Category / Metric	Beaverton	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$92,650	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	5.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$581,050	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$275	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,545	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	124.6	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.6	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	178.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	50.7%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	55	39

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

So, you're standing at a crossroads. One path leads to the heart of Texas, a city steeped in history, culture, and a legendary fiesta spirit. The other leads to a lush, green suburb in the Pacific Northwest, a stone's throw from the tech-fueled buzz of Portland. This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two entirely different lifestyles.

As your relocation expert, I'm here to cut through the marketing fluff and give you the real deal. We're going to pit San Antonio against Beaverton across every major category that matters. Buckle up, because by the end of this, you'll know exactly where you belong.

The Vibe Check: Alamo City vs. Silicon Forest

Let's start with the soul of each place.

San Antonio is a massive, sprawling metropolis that feels like a big small town. It's the seventh-largest city in the U.S., but it moves at its own pace. The vibe is deeply Texan: warm, welcoming, and fiercely proud. You'll find a rich blend of cultures, with a heavy Tejano and Mexican influence that defines the food, the music, and the festivals. Think historic missions, the iconic River Walk, and the roar of the Spurs' arena. It’s a city where history lives on every corner, yet the tech and healthcare sectors are booming. It's for the person who wants big-city amenities without the pretentiousness, who values community and a slower, more deliberate pace of life.

Beaverton, on the other hand, is the quintessential Pacific Northwest suburb. Think clean, green, and highly organized. It’s part of the Portland metropolitan area, so it shares that quirky, outdoorsy, and eco-conscious ethos. You're surrounded by incredible natural beauty—forests, rivers, and the Oregon coast are a short drive away. The vibe is calm, family-friendly, and intellectual. It's a hub for global tech giants like Nike and Intel, attracting a well-educated, progressive workforce. It’s for the person who craves access to the outdoors, appreciates a cooler, more temperate climate, and wants to live in a community that prioritizes sustainability and work-life balance.

Who is each city for?

San Antonio: Families looking for affordability and community, culture lovers, history buffs, and anyone who can't live without authentic Tex-Mex.
Beaverton: Young professionals in tech, outdoor enthusiasts, families seeking top-tier public schools, and those who prefer a milder, less extreme climate.

The Dollar Power: Where Your Salary Actually Buys You Something

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk money, because the financial reality in these two places is worlds apart.

We're going to assume a hypothetical salary of $100,000 to see where it stretches further. Remember, Texas has 0% state income tax, while Oregon has a progressive income tax that can range from 4.75% to 9.9%. That’s a massive difference right off the top.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	San Antonio	Beaverton	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$581,050	Beaverton's housing is over 119% more expensive. This is the single biggest financial divider.
1-BR Rent	$1,197	$1,545	Rent in Beaverton is about 29% higher, but the gap widens dramatically when you look at buying.
Housing Index	94.2	124.6	A score below 100 is cheaper than the national average. San Antonio is significantly more affordable.
Utilities	~$150/mo (high A/C)	~$120/mo (heating)	Texas summers will spike your electric bill; Oregon winters will spike your gas bill. A wash, but for different reasons.
Groceries	~7% below nat'l avg	~5% above nat'l avg	San Antonio wins on daily essentials.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
With a $100k salary in San Antonio, you're in a strong position. Your effective tax rate (federal + 0% state) is lower, and your biggest expense—housing—is relatively cheap. You could realistically afford a nice home on a single income, or save aggressively.

In Beaverton, that same $100k feels tight. After Oregon's state taxes (roughly 7-8% for this income level), your take-home pay is lower. Then you hit the brutal housing market. That $581k median home requires a massive down payment and a hefty mortgage. You'll likely need two incomes to comfortably buy a home here.

Insight: San Antonio offers a significantly higher quality of life for the dollar, especially for homeowners. Beaverton's higher salaries (median income is $92,650 vs. SA's $62,322) are almost entirely consumed by the cost of living. You're paying a premium for the location, schools, and access to Portland's amenities.

The Housing Market: Builder's Dream vs. Competitive Grind

San Antonio is a buyer's and renter's market. Inventory is relatively healthy, and prices, while rising, haven't reached the stratospheric levels of Austin or coastal cities. You have room to negotiate. New construction is booming on the outskirts, giving you plenty of options if you want a modern home. Renting is straightforward, with many apartment complexes offering competitive rates and move-in specials.

Beaverton is a fierce seller's market. The Pacific Northwest has a chronic housing shortage. With a population of nearly 97,000 in the city proper but part of a much larger metro, demand far outstrips supply. Buyers often face bidding wars, all-cash offers, and waived contingencies. Renting is competitive too; good listings get snatched up quickly. If you're moving to Beaverton, be prepared for a stressful and expensive home-buying process.

The Dealbreakers: Life Between the Commute, Weather, and Safety

These are the daily realities that impact your happiness.

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is real, especially on I-35 and Loop 1604. The city is spread out, so a long commute is common. However, it's generally more predictable than in other major metros. Public transit (VIA) is improving but is still limited; owning a car is a necessity.
Beaverton: You're in the Portland metro area, which is notorious for traffic. The commute into Portland can be a slog, and the MAX light rail system is a lifesaver for many. Beaverton itself is very bikeable and walkable. If you work from home or can commute via public transit, life is good. If you're driving daily, brace yourself.

Weather: The Ultimate Divider

San Antonio: Welcome to Texas heat. Summers are long, brutally hot, and humid, with temperatures regularly soaring into the 90s and 100s. Winters are mild and short, but you get the occasional ice storm. If you hate the cold but can handle heat, this is your spot.
Beaverton: Welcome to the Pacific Northwest drizzle. Summers are dry, mild, and gorgeous (think 70s-80s). Winters are cool, damp, and cloudy, with temperatures hovering around the 30s and 40s. You'll see a lot of gray skies from November to May. If you love distinct seasons without extreme heat or bitter cold, and don't mind rain, this is paradise.

Crime & Safety

San Antonio: The data is stark. The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100k people. This is above the national average and significantly higher than Beaverton. Like any large city, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Research is crucial, and some suburbs are very safe.
Beaverton: This is one of the safest cities of its size in the country. The violent crime rate is a remarkably low 178.0 per 100k people. It's a clean, well-policed, and community-oriented city. This is a massive point in Beaverton's favor for families and anyone prioritizing safety.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart (and Your Wallet)?

After breaking it all down, here’s the final call.

Winner for Families: Beaverton

Why: While San Antonio offers more house for your money, Beaverton’s combination of exceptionally low crime rates, consistently top-ranked public schools, and abundant parks and outdoor activities makes it the safer, more nurturing environment for raising kids. The trade-off in cost is significant, but for many families, the safety and education premium is worth it.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio

Why: The cost of living is a game-changer. With 0% state income tax and a median home price under $300k, a young professional can build wealth much faster in San Antonio. The vibrant nightlife, diverse social scene, and growing job market (especially in healthcare and tech) provide ample opportunity without the financial squeeze of a place like Beaverton or Portland.

Winner for Retirees: San Antonio

Why: This is a slam dunk for most retirees. The combination of low taxes (no state income tax), affordable housing, a mild winter climate, and a slower pace of life is a retiree's dream. Beaverton’s higher cost of living and rainy winters can be a harder pill to swallow on a fixed income. San Antonio’s rich cultural scene and plentiful golf courses don’t hurt, either.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Antonio, TX

Pros:

Extremely Affordable Cost of Living
0% State Income Tax
Rich, Vibrant Culture and History
Large Job Market with Diverse Industries
Mild Winters
Friendly, Welcoming Community

Cons:

High Violent Crime Rate (Requires Neighborhood Research)
Brutal, Humid Summers
Car-Dependent City
Traffic Can Be Heavy

Beaverton, OR