Category / Metric	Downey	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$96,699	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$937,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$582	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,252	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	173.0	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	289.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	24.8%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	69	39

San Antonio vs Downey: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads, and your GPS is blinking between two wildly different destinations. On one side, you’ve got San Antonio, Texas—a sprawling, historic metropolis with a cowboy soul and a budget-friendly price tag. On the other, Downey, California—a compact, sun-drenched city tucked into the heart of Los Angeles County, offering a slice of the California dream at a premium.

Choosing between these two isn’t just about picking a zip code; it’s about choosing a lifestyle. One offers a massive bang for your buck, the other offers prestige and proximity to Hollywood. As your Relocation Expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the humidity, and analyzed the data to bring you the unfiltered truth. Let’s settle this once and for all.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Suburban Sanctuary

First, let’s talk about the soul of these places.

San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas and the seventh-largest in the U.S. It’s a city of contrasts: the historic River Walk winds through downtown, lined with restaurants and shops, while sprawling suburbs like Alamo Ranch and Stone Oak offer modern living. The vibe is unapologetically Texan—laid-back, friendly, and proud. It’s a military hub (home to Joint Base San Antonio), a major tourist destination, and a rapidly growing economic center. Life here moves at a comfortable pace. It’s a city where you can grab $2 street tacos for lunch and spend your evening at a world-class museum.

Downey, with its population of just over 108,000, feels like a small town compared to San Antonio. It’s one of the oldest suburbs in Los Angeles County, known for its iconic neon-lit McDonald’s sign and its deep car culture roots (the first McDonald’s franchise and the first Taco Bell were born here). The vibe is classic Southern California suburbia—quiet, family-oriented, and deeply connected to the LA metroplex. You’re not in the middle of the action, but you’re a short drive from beaches, mountains, and endless entertainment. It’s a place for those who want the California sun without the chaos of downtown LA or the price tag of Beverly Hills.

Who is each city for?

San Antonio: Perfect for families seeking space and affordability, military personnel, young professionals starting out, and anyone who loves a rich cultural tapestry with a low cost of living.
Downey: Ideal for those who prioritize location above all else, commuters who need access to LA jobs, and anyone who’s willing to pay a premium for the California climate and school districts.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Hardest?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s break down your purchasing power.

Cost of Living Table

Category	San Antonio, TX	Downey, CA	The Winner
Median Income	$62,322	$96,699	Downey
Median Home Price	$264,900	$937,000	San Antonio
Housing Index	94.2 (Below Avg.)	173.0 (High)	San Antonio
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$2,252	San Antonio
Violent Crime (per 100k)	798.0	289.0	Downey

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s say you earn a comfortable $100,000 a year.

In Downey: Your paycheck is bigger, but it’s under siege. California has some of the highest income taxes in the nation. After federal and state taxes (which can hit 9.3%+ on income over $60k), your take-home pay shrinks dramatically. Then you hit the housing wall. A median home here is nearly a million dollars. Your $100k salary feels stretched thin, forcing you into a long commute or a smaller rental.
In San Antonio: Texas has 0% state income tax. That’s an instant ~5-7% raise compared to California. The median home price is $264,900—less than a third of Downey’s. Your $100k salary here puts you in a position of power. You can afford a nice home, a reliable car, and a comfortable lifestyle with money left over for savings and fun.

The Insight: It’s not just about what you earn; it’s about what you keep. San Antonio offers a massive financial advantage. The 0% state income tax in Texas combined with drastically lower housing costs means your dollar stretches significantly further. In Downey, you’re paying a premium for the California address, and that premium is steep.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio: A Buyer’s Paradise (Mostly)

San Antonio’s housing market is one of the most affordable in the country for a major metro. The median home price of $264,900 is achievable for many middle-class families. The market is competitive, but it’s not cutthroat. You have options. You can find a modern 3-bedroom home in a good school district for under $350,000. Rent is also reasonable, making it a great city for those not ready to buy. The housing index of 94.2 confirms it’s well below the national average, offering incredible value.

Downey: The Seller’s Market of Dreams (and Nightmares)

Downey’s housing market is a different beast entirely. With a median home price of $937,000 and a housing index of 173.0, you’re in ultra-competitive territory. This is a classic Southern California seller’s market. Bidding wars are common, and cash offers often win out. Renting is the only option for many, but even a 1-bedroom apartment will set you back $2,252 per month. The barrier to entry is incredibly high. You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying a piece of a very expensive pie.

Verdict: If homeownership is a key goal, San Antonio is in a league of its own. Downey’s market is for those with significant capital or who are already entrenched in the California economy.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Analysis

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is a reality, but it’s manageable. The city is built for cars, and while I-35 and Loop 1604 can congest during rush hour, average commute times are around 25-30 minutes. It’s a sprawling city, so some drives can be long, but it lacks the legendary gridlock of other metros.
Downey: You are in the heart of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This is commute central. Traffic is a daily, soul-crushing reality for many. A 10-mile drive to downtown LA can easily take 60-90 minutes. If you work in LA County, you’d better love your car and podcasts. This is a major lifestyle tax.

Weather

San Antonio: Prepare for Texas heat. Summers are long, hot, and humid, with temperatures regularly soaring into the 90s and 100s°F. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. It’s a sun-lover’s paradise, but the humidity can be a shock for newcomers.
Downey: This is the postcard version of California weather. The data point of 72.0°F is telling—it’s an average. You get near-perfect weather year-round: warm, sunny, and dry. Summers are warm but not oppressive, and winters are cool and comfortable. It’s arguably one of the best climates in the U.S.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be direct: this is a stark contrast.

San Antonio has a violent crime rate of 798.0 per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average. While much of the city is safe, especially the suburbs, safety varies greatly by neighborhood. Research is non-negotiable.
Downey, with a violent crime rate of 289.0 per 100,000, is notably safer. While no city is crime-free, Downey’s rate is much closer to the national average and reflects its status as a stable, suburban community.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?

After weighing the data, the culture, and the lifestyle, here’s the unvarnished conclusion.

The Winner Is...	For These Reasons...
🏆 San Antonio	Overall Value & Lifestyle
🏆 Downey	Climate & Safety

Winner for Families: San Antonio

The numbers don’t lie. For the price of a modest condo in Downey, you can own a spacious home with a yard in San Antonio. The lower cost of living, combined with no state income tax, means more money for college funds, vacations, and activities. The trade-off is a higher crime rate, so choosing the right neighborhood is critical. The great public school districts in suburbs like Alamo Heights or Northside ISD are a major draw.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio (with a caveat)

If you’re early in your career and want to build wealth, San Antonio is the clear choice. You can afford to live alone, save money, and enjoy a vibrant social scene without the financial stress of Downey. However, if your career is specifically in entertainment, tech, or another LA-centric industry, Downey offers unbeatable proximity to the job hub. It’s a choice between financial freedom (San Antonio) and career proximity (Downey).

Winner for Retirees: Downey (Barely)

This is a tough call. San Antonio’s low cost of living is incredibly attractive on a fixed income. However, Downey offers a combination of mild weather (no harsh winters or brutal summers) and proximity to world-class healthcare and entertainment. For retirees who prioritize climate and access to amenities over pure cost savings, Downey gets the edge. But if your retirement fund is limited, San Antonio’s affordability is hard to beat.

Pros & Cons: The Quick-Glance Guide

San Antonio, TX

Pros:

Incredible Affordability: Low home prices, rent, and no state income tax.
Rich Culture & History: The Alamo, River Walk, vibrant arts scene, and legendary food.
Growing Economy: Major healthcare, military, and tech sectors.
Friendly, Laid-back Vibe: True Texas hospitality.

Cons:

High Violent Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood selection.
Summer Heat & Humidity: Can be intense for 4-5 months.
Sprawling Layout: Car-dependent city.
Limited Green Space: Compared to other major cities.

Downey, CA