Edmond vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Edmond	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$98,524	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$380,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$175	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$773	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	78.1	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.2	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	189.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	58.7%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	39

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

Choosing a place to live isn't just about square footage and a zip code—it's about choosing a lifestyle. You're picking your daily vibe, your weekend plans, and the backdrop to your life. Today, we're pitting two wildly different cities against each other: the massive, historic, and culturally vibrant San Antonio, Texas versus the smaller, pristine, and family-centric Edmond, Oklahoma.

This isn't just a numbers game. It's about where you'll feel at home. Let's break down the battle lines.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Suburban Sanctuary

San Antonio is a beast of a city. With a population of 1.5 million, it's the seventh-largest city in the U.S. It's a sprawling, energetic metropolis where history (think Alamo, River Walk) collides with modern growth. The culture is a rich Tex-Mex melting pot—think sizzling food trucks, vibrant festivals, and a laid-back, friendly pace that belies its size. It's a city for people who crave endless options: world-class museums, a major league sports scene, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving nightlife. If you're a foodie, a history buff, or someone who wants big-city amenities without the pretension of a coastal hub, San Antonio calls your name.

Edmond, on the other hand, is the definition of a planned, suburban haven. With a population of just under 100,000, it's a bedroom community for Oklahoma City, consistently ranked as one of the safest and most livable cities in the state. The vibe here is quiet, orderly, and intensely family-oriented. Think top-rated public schools, manicured parks, community events, and a strong sense of local pride. It’s the kind of place where you know your neighbors, the schools are a major draw, and the biggest traffic jam is on game day at the University of Central Oklahoma. Edmond is for those who prioritize safety, community, and a calm, predictable lifestyle over urban hustle.

Who is each city for?

• San Antonio: The adventurer, the culture-seeker, the young professional looking for a dynamic job market, or the retiree who wants warm weather and endless entertainment.
• Edmond: The young family prioritizing school districts, the professional seeking a safe, quiet base near a major metro, or the retiree who wants an affordable, low-crime community with four distinct seasons.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. Texas has a massive advantage: 0% state income tax. Oklahoma's income tax is progressive, with a top rate of 4.75%. That alone can mean thousands of dollars back in your pocket annually in San Antonio.

But let's compare the day-to-day cost of living head-to-head.

Category	San Antonio, TX	Edmond, OK	The Takeaway
Median Income	$62,322	$98,524	Edmond residents earn significantly more on paper.
Median Home Price	$264,900	$380,000	San Antonio offers a $115,100 cheaper entry point for homeowners.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$773	Edmond is 35% cheaper for renters.
Housing Index	94.2	78.1	Edmond's index is lower, meaning housing is more affordable relative to national averages.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's run a scenario. If you earn $100,000 annually:

• In Edmond: Your take-home pay after Oklahoma taxes (~$4,750 in state tax) is roughly $95,250. But you're facing a median home price of $380,000. Your housing costs will be a larger slice of your pie.
• In San Antonio: Your take-home pay after Texas taxes ($0 state tax) is $100,000. You're facing a median home price of $264,900. That's a $115,100 difference in the home price, which translates to a significantly lower mortgage payment.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: While Edmond has a higher median income, San Antonio offers far more house for your money. The lack of state income tax is a huge boost, and the lower home prices mean your dollar goes dramatically further in the Alamo City. For a given salary, your lifestyle (especially regarding housing) will feel more comfortable in San Antonio. Edmond's edge is in safety and schools, not raw purchasing power.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio:
The market here is active but generally more balanced than the hyper-competitive markets in Austin or Dallas. With a median home price of $264,900, it's one of the most affordable major metros in the U.S. Rent is creeping up ($1,197 for a 1BR), but still reasonable. It's a great time for first-time homebuyers. Inventory is better than in many Sun Belt cities, though desirable neighborhoods and school districts can still see multiple offers. It's more of a buyer's market in many areas, giving you some leverage.

Edmond:
The housing market is tighter. The median home price is significantly higher at $380,000, but rent is a steal at $773. This is a classic seller's market in the suburbs. High demand from families wanting into the top school districts, coupled with limited inventory, means homes sell quickly, often above asking price. Renters have an advantage here with low prices, but finding a rental can be competitive. For buyers, you need to be prepared to move fast and potentially bid over asking.

Housing Verdict: San Antonio is the clear winner for homebuyers on a budget. It provides a much lower barrier to entry. Edmond is better for renters seeking a safe, affordable rental, but buying a home requires a much larger financial commitment.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• San Antonio: Traffic is real. As a large, spreading city, commutes can be long. The average commute is 25-30 minutes, but hitting I-35 or Loop 1604 during rush hour can turn that into an hour. Public transit (VIA Metro) exists but isn't as robust as in some other major cities.
• Edmond: This is a massive quality-of-life win for Edmond. Traffic is minimal. As a suburb, most commutes are a straightforward 20-25 minutes into downtown Oklahoma City. The roads are wide, well-maintained, and congestion is rarely an issue. It's a stress-free driving experience.

Weather:

• San Antonio: Be prepared for heat. Summers are long, hot, and humid, with average highs in the 90s°F from June to September. Winters are mild (rarely freezing), but you get occasional cold snaps. The growing season is fantastic, but the heat is a dealbreaker for some.
• Edmond: You get four distinct seasons. Summers are warm but not as oppressive as Texas (highs in the 90s°F), and the humidity is lower. Springs are beautiful, falls are crisp, and winters bring a mix of rain, ice, and occasional snow. If you hate extreme, prolonged heat, Edmond is the choice.

Crime & Safety:
This is the most stark contrast. Let's be direct with the data.

• San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000 people. This is substantially higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, crime is a citywide concern and a major factor for families.
• Edmond: The violent crime rate is 189.0 per 100,000 people. This is exceptionally low, even below the national average. Safety is Edmond's hallmark. It's consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in America for its size.

Safety Verdict: Edmond is the undisputed winner for safety. The difference in crime rates is dramatic and is often the primary reason families choose Edmond over other suburbs.

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

After weighing the data, the culture, and the lifestyle factors, here’s the final breakdown.

Verdict Category	Winner	Why
Winner for Families	Edmond	The combination of top-tier public schools, extremely low crime, and a strong, safe community vibe is unbeatable for families with kids. The higher home prices are the trade-off.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros	San Antonio	A lower cost of living, vibrant nightlife, endless dining and cultural options, and a larger, more diverse job market make it a more exciting and affordable place to launch a career and social life.
Winner for Retirees	Edmond	Safety is paramount in retirement. Edmond's low crime, walkable parks, and peaceful environment are ideal. The lower cost of living (especially rent) is also a huge plus on a fixed income.

Pros & Cons: San Antonio

Pros:

• Massive purchasing power: Your salary goes much further, especially for buying a home.
• 0% state income tax: A significant financial advantage.
• Vibrant culture & food scene: Endless entertainment, history, and dining options.
• Major metro amenities: Professional sports, large airport, diverse economy.
• Mild winters: Escape the deep freeze.

Cons:

• Higher crime rate: A serious concern for many residents.
• Hot & humid summers: The heat can be brutal for months.
• Traffic congestion: Commutes can be lengthy and stressful.
• Sprawling layout: Requires a car for almost everything.

Pros & Cons: Edmond

Pros:

• Exceptional safety: One of the safest cities in the U.S.
• Top-rated schools: A huge draw for families.
• Low traffic & easy commutes: A stress-free daily drive.
• Affordable rent: A great option for renters.
• Four distinct seasons: Enjoy a real fall and winter.

Cons:

• Higher home prices: A significant financial barrier to entry.
• Smaller, less diverse economy: Job market is more limited outside of OKC.
• Limited urban culture: Far fewer dining, nightlife, and cultural options.
• Oklahoma state income tax: Eats into your paycheck compared to Texas.

The Bottom Line:
If you're chasing affordability, culture, and big-city energy, and you're willing to accept the trade-offs of size and crime, San Antonio is your city. It’s a place where a middle-class salary can afford a comfortable life with room to grow.

If safety, schools, and a quiet, community-focused life are your non-negotiables, and you have the budget for a higher home price, Edmond is the clear choice. It’s a place built for families and peace of mind.

Your decision comes down to one question: What do you value most? The answer to that will point you to your winner.