprawl. Traffic on I-40 and I-440 is notorious. Because the population is booming faster than the infrastructure, rush hour is a nightmare.
San Antonio: The city is massive geographically (1,495,312 people vs Raleigh's 482,425). You will drive everywhere. The highways are wide, but the distances are long. Traffic is bad, but arguably less confusing than Raleigh's spiderweb of roads.

3. Safety (The Hard Truth)

We have to be honest here. The data doesn't lie.

Raleigh Violent Crime: 398.0/100k people.
San Antonio Violent Crime: 798.0/100k people.

San Antonio struggles with a violent crime rate that is double that of Raleigh. While San Antonio is generally safe in tourist areas and nice suburbs, the statistics are a major concern for families looking at specific school districts. Raleigh consistently ranks as one of the safer large cities in the South.

Verdict:

Weather: Tie (Depends on if you hate snow or heat more).

Traffic: Tie (Both are tough).

Safety: Raleigh wins decisively.

The Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After looking at the data, the costs, and the lifestyle, here is my professional recommendation for who belongs where.

Winner for Families: Raleigh

If you have kids, the schools in the Wake County area (specifically the suburbs like Cary and Apex) are world-class. The median income allows for a comfortable lifestyle, and the violent crime rate is significantly lower. You pay more, but you are buying safety and opportunity for your kids.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: San Antonio

But wait, you might say, Raleigh is the tech hub! True. But if you are a young professional making under $75k, your quality of life in San Antonio will be infinitely higher. You can afford a cool apartment near the Pearl District, eat like a king for cheap, and enjoy a vibrant nightlife and dating scene without the crushing rent of Raleigh.

Winner for Retirees: San Antonio

This is a slam dunk. No state income tax (huge for 401k withdrawals), mild winters (no shoveling snow), and a slower pace of life. The cost of living allows retirement savings to stretch much further.

Final Scorecard

Raleigh

Pros:

High median income ($86k)
Lower violent crime (398/100k)
Top-tier education systems
Booming tech and biotech job market

Cons:

Expensive housing ($435k median)
State income tax (4.75%)
Brutal traffic congestion
Competitive housing market (bidding wars)

San Antonio