Ankeny vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Ankeny	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$105,862	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$323,500	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$214	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$787	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	86.1	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.1	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	301.8	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	—	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	31	39

Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're deciding between two cities that couldn't be more different: San Antonio, Texas — a massive, historic, sun-baked cultural hub — and Ankeny, Iowa — a rapidly growing, family-centric suburb of Des Moines.

It’s not just a choice of geography; it’s a choice of lifestyle, a choice of what you value most. Forget the glossy brochures. As your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist, I’m going to lay out the raw numbers, the real talk, and the unvarnished truth so you can pick the winner for you.

The Vibe Check: History vs. Heartland

San Antonio is a sensory overload in the best way. It’s where Spanish colonial history collides with modern military life, a booming tech scene, and a legendary culinary landscape (Tex-Mex is a religion here). The vibe is laid-back but lively. You’ll hear live music spilling out of bars on the River Walk, smell brisket smoking from backyard pits, and feel the Texas heat radiating off the pavement. It’s a city of neighborhoods with distinct personalities, from the historic King William District to the trendy Pearl District. It’s for the person who wants culture, diversity, and a distinct sense of place.

Ankeny, on the other hand, is the definition of Midwestern practicality. It’s not trying to be Austin or Chicago; it’s a quiet, clean, and incredibly efficient engine for raising a family. The vibe is stability and safety. Think pristine parks, well-funded schools, and a community where you know your neighbors. It’s a strategic choice—a launchpad for a comfortable life with top-tier amenities without the chaos of a major metropolis. It’s for the person who values safety, community, and a sharply defined work-life balance.

Who’s it for?

San Antonio: The foodie, the history buff, the music lover, the military-affiliated, the extrovert who thrives on energy.
Ankeny: The young family, the career-focused couple, the pragmatist who wants a no-nonsense, high-quality life.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?

This is where the rubber meets the road. We're talking purchasing power—how far does your paycheck actually stretch? Let’s break down the cold, hard cash.

The Cost of Living Table

Category	San Antonio, TX	Ankeny, IA	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$323,500	Ankeny has a 22% higher sticker shock for buyers.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$787	San Antonio rent is 52% higher. A massive win for Ankeny.
Housing Index	94.2	86.1	Ankeny is ~8.6% more affordable for housing overall.
Median Income	$62,322	$105,862	Ankeny residents earn 70% more on average.

Salary Wars: The $100k Thought Experiment
Let's say you make $100,000. Where does it feel like more?

In Ankeny: With a median income of $105,862, you’re right in the middle of the pack. Your money goes far, especially on housing. The $787 rent is a dream compared to major metros. You can save aggressively, invest in a home, and still have disposable income for family activities. The 0% state income tax is a huge bonus, but remember, property taxes in Iowa can be high (though often offset by lower home prices).
In San Antonio: You’d be earning 60% more than the local median. That’s a king’s ransom here. While rent is higher at $1,197, your purchasing power would be immense. You could afford a great apartment and still have plenty left over for the city’s incredible food scene and entertainment. However, the 0% Texas income tax is your biggest financial advantage, putting more cash directly in your pocket every month.

The Verdict on Dollars:
Ankeny offers a higher relative income and lower housing costs, which is a powerful combo for saving. However, if you have a high-paying remote job or a salary that’s above the national average, your money will likely go further in San Antonio due to the massive income disparity.

💰 FINANCIAL WINNER: Ankeny. The math is undeniable. For the average earner, a higher income paired with significantly lower housing costs creates a superior financial foundation.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent Reality

San Antonio is a buyer’s market (or at least, a balanced one). The median home price of $264,900 is surprisingly accessible for a major U.S. city. Inventory is decent, and the market moves at a reasonable pace. Renting is competitive but manageable. The key here is value—you get a lot of house for your money, often with more character and space than in other top-tier cities.

Ankeny is a strong seller’s market. The median home price of $323,500 is higher than San Antonio’s, which can be a shock for outsiders. Demand is fierce, driven by the excellent school system and safe reputation. Bidding wars aren’t uncommon. However, once you buy, you’re investing in a highly stable, appreciating asset in a community with a low vacancy rate.

The Verdict on Housing:

For Renters: Ankeny is the clear winner. $787 vs. $1,197 is a dealbreaker for many budgets.
For Buyers: It’s a trade-off. San Antonio offers a lower entry price and more character. Ankeny offers a higher price tag for a turnkey, family-oriented home in a top-tier school district.

🏠 HOUSING WINNER: It’s a tie. San Antonio wins on entry price for buyers, but Ankeny dominates the rental market.

The Dealbreakers: Life in the Real World

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is real. As the 7th largest city in the U.S., congestion on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604 can be brutal. The average commute is 26.6 minutes. It’s manageable, but it requires patience and strategic timing.
Ankeny: This is a massive perk. Ankeny is a suburb built for cars, with wide, well-maintained roads. The average commute is a breezy 21.5 minutes. You’re a 15-minute drive from downtown Des Moines without the urban congestion. It’s a commuter’s dream.

Weather: Humidity vs. Humidity... and Snow

San Antonio: Welcome to humid subtropical. Summers are long and brutally hot, with highs regularly hitting 95°F+ and feeling like a sauna. The "winter" is short and mild (lows in the 40s). Hurricane season is a distant but real consideration. You’ll live in shorts for 8 months.
Ankeny: You’re trading heat for harsh winters. The data point of 27.0°F is just the average winter low. Expect significant snowfall, icy roads, and temperatures dipping below zero. Summers are warm and humid but generally pleasant. It’s a true four-season experience, which can be a pro or a con depending on your tolerance for cold.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be honest. This is often the biggest dealbreaker for families.

San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000. This is 2.6x the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must do your homework. Some areas are perfectly safe; others are not.
Ankeny: The violent crime rate is 301.8 per 100,000. This is just 15% above the national average and dramatically lower than San Antonio. Ankeny is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in Iowa and the Midwest. The peace of mind here is a tangible asset.

The Verdict on Dealbreakers:

Traffic: Ankeny wins decisively.
Weather: Subjective. Love sunshine and hate snow? San Antonio. Prefer distinct seasons and milder summers? Ankeny.
Safety: Ankeny wins by a landslide. The data doesn't lie.

⚠️ QUALITY OF LIFE WINNER: Ankeny. It offers a safer, less congested, and more predictable daily life, which is a massive draw for most people.

The Final Verdict: Your Personal Showdown

After crunching the numbers and analyzing the lifestyles, here’s how the cities stack up for different demographics.

Winner for Families: ANKENY

This isn’t even close. The combination of top-tier public schools, extremely low crime, safe neighborhoods, and manageable commutes is the holy grail for parents. The higher median income means more resources for your kids, and the community is built around family activities. The higher home price is the price of admission for this level of safety and education.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: SAN ANTONIO

If you’re in your 20s or 30s and single, Ankeny might feel like a quiet suburb. San Antonio’s vibrant nightlife, diverse food scene, live music, and large population offer endless opportunities to meet people and explore. The lower cost of living (relative to other big cities) and the 0% income tax allow for a fun, social lifestyle without breaking the bank. The job market in healthcare, military, and tech is robust.

Winner for Retirees: SAN ANTONIO

For retirees, the mild winter is a huge draw. You can golf year-round and avoid the physical strain of shoveling snow. The lower cost of living compared to many coastal cities means retirement savings stretch further. The city offers world-class healthcare (with major military hospitals) and a rich cultural scene to keep you engaged. Ankeny’s harsh winters can be a significant physical and financial burden for seniors.

Final Pros & Cons

San Antonio, TX

PROS:

0% State Income Tax – More money in your pocket.
Vibrant Culture – Unmatched history, food, and music.
Affordable for a Major City – Low median home price for its size.
Year-Round Warm Weather – Perfect for sun-lovers.
Diverse Job Market – Strong in healthcare, military, and tech.

CONS:

High Crime Rate – Requires careful neighborhood selection.
Brutal Summer Heat & Humidity – Can be oppressive for 3-4 months.
Heavy Traffic – Commutes can be long and frustrating.
Limited Public Transit – A car is an absolute necessity.

Ankeny, IA