Stillwater vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Stillwater	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$42,015	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$295,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$175	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$743	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	100.6	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	85.8	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	458.6	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	51.9%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	39

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

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. One path leads to the vibrant, historic streets of San Antonio, a major city with a small-town heart. The other takes you to Stillwater, Oklahoma—a classic college town where life moves at a gentler pace. It’s not just a choice between Texas and Oklahoma; it’s a choice between two entirely different ways of living.

Choosing where to plant your roots is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. To help you decide, we’re going to break this down like a coffee-shop conversation: honest, data-driven, and with zero fluff. We’ll look at your wallet, your lifestyle, and your long-term happiness.

Let’s get into it.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. College Town Charm

First things first, let’s talk about the feel of each place.

San Antonio is a 1.5-million-strong metropolis that wears its history on its sleeve. Think of the Alamo, the River Walk’s festive atmosphere, and a deep, proud Texan culture. It’s a city of contrasts: bustling military bases (Joint Base San Antonio is a massive employer) sit alongside quiet suburbs. The food scene is legendary—this is the birthplace of Tex-Mex, after all. You’ll find world-class museums, a growing tech corridor, and a nightlife that ranges from honky-tonk bars to sophisticated rooftop lounges. It’s a city that offers big-city amenities without the cutthroat pace of Dallas or Houston.

Stillwater, on the other hand, is the quintessential college town, home to Oklahoma State University (OSU). With a population of just 48,818, it’s a community where you’re likely to run into a familiar face at the grocery store. The vibe is unpretentious and friendly. Life revolves around the university—Friday night lights at Boone Pickens Stadium, the energy of homecoming, and a youthful, transient population. Outside of the academic calendar, it’s a quiet, family-friendly place with a strong sense of local pride. It’s not about glitz; it’s about community.

Who is each city for?

• San Antonio is for the person who craves variety, cultural depth, and the energy of a major metro. It’s for families who want excellent schools (in certain districts), young professionals looking for opportunity, and anyone who wants to be in the heart of Texas.
• Stillwater is for the person who values peace, safety, and a tight-knit community. It’s ideal for students, university staff, retirees seeking a quiet life, and families who prioritize a slower pace and strong neighborhood bonds over endless entertainment options.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s compare the cost of living head-to-head.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	San Antonio	Stillwater	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$295,000	Stillwater is 11.4% more expensive for housing.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$743	Stillwater is 38% cheaper for renters.
Housing Index	94.2	100.6	Stillwater is more expensive (Index >100 = more costly than US avg).
Median Income	$62,322	$42,015	San Antonio pays 48% more on average.
Violent Crime Rate	798.0/100k	458.6/100k	Stillwater is significantly safer (42% lower rate).

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Here’s the critical insight: While San Antonio’s median home price is lower, its median income is substantially higher. This is the Texas advantage.

Let’s run a scenario: You earn $100,000 a year.

• In San Antonio: Your purchasing power is strong. Texas has 0% state income tax, meaning you take home more of your paycheck. A $264,900 home on a $100k salary is very manageable. Your $1,197 rent leaves plenty of room for savings and fun. You’re living well in a major city without the coastal price tag.
• In Stillwater: Your $100,000 salary is 138% higher than the local median. You’d be a top earner. Your $743 rent is laughably cheap. You could save aggressively or buy a home quickly. However, you’d likely need to work remotely, as local job opportunities (outside OSU) are limited, and salaries are lower.

The Verdict on Dollars: For most professionals, San Antonio offers better bang for your buck when you factor in higher salaries and lower taxes. Stillwater is a steal for renters and remote workers, but its lower income ceiling can be a long-term limit.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition

San Antonio:

• Buy vs. Rent: With a median home price of $264,900, buying is a realistic goal for many. The market is competitive but not as frenzied as Austin.
• Availability: There's a steady supply of homes, from historic bungalows to new suburban builds. It’s a buyer-friendly market in many neighborhoods, with less intensity than you’d find in coastal cities.

Stillwater:

• Buy vs. Rent: The median home price is $295,000, which is surprisingly high for a town of its size. This is driven by the consistent demand from university staff, faculty, and a limited housing inventory.
• Availability: The market can be tight, especially near campus. It’s more of a seller’s market in desirable areas, with homes selling quickly. Renting is the easier, cheaper option here.

Insight: If you’re set on buying, San Antonio offers more variety and potentially more value. If you’re renting, Stillwater’s prices are almost unbeatable.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where personal preference trumps data.

Traffic & Commute:

• San Antonio: Traffic is real. The I-35 corridor and Loop 1604 can be a nightmare during rush hour. Commutes can easily be 30-45 minutes in heavy traffic. You’ll be doing a lot of driving.
• Stillwater: Traffic is minimal. You can get across town in 10-15 minutes. The biggest commute hassle is finding parking near campus on game days. This is a massive quality-of-life win for Stillwater.

Weather:

• San Antonio: Hot. Brutally hot. Summers regularly hit 100°F+ with high humidity (think 85%+). Winters are mild (rarely freezing). You’ll spend a lot of time in air conditioning.
• Stillwater: Four distinct seasons. Summers are hot (often 95°F+), but less humid than Texas. Winters bring snow and ice (the average is 48°F for a reason—it’s a blend). Spring and fall are beautiful. If you hate extreme heat, Stillwater offers more variety.

Crime & Safety:

• San Antonio: The data is stark. With a violent crime rate of 798.0 per 100,000, it’s significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood—research is crucial.
• Stillwater: Much safer, with a rate of 458.6 per 100,000. While not zero-crime, it’s a place where people feel comfortable leaving doors unlocked (though that’s never advised). For families, this is a major point in Stillwater’s favor.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Where?

It’s time to crown the winners for different life stages.

🏆 Winner for Families: SAN ANTONIO

• Why: Better job opportunities for parents, more diverse and higher-quality school districts (like Alamo Heights or Northside ISD), and endless family activities (zoos, museums, Six Flags). The higher income potential and lower tax burden provide more resources for a family’s future. While crime is a concern, many suburban neighborhoods are very safe.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: SAN ANTONIO

• Why: Opportunity. The job market is vast, from healthcare (South Texas Medical Center) to tech and military contracting. The social scene is vibrant and diverse. You can build a career, network, and have fun without the crushing cost of living seen in other major metros. Stillwater’s social life is largely tied to the university, which can feel limiting.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: STILLWATER

• Why: Peace, safety, and a slower pace. The cost of living is low, especially if you’re renting or own a home outright. The community is welcoming, and access to OSU events (lectures, sports) keeps life engaging without being overwhelming. The manageable weather (avoiding Texas’s extreme heat) is a plus for many seniors.

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San Antonio: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• ✅ Zero State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.
• ✅ Strong Job Market: Diverse industries with a median income of $62,322.
• ✅ Cultural Richness: History, food, and festivals are everywhere.
• ✅ Affordable for a Major City: Lower home prices than Austin, Dallas, or Houston.
• ✅ Endless Entertainment: Something to do every weekend.

Cons:

• ❌ High Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood research.
• ❌ Brutal Summers: Intense heat and humidity for 4-5 months.
• ❌ Traffic Congestion: Significant commute times in peak hours.
• ❌ Urban Sprawl: You’ll likely need a car for everything.

Stillwater: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• ✅ Exceptional Safety: Violent crime is 42% lower than San Antonio.
• ✅ Very Low Cost of Living: Rent is 38% cheaper.
• ✅ Minimal Traffic: Easy, stress-free commutes.
• ✅ Tight-Knit Community: Friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
• ✅ Four Seasons: More varied weather than Texas.

Cons:

• ❌ Limited Job Market: Lower median income ($42,015) and fewer career paths.
• ❌ Surprisingly High Home Prices: For the size of the town.
• ❌ College Town Dynamics: Life revolves around the university; can feel quiet in summer.
• ❌ Fewer Amenities: Limited shopping, dining, and cultural options compared to a big city.

The Bottom Line: Choose San Antonio for opportunity, energy, and the classic Texas experience. Choose Stillwater for safety, community, and a peaceful, affordable life.