📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Carrollton and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Carrollton vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Carrollton | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $93,937 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $399,500 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $211 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,291 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 117.8 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 105.0 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 234.0 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 44.7% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 32 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Texas Showdown: San Antonio vs. Carrollton
So you're looking to make a move in Texas, but you're torn between two very different beasts: the historic, sprawling giant that is San Antonio, and the polished, suburban gem of Carrollton. This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it's a choice between two lifestyles, two budgets, and two completely different versions of the Texas dream.
Let's cut through the noise. As your Relocation Expert, I'm here to give you the unfiltered data and the straight talk you need to make this call. Grab your coffee, and let's dive into the ultimate head-to-head.
The Vibe Check: Big City Soul vs. Polished Suburb
San Antonio is the cultural heart of South Texas. Imagine a city where centuries-old Spanish missions sit alongside modern skyscrapers, where the River Walk buzzes with tourists and locals 24/7, and where the military presence (think Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston) gives it a unique, patriotic rhythm. It’s laid-back, deeply historic, and unapologetically big. The vibe is "fiesta" all year round—think heavy on the Tex-Mex, the live music, and the community pride. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own flavor, from the trendy Pearl District to the family-centric Stone Oak.
Carrollton, on the other hand, is the picture of suburban perfection. Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, it’s a well-planned, affluent community that feels more like a high-end town than a city. The vibe is clean, quiet, and family-focused. You won't find a bustling River Walk here, but you will find pristine parks, top-rated schools, and a massive, vibrant Asian food scene (it’s home to the largest Asian population in North Texas). It’s less about historic flair and more about modern convenience, safety, and a high quality of life.
Who is it for?
- San Antonio is for the culture seeker, the foodie, the military family, the young professional who wants big-city energy without the insane price tag of Austin or Dallas, and anyone who values history and a slower, more communal pace.
- Carrollton is for the suburbanite, the family-focused professional, the safety-conscious buyer, and anyone who wants top-tier schools and a polished community feel while being a short drive from the corporate hubs of Plano, Frisco, and Dallas.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Go Farther?
This is where things get real. Texas has no state income tax, which is a huge win for both cities. But the cost of living tells a different story. Carrollton has a higher median income, but it also comes with a steeper price tag. San Antonio offers more bang for your buck, but with a lower median salary. Let's break down the numbers.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | San Antonio | Carrollton | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $399,500 | San Antonio is ~34% cheaper for buying a home. This is the biggest gap. |
| Median Income | $62,322 | $93,937 | Carrollton residents earn ~51% more on average. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $1,291 | Rent is surprisingly close, with Carrollton only ~8% higher. |
| Housing Index | 94.2 (Below Avg) | 117.8 (Above Avg) | San Antonio is 25% more affordable for housing than the national average; Carrollton is 18% less affordable. |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's run a scenario. If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, your purchasing power is significantly higher than in Carrollton.
- In San Antonio, with a median home price of $264,900, a $100k salary puts you in a strong position. The rule of thumb is you can afford a home priced at 2.5x-3x your annual income. Here, you're looking at a home well within that range, leaving plenty of room for savings, travel, and lifestyle.
- In Carrollton, with a median home price of $399,500, that same $100k salary gets you less house. You're pushing the 4x income rule, which is doable but tight. Your housing costs will consume a larger portion of your budget, leaving less for everything else.
The Verdict on Dollars: San Antonio is the clear winner for maximizing your dollar, especially in the housing market. While Carrollton offers higher salaries, the cost of living, particularly for homeownership, eats into that advantage. For renters, the gap is narrower, making Carrollton a more attractive option if you're not ready to buy.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Antonio's Market: This is a balanced market leaning towards buyers. The inventory is decent, and prices are relatively stable. For a first-time homebuyer, San Antonio is one of the most accessible major cities in the U.S. You can find a solid 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a good school district for under $300,000. The trade-off? Older homes may need updates, and property taxes (while no state income tax) can be high—often 2-2.5% of the home's value.
Carrollton's Market: This is a strong seller's market. Demand is high, inventory is tight, and homes sell fast, often above asking price. You're competing with families and professionals who are willing to pay a premium for the schools and safety. Finding a home under $400,000 is challenging. The quality of construction is generally newer and more modern than in San Antonio's older neighborhoods, but you pay a premium for it.
For Renters: Both cities have similar rent prices, but Carrollton's rental market is more competitive due to its desirability. In San Antonio, you have more options across a wider geographic area, from downtown lofts to suburban apartments.
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
Traffic & Commute
- San Antonio: Traffic is growing, but it's manageable compared to Austin or Dallas. The main arteries (I-10, I-35, Loop 1604) get congested during rush hour, but the city is more spread out. Average commute time is around 26 minutes.
- Carrollton: You're in the DFW metroplex, which is notorious for traffic. Commuting to Dallas or Fort Worth can easily take 45-60 minutes each way on a bad day. However, Carrollton itself is well-designed, and commutes within the suburb are easy. If you work in Plano, Frisco, or South Dallas, it's a breeze.
Weather
- San Antonio: Welcome to the Texas Hill Country. Summers are brutally hot and humid, with highs regularly hitting 95°F-105°F from June to September. Winters are mild (averaging in the 50s), but ice storms can happen. You get a handful of perfect spring and fall days.
- Carrollton: You get four distinct seasons. Summers are hot but less humid than San Antonio (average high in the 90s). Winters are cold, with average lows in the 30s and occasional snow/ice. Spring and fall are gorgeous. If you hate humidity, Carrollton wins.
Crime & Safety
- San Antonio: With a violent crime rate of 798.0 per 100k, San Antonio faces challenges common to large, urban centers. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like the Medical Center and Stone Oak are very safe, while others in the core see higher crime. Research is essential.
- Carrollton: With a violent crime rate of 234.0 per 100k, Carrollton is significantly safer than the national average and dramatically safer than San Antonio. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the DFW area. This is a major selling point for families.
The Verdict: Who Wins Where?
After crunching the numbers and living the vibes, here’s the final call.
Winner for Families: Carrollton
Why: The trifecta wins. Top-rated schools (Carroll ISD is legendary), exceptional safety, and a family-centric community with endless parks and activities. The higher home price is an investment in your children's future. The suburban bubble is real, and for many families, it's exactly what they want.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio
Why: Affordability is king. You can live near downtown, enjoy the nightlife, culture, and food scene without being house-poor. The job market is strong, especially in healthcare, military, and tech. The cost of living allows for a vibrant social life and travel. You get big-city amenities with a lower price tag.
Winner for Retirees: San Antonio
Why: Lower cost of living, especially for those on a fixed income. A warmer climate is easier on the joints. World-class healthcare (with major medical centers). A slower pace of life and rich cultural scene. While Carrollton is quiet and safe, its suburban vibe can feel isolating for retirees without a built-in community, and the colder winters are a drawback.
San Antonio: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Massive bang for your buck on housing.
- Rich history, culture, and world-class food scene.
- No state income tax.
- Strong job market in healthcare, military, and tourism.
- Warmer winters.
- More diverse neighborhoods and lifestyles.
CONS:
- High violent crime rate (varies by neighborhood).
- Brutally hot and humid summers.
- Sprawling city can feel disconnected.
- Lower median income than national average.
- Growing but still limited public transit.
Carrollton: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Extremely safe with a low crime rate.
- Top-tier public schools (Carroll ISD).
- High median income and strong local economy.
- Clean, well-maintained suburban environment.
- Excellent Asian food and cultural scene.
- Proximity to the corporate hubs of DFW.
CONS:
- High cost of living, especially for homeownership.
- Competitive housing market (seller's market).
- Longer commutes if working in Dallas/Fort Worth.
- Colder winters with potential ice storms.
- Can feel suburban and lacking in "big city" culture.
- Less affordable for young professionals or lower-income families.
Final Advice: If your budget is tight and you crave culture and a vibrant urban feel, San Antonio is calling your name. If your priority is safety, schools, and you have the budget for a premium suburban lifestyle, Carrollton is your perfect match. Choose wisely—your daily life depends on it.