đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Bellevue and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Bellevue vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Bellevue | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $158,253 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $1,535,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $699 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $2,269 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 151.5 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.65 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 178.0 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 76.4% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 45 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're standing at a crossroads between two vastly different American dreams: the sun-drenched, historic sprawl of San Antonio, Texas, and the sleek, tech-powered, Pacific Northwest gem of Bellevue, Washington.
This isn't just a comparison of zip codes; it's a clash of lifestyles, economies, and futures. One offers space and affordability, the other offers prestige and top-tier amenities. As your relocation expert, I'm here to break down the data, call out the dealbreakers, and help you find the right fit.
Let's get into it.
The Vibe Check: Where Do You Belong?
San Antonio is where history meets hustle. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., a cultural melting pot where the Alamo’s legacy lives alongside booming military and healthcare sectors. The vibe is unpretentious, family-friendly, and deeply rooted in community. Think vibrant Fiesta celebrations, legendary Tex-Mex, and a slower pace of life compared to Austin or Dallas. It’s a city that feels lived-in and welcoming.
Bellevue is the polished, high-tech sibling of Seattle. Nestled between Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains, it’s a city of glass towers, pristine parks, and a highly educated, affluent population. The energy here is quieter but intensely professional, fueled by heavy-hitters like Microsoft (headquartered here) and a thriving startup scene. It’s for those who want world-class amenities, top-tier schools, and access to outdoor adventure without the gritty urban edge.
Who is it for?
- San Antonio: Families seeking space and community, budget-conscious professionals, military families, and retirees looking for warmth and value.
- Bellevue: Tech professionals, high-earning couples, outdoor enthusiasts who value a clean, safe, and organized environment, and those prioritizing elite public schools.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power.
The Sticker Shock:
If you’re moving from a high-cost coastal city, San Antonio will feel like a bargain. Bellevue will feel expensive, but perhaps not shocking if you’re coming from San Francisco or New York. The median home price in Bellevue is $1,535,000—that’s 5.8 times higher than San Antonio’s $264,900. That’s the biggest gap in this entire showdown.
The Tax Factor (The Silent Wealth Killer):
This is a massive differentiator. Texas has no state income tax. Washington also has no state income tax. So, on the surface, they’re equal. But Washington’s high sales tax (6.5% state + local, often totaling 10%+) and property taxes can bite. Texas compensates for no income tax with higher property taxes (though homestead exemptions help). For most, the lack of income tax in both is a huge win, but Washington’s overall tax burden is slightly higher for middle-income earners.
Salary Wars & The True Cost:
Let’s put numbers to it. You earn $100,000. In San Antonio, that’s 1.6x the median income. In Bellevue, it’s 0.63x the median income. You are solidly middle-class in SA, but you’re below the median in Bellevue. Your money goes much further in San Antonio for housing, groceries, and daily expenses.
Here’s a direct cost breakdown:
| Category | San Antonio | Bellevue | Winner for Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $1,535,000 | San Antonio (by a landslide) |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $2,269 | San Antonio |
| Housing Index | 94.2 (Below Avg) | 151.5 (High) | San Antonio |
| Purchasing Power | High (Low Cost) | Moderate (High Income) | San Antonio |
The Verdict on Dollar Power:
If maximizing your paycheck and minimizing your monthly outflow is the goal, San Antonio wins decisively. You can own a home, save for retirement, and live comfortably on a middle-class salary. Bellevue requires a high-earning power couple or a top-tier tech salary to achieve a similar standard of living. The "sticker shock" on housing in Bellevue is real and is the single biggest factor for most people.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Antonio:
This is a buyer's market for single-family homes, with inventory and prices that are accessible. The median home price of $264,900 is within reach for many. The rental market is competitive but stable, with a median rent of $1,197. You have options here. You can realistically buy a home without being a high-income earner.
Bellevue:
This is a seller's market on steroids. The median home price of $1,535,000 puts homeownership out of reach for all but the top 10-15% of earners without significant existing equity. Renting is the norm for many, but even that is steep at $2,269 for a 1-bedroom. The housing supply is tight, and competition is fierce, especially for anything remotely affordable or in a good school zone.
The Verdict on Housing:
San Antonio offers tangible homeownership dreams for the average professional. Bellevue is a market for high-net-worth individuals and dual high-income households. If you want to own a detached home, San Antonio is your realistic path.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute:
- San Antonio: Traffic is significant but manageable. The city is spread out, so commutes can be long (30-45 mins is common), but it lacks the perpetual gridlock of its neighbor, Austin. Public transit is limited.
- Bellevue: Commutes can be brutal, especially across the SR 520 or I-90 bridges into Seattle. Traffic is dense, and public transit (buses, light rail) is better than SA’s but still feels strained. However, if you work in Bellevue itself (Microsoft, Expedia, etc.), commutes are short and pleasant.
Weather (The Big One):
- San Antonio: Hot and humid. Summers regularly hit 95°F+ with high humidity, making outdoor activity oppressive. Winters are mild (rarely freezing). It’s a sun-lover’s paradise but a challenge for heat-sensitive folks.
- Bellevue: Cool and damp. The data says 46°F is the average, but that’s misleading. Summers are spectacularly pleasant (70s-80s), long, and dry. Winters are gray, drizzly, and cool (40s-50s), with occasional snow. The "gray ceiling" from November to April can affect mood (Seasonal Affective Disorder is real).
Crime & Safety:
The data is stark:
- San Antonio Violent Crime: 798.0 per 100,000 (well above the national average).
- Bellevue Violent Crime: 178.0 per 100,000 (significantly below the national average).
Safety is not a tie. Bellevue is one of the safest cities of its size in the U.S. San Antonio, like many large metros, has areas with high crime rates. While many neighborhoods are safe and family-oriented, the city-wide average is a concern for safety-conscious individuals.
The Dealbreaker Verdict:
- For Safety & Cleanliness: Bellevue wins, no contest.
- For Sun & Warmth: San Antonio wins (if you can handle the heat).
- For Outdoor Access: Bellevue wins (mountains, lakes, ocean, skiing—all within an hour).
The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags Where?
After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the hard numbers, here’s the clear breakdown.
🏆 Winner for Families:
San Antonio. The combination of affordable home prices ($264,900), a strong sense of community, family-centric culture, and a variety of school districts (with some excellent public options) makes it a fantastic place to raise kids without the financial strain of a place like Bellevue. The trade-off on safety is the main caution.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals:
San Antonio (with a caveat). If you’re early in your career and want to build wealth, San Antonio’s low cost of living allows you to save aggressively. The social scene is vibrant and affordable. However, if you’re a high-earning tech professional who values a polished, walkable, and safe urban environment and can afford Bellevue’s costs, Bellevue offers a superior quality of life and career networking opportunities.
🏆 Winner for Retirees:
San Antonio. The warm climate, lower cost of living, and slower pace are ideal for fixed-income retirees. You can stretch your retirement savings much further here. The lack of state income tax on retirement income is another major plus. Bellevue’s gray winters and high costs can be challenging on a fixed budget.
Final Pros & Cons
San Antonio, Texas
Pros:
- Extremely Affordable Housing: Median home price of $264,900.
- No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.
- Vibrant Culture & Food Scene: World-class Tex-Mex, festivals, and history.
- Strong Job Market: In healthcare, military, and tech.
- Family-Friendly: Lots of community events and activities.
Cons:
- High Crime Rate: Violent crime is a significant concern.
- Brutal Summer Heat & Humidity: 95°F+ is common and oppressive.
- Car-Dependent: Limited public transit; sprawl requires driving.
- Lower Median Income: $62,322 compared to national peers.
Bellevue, Washington
Pros:
- Extremely Safe: Violent crime is very low (178/100k).
- Top-Tier Public Schools: Consistently ranked among the best in the state.
- Stunning Natural Beauty: Immediate access to lakes, mountains, and forests.
- High Median Income: $158,253—a hub for high-earning professionals.
- Clean & Polished: Well-maintained, modern city infrastructure.
Cons:
- Astronomical Housing Costs: Median home price of $1,535,000 is prohibitive for most.
- High Cost of Living: Rent, groceries, and services are expensive.
- "Gray Ceiling" Weather: Damp, cloudy winters from Nov-April.
- Competitive & Elitist Vibe: Can feel unwelcoming to those outside the tech/wealth bubble.
- Traffic Congestion: Commutes, especially to Seattle, can be frustrating.
The Bottom Line:
Choose San Antonio if your priority is financial breathing room, homeownership, and a warm, community-oriented lifestyle—and you can navigate the urban challenges of safety and weather.
Choose Bellevue if your priority is safety, elite schools, natural beauty, and a high-powered career—and you have the income (or equity) to comfortably afford its premium price tag.