Beaumont vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Beaumont	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$60,010	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$190,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$112	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$932	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	76.1	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	91.9	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.35	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	678.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	20.1%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	39

San Antonio vs. Beaumont: The Ultimate Texas Showdown

So, you’re looking at Texas. The Lone Star State is massive, and picking a spot to plant your roots can feel like trying to choose a favorite taco in a town with 50 taquerias. You’ve narrowed it down to two very different beasts: San Antonio, the big, bold, historic giant, and Beaumont, the gritty, coastal, smaller-city underdog.

Let’s cut through the noise and get real about which one fits your life. This isn’t just about price tags; it’s about where you’ll actually enjoy waking up every morning.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Coastal Chill

San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas and one of the fastest-growing metros in the country. It’s a sprawling, dynamic beast. The vibe is a wild mix of deep history (hello, the Alamo!), a booming tech and healthcare scene, and a riverwalk that feels like a European city dropped into the middle of the Hill Country. It’s loud, proud, and endlessly energetic. You’re looking at a city that feels like it’s constantly moving, with a population of 1.5 million people.

Beaumont is a different world entirely. Located on the Gulf Coast near the Louisiana border, it’s a city built on oil, refineries, and port traffic. The pace is slower, the community is tighter, and the vibe is unapologetically industrial and Southern. With a population of just over 112,000, it feels like a "real" city—without the overwhelming sprawl. It’s for folks who want a lower cost of living and don’t mind a bit of grit.

• San Antonio is for: Young professionals, families seeking big-city amenities, history buffs, and anyone who needs hustle and variety in their daily life.
• Beaumont is for: Budget-conscious buyers, blue-collar workers, retirees who want coastal access without Florida prices, and those who prefer a tight-knit community over urban anonymity.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Texas has no state income tax, which is a huge win for both cities. But the cost of living tells a different story.

Let’s look at the raw numbers:

Category	San Antonio	Beaumont	The Winner
Median Home Price	$264,900	$190,000	Beaumont
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$932	Beaumont
Housing Index	94.2 (94.2% of nat'l avg)	76.1 (76.1% of nat'l avg)	Beaumont
Median Income	$62,322	$60,010	Slight edge to San Antonio

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, your purchasing power is decent, but you’re competing with a larger, more expensive housing market. In Beaumont, that same $100,000 feels like you’re living like a king. The median home price difference of $74,900 isn't just a number—it’s the difference between a modest starter home in SA and a spacious, well-kept house in Beaumont, possibly with a yard.

The Insight: For pure financial leverage, Beaumont wins hands-down. Your dollar goes significantly further, especially in housing. However, San Antonio’s higher median income suggests a more robust job market for white-collar professionals, which could offset the higher costs if you play your cards right.

The Housing Market: Buy or Rent?

San Antonio’s Market:
The San Antonio housing market is competitive. With a Housing Index of 94.2, it’s still below the national average, but demand is fierce. You’re competing with a growing population and a steady stream of new residents. Finding a move-in-ready home under $300k is getting tougher. It’s a strong seller’s market in desirable neighborhoods. Renting is an option, but those $1,197 rents are climbing.

Beaumont’s Market:
Beaumont is a buyer’s market. With a Housing Index of 76.1, it’s one of the most affordable cities in Texas. The median home price of $190,000 gets you real value. Inventory is higher, competition is lower, and sellers are often more negotiable. This is the place to buy if you want to build equity without a bidding war. Rent is also a steal at $932, making it easy to test the waters before buying.

Verdict: If you’re a buyer on a budget, Beaumont is a no-brainer. If you’re okay with a higher price for more options and a faster-paced appreciation, San Antonio is the play.

The Dealbreakers: Life Beyond the Price Tag

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is real. Commutes can be 30-45 minutes across town during rush hour. The city is spread out, and public transit (VIA) is limited. You’ll likely need a car, and gas and insurance will be part of your budget.
Beaumont: Commutes are a breeze. You can get across the entire city in 15-20 minutes. Traffic jams are rare. It’s a car-dependent city, but you spend far less time in it.

Weather

San Antonio: Hot. Very hot. Expect 90°F+ for months on end (May-September). The heat is dry, which some prefer, but it’s intense. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. Thunderstorms are common in spring.
Beaumont: 64°F is the annual average, but that number lies. Summers are brutally hot and humid (think 95°F with 90% humidity). It’s a Gulf Coast swamp. Winters are mild but can be wet. Hurricane season is a real consideration, with the city being vulnerable to storms.

Crime & Safety

This is a tough one, and stats can be tricky.

• San Antonio: Violent Crime Rate: 798.0/100k. This is above the national average. Like any large city, crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Areas like Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, and the medical area are generally safer, while parts of the East and West sides can be rough.
• Beaumont: Violent Crime Rate: 678.0/100k. Statistically lower than San Antonio, but still above the national average. Crime in Beaumont is often tied to specific economic challenges. It’s a city where knowing your neighborhood is crucial.

The Reality Check: Both cities have crime. San Antonio’s sheer size means more incidents, but Beaumont’s economic struggles can lead to property crime. Safety is neighborhood-dependent in both places. Do your homework on specific areas.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?

After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here’s the final breakdown for different life stages.

Winner for Families: San Antonio

Why? Schools and amenities. While Beaumont has solid options, SA’s larger tax base supports a wider variety of school districts (like the top-rated Northside ISD) and an incredible array of family activities—the Zoo, the Witte Museum, Six Flags, and endless parks. The sheer volume of extracurriculars and healthcare options (with a massive medical center) is unbeatable. Yes, you’ll pay more, but for families, the trade-off for top-tier resources is worth it.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio

Why? Opportunity and nightlife. The job market in tech, healthcare, and military contracting is robust. The social scene is vibrant, with endless restaurants, bars, festivals, and a growing arts district. You’ll meet more people, have more dates, and have more career options. Beaumont’s social scene is quieter and more limited.

Winner for Retirees: Beaumont

Why? Cost and coastal access. If you’re on a fixed income, Beaumont’s low housing costs are a game-changer. Your nest egg stretches much further. You’re close to Galveston and the Texas coast for fishing and boating, without the Florida price tag. The slower pace is easier on the system, and the community feel is strong. Just be prepared for the humidity and hurricane risk.

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Pros & Cons: At a Glance

San Antonio

• Pros:
  • Massive job market and economic diversity.
  • World-class cultural attractions and food scene.
  • Strong school districts and family amenities.
  • No state income tax.
  • Growing, dynamic city with a young population.
• Cons:
  • Higher cost of living (especially housing).
  • Traffic and sprawl.
  • Intense summer heat.
  • Higher violent crime rate (but very neighborhood-dependent).

Beaumont

• Pros:
  • Extremely affordable housing and rent.
  • Low cost of living overall.
  • Short commutes and easy pace of life.
  • Proximity to the Gulf Coast.
  • Strong blue-collar job market in oil/gas/port.
• Cons:
  • Limited white-collar job diversity.
  • Brutal summer humidity and hurricane risk.
  • Fewer cultural/entertainment options.
  • Economic challenges and higher poverty rate.
  • Crime is still a concern in certain areas.

The Bottom Line:
Choose San Antonio if you’re chasing career growth, city life, and are willing to pay a premium for it. Choose Beaumont if your primary goal is financial freedom, a slower pace, and you can handle the coastal climate. One is a sprint, the other is a marathon. Which one are you running?