Category / Metric	Cicero	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$74,353	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$295,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$195	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,231	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	110.7	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	103.3	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	425.6	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	8%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	39

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between San Antonio and Cicero.

San Antonio vs. Cicero: A Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown

So, you’re looking at two cities that couldn’t be more different. On one side, you have San Antonio, the giant of South Texas—a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis steeped in history and Texan pride. On the other, you have Cicero, the gritty, historic town sitting in the shadow of Chicago—a dense, blue-collar community with its own distinct personality.

Choosing between them isn't just about a map pin; it's a lifestyle decision. Are you looking for wide-open spaces and a slower pace, or do you want to live in the orbit of a world-class city without the downtown price tag?

Let’s break it down, dollar by degree, to see which one deserves your next chapter.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

San Antonio is the definition of "Big City, Small Town Feel." It’s a cultural melting pot where the Alamo meets the River Walk, and where "Texas friendly" isn't just a slogan—it's a way of life. The vibe here is laid-back but energetic. You can grab breakfast tacos at a gas station, spend the afternoon at a top-tier museum, and catch a Spurs game at night. It’s massive (population 1.49 million), so traffic is real, but the community is tight-knit. It’s perfect for families who want space, military affiliates (thanks to major bases like Lackland and Fort Sam Houston), and anyone who loves warm weather and a rich, multicultural scene.

Cicero, meanwhile, is a town with a chip on its shoulder and a lot of heart. With a population of just 81,006, it feels like a tight-knit village compared to San Antonio. It’s historically a working-class enclave, deeply rooted in Eastern European and Latino traditions. The vibe is urban, gritty, and fast-paced. You aren't living in Cicero for the scenery; you're living there for the convenience of being minutes from downtown Chicago. It’s a town for people who want the amenities of a major metro area without the astronomical rent of the Gold Coast. It’s for the commuter, the realist, and those who value community history over sprawling lawns.

Verdict: If you want a distinct city identity with room to breathe, San Antonio wins the vibe check. If you want to be a suburb of an iconic mega-city, Cicero is your spot.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

Let’s talk about the green stuff. On paper, the numbers look deceptively similar, but the context changes everything.

First, the raw data. We’re looking at Rent, Utilities, and Groceries. I’ve standardized the Housing Index to make it easier to digest (Higher = More Expensive).

Category	San Antonio	Cicero	Winner
Median Income	$62,322	$74,353	Cicero
Median Home Price	$264,900	$295,000	San Antonio
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,231	San Antonio
Housing Index	94.2 (Below Avg)	110.7 (Above Avg)	San Antonio
Sales Tax	8.25%	10.25%	San Antonio
Income Tax	0%	4.95% (IL State)	San Antonio

The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power

Let’s play a game. Imagine you earn a solid $100,000 salary.

In Cicero, you’re making above the median, which is great. However, you face the "Triple Threat" of Illinois taxes:

Federal Taxes (same everywhere).
State Income Tax: Illinois hits you with a flat 4.95%.
Sales Tax: Cicero’s combined rate is a painful 10.25%.

Your $100k in Cicero feels like $85k after state taxes. Then, every time you buy a coffee or pay for a service, you lose another 10.25%. It adds up fast.

Now, take that same $100k to San Antonio.

State Income Tax: 0%.
Sales Tax: 8.25% (still high, but lower than Cicero).
Cost of Living: The Housing Index is 94.2 (below the national average). In Cicero, it’s 110.7.

In San Antonio, your $100k goes significantly further. You keep more of your paycheck upfront, and your daily expenses (groceries, utilities, rent) are generally cheaper. That difference in housing index (94.2 vs 110.7) is massive over a year. You’re paying roughly 17% more for housing in Cicero relative to the national average, while San Antonio is cheaper.

Verdict: San Antonio absolutely dominates in purchasing power. The lack of state income tax combined with a lower cost of living makes your dollar stretch much further here.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio:
The market is hot but accessible. The median home price of $264,900 is refreshingly attainable for a major metro area. You get a lot of square footage for your money—think three-bedroom suburban homes with yards. It’s a competitive market for buyers, but entry-level prices aren't out of reach for a dual-income family. Renting is also a strong option if you aren't ready to commit, with plenty of inventory.

Cicero:
The housing market here is a different beast. The median home price is $295,000, which is higher than San Antonio, but you’re buying a different product. In Cicero, that gets you a historic bungalow or a two-flat. You’re buying into a dense, urban environment. There’s no yard, parking is often street-only, and space is at a premium. It’s a seller’s market driven by proximity to Chicago. If you want a single-family home with a garage and a yard, Cicero is a tough sell. You’re mostly looking at multi-family units or older, smaller structures.

Verdict: For space and value, San Antonio wins. For urban density and proximity to a major city center, Cicero has the inventory, but you pay a premium for location over square footage.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is manageable compared to Austin or Houston, but it’s growing. Commutes are usually car-dependent. I-35 and Loop 1604 can be nightmares during rush hour. The average commute is around 25-30 minutes. Public transit (VIA) exists but isn't as robust as a northern city.

Cicero: This is the big trade-off. Cicero is a commuter town. If you work in Chicago, you’re relying on the Metra train or driving into the city (which can be brutal). The average commute for Cicero residents is roughly 30-35 minutes, but that can easily double if you have to drive during peak hours. However, the CTA and Metra access is a lifesaver if you work downtown.

Weather

San Antonio: Hot. Very hot. Summers regularly hit 95°F+ with high humidity. Winters are mild (rarely freezing). If you hate the cold and love sunshine, this is paradise. If you hate sweating the moment you step outside, it’s a nightmare.

Cicero: The data point is 21.0°F, but that’s just a snapshot. Cicero winters are brutal. We’re talking heavy snow, icy winds off Lake Michigan, and gray skies from November to April. Summers are humid and can get hot, but they are short. This is a major lifestyle factor.

Crime & Safety

We have to be honest here. Both cities face challenges, but the stats paint a clear picture.

San Antonio: Violent Crime Rate: 798.0 per 100k people. This is significantly higher than the national average. While the city is vast and many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, you have to do your homework on where you live. The "bad areas" are very distinct from the "good areas."
Cicero: Violent Crime Rate: 425.6 per 100k people. This is roughly half that of San Antonio. Cicero has historically had a reputation, but it has improved significantly. It’s a dense town, so property crime can be an issue, but violent crime statistics are notably lower than its Texan counterpart.

Verdict: If safety is your absolute top priority and you’re looking at raw numbers, Cicero has the statistical edge. However, San Antonio’s crime is heavily concentrated in specific pockets.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?

After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here is the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: San Antonio

Why: Space, value, and schools. You can buy a family home for under $300k, your dollar goes further, and there are numerous suburban school districts to choose from. The weather allows for year-round outdoor play, and the city is packed with family-friendly attractions (SeaWorld, Six Flags, the Zoo). The trade-off in safety is manageable if you choose the right neighborhood.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Cicero

Why: Career access and urban lifestyle. If you’re in your 20s or 30s and looking to launch a career in finance, law, or tech, being minutes from downtown Chicago is invaluable. The social scene is tied to the city, not the suburbs. While San Antonio has a growing tech scene, Cicero offers access to a global economic hub. The higher cost of living is the price you pay for that proximity.

Winner for Retirees: San Antonio

Why: Weather and cost of living. Illinois taxes and brutal winters are a retiree’s nightmare. San Antonio offers a warm climate, a lower cost of living, and plenty of cultural activities. The lack of state income tax is a huge boost to fixed incomes. Cicero is a tough sell for retirement unless you have family there and can’t stand the heat.

Final Snapshots: Pros & Cons

San Antonio: The Texas Titan

Pros:

Massive purchasing power (0% state income tax).
Affordable housing (Median home: $264,900).
Rich culture & food scene (Tex-Mex, BBQ, history).
Warm weather year-round.
Major military presence (great for jobs/veterans).

Cons:

High violent crime rate (798.0/100k)—do your neighborhood research.
Brutal summer heat and humidity.
Car dependency—public transit is limited.
Traffic is worsening as the city grows.

Cicero: The Chicago Shadow