Evanston vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Evanston	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$97,085	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$420,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$305	$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+	—	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	39

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

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the sun-drenched, sprawling metropolis of San Antonio, Texas. On the other, the historic, leafy suburb of Evanston, Illinois (just north of Chicago). These aren't just two different cities; they're two different lifestyles, two different climates, and two different financial equations.

Choosing between them isn't about finding the "better" city—it's about finding the better city for you. As your relocation expert, I've crunched the numbers, felt the vibes, and am here to give you the straight talk you need. No fluff, just facts with a side of opinion. Let's get into it.

The Vibe Check: Where Do You Fit?

San Antonio: The Bold & The Big
San Antonio is Texas at its most vibrant. It’s a city of massive scale (population 1.5 million) where history (the Alamo, Spanish missions) meets modern growth. The vibe is laid-back but lively, fueled by a booming military and healthcare sector, a surprisingly tech-savvy scene, and a famous River Walk that’s pure tourist candy. It’s hot, it’s humid in the summer, and it’s unapologetically big. You trade seasons for space and a lower cost of living. It’s for the person who wants city amenities without the crushing price tag of coastal metros, who doesn’t mind a long summer, and who values a strong sense of local pride and community.

Evanston: The Sophisticated & The Connected
Evanston is a classic American suburb that feels more like a small, self-contained city. It’s anchored by Northwestern University, giving it an intellectual, culturally rich energy. The population is a fraction of San Antonio's (75,000), and the vibe is more cosmopolitan, walkable, and distinctly seasonal. You’re minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan and a direct train ride from downtown Chicago. It’s for the professional who craves urban access without urban chaos, who appreciates distinct seasons (including real winters), and who values top-tier public schools and a more curated, established community feel.

Who is each city for?

• San Antonio is for the family seeking affordability, the outdoor lover who can handle the heat, and the professional in healthcare, military, or tech looking for growth opportunities. It’s for those who prioritize space and a lower financial entry point.
• Evanston is for the couple who values education and culture, the commuter who needs a seamless link to a major city (Chicago), and the buyer who is willing to pay a premium for established neighborhoods, walkability, and lakefront access. It’s for those who prioritize community and access over sheer size.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. The key here is Texas’s lack of a state income tax versus Illinois’s flat income tax of 4.95%. If you earn $100,000, you keep $9,250 more in your pocket in San Antonio right off the bat (assuming no local city tax). That’s a massive head start.

Now, let’s break down the monthly costs.

Cost of Living Comparison (Monthly)

Category	San Antonio	Evanston	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$420,000	60% more expensive in Evanston. This is the single biggest differentiator.
1-BR Rent	$1,197	$1,231	Surprisingly close. Rent in Evanston is only ~3% higher. The rental market narrows the gap, but buying is another story.
Housing Index	94.2	110.7	Evanston is 17.5% more expensive for housing overall.
Utilities (Est.)	$180 (AC-heavy)	$150 (Heating-heavy)	San Antonio’s electric bills spike in summer; Evanston’s gas bills spike in winter. It’s a wash.
Groceries	10% below nat'l avg	5% above nat'l avg	San Antonio wins on basics. Evanston’s proximity to Chicago and higher-income demographics bumps prices.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Verdict
Let’s say you earn the median income in each city. In San Antonio, that’s $62,322. In Evanston, it’s $97,085. After taxes (using the standard deduction), your take-home pay in San Antonio is roughly $53,000. In Evanston, it’s roughly $73,000 (after that 4.95% state tax). So Evanston pays more.

But where does it feel bigger? In San Antonio, a $264,900 home is 4.2x the median income. In Evanston, a $420,000 home is 4.3x the median income. The ratio is nearly identical, meaning housing absorbs a similar percentage of your income in both places. However, the absolute cost in Evanston is far higher. For a $100,000 salary, your mortgage payment in San Antonio could be $1,200/month (assuming 20% down), while in Evanston it could be $1,900/month. That’s $700 more per month for housing in Evanston. That’s a car payment. That’s a vacation fund. That’s real money.

Verdict on Dollar Power: If you earn a similar salary, San Antonio offers significantly more purchasing power, primarily because of the lower home prices and no state income tax. Evanston commands a premium for its location and amenities, and that premium is steep.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio: A Buyer’s Market with Room to Grow
San Antonio’s market is competitive but balanced. With a housing index of 94.2, it’s slightly below the national average. The median home price of $264,900 is incredibly accessible for a major metro. You get more square footage, a yard, and newer construction for your money. Inventory is better than in many other Texas cities, giving buyers some leverage. It’s a great market for first-time buyers and families looking to plant roots without being house-poor.

Evanston: A Competitive, Established Seller’s Market
Evanston’s housing index of 110.7 tells the story. It’s a premium market. The median home price of $420,000 gets you into a solid, often historic, home in a desirable neighborhood, but you’ll be competing. Demand is high due to the excellent schools, lake proximity, and commuter appeal. You’re paying for location and established infrastructure. It’s a market for those with solid finances and a long-term view, where appreciation has historically been steady.

The Takeaway: If you want to buy and maximize space for your dollar, San Antonio is the clear winner. If you’re renting, the cost difference is minimal, but the buying experience in Evanston is far more competitive and expensive.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• San Antonio: Traffic is real, especially on I-35 and I-10 during rush hour. The city is car-dependent. Commute times average 25-35 minutes, but sprawling suburbs can push that higher. Public transit (VIA) exists but isn’t as comprehensive as in denser cities.
• Evanston: A dream for commuters. The CTA Purple Line and Metra offer direct, reliable service to downtown Chicago (30-45 mins). Within Evanston, it’s very walkable and bikeable. You can easily live car-light or car-free, a huge advantage.

Winner for Commute: Evanston, by a landslide, if you work in Chicago.

Weather

• San Antonio: Brutal summers. Highs regularly hit 95-100°F+ with oppressive humidity. Winters are mild (lows in the 40s). It’s a "you need air conditioning to survive" climate. The trade-off is a long growing season and year-round outdoor activity (with AC breaks).
• Evanston: True four seasons. Summers are warm and beautiful (80-85°F), autumns are stunning, springs are lovely. But winters are harsh. Lows regularly drop to 20°F (as per data) and can go lower, with significant snowfall. You need a winter wardrobe, snow tires, and patience for gray skies.

Winner for Weather: It’s a tie based on preference. San Antonio wins if you hate cold; Evanston wins if you hate heat and value seasonal change.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical data point. Let’s look at violent crime rates per 100,000 people.

• San Antonio: 798.0
• Evanston: 425.6

The national average is around 380. San Antonio’s rate is significantly higher than the national average, while Evanston’s is slightly above but more aligned with national norms. This is a major differentiator. While crime in San Antonio is often concentrated in specific areas, the overall rate is a stark contrast to Evanston’s. Evanston’s smaller, affluent, and densely policed community results in a notably safer environment.

Safety Winner: Evanston, decisively.

The Pros & Cons: A Quick Reference

San Antonio, Texas

Pros:

• Massive bang for your buck in housing.
• No state income tax boosts your take-home pay.
• Year-round warm weather (if you can handle the heat).
• Major metro amenities (international airport, major league sports, diverse food scene).
• Strong job market in healthcare, military, and tech.

Cons:

• Summers are brutally hot and humid.
• High violent crime rate compared to national average.
• Car-dependent with significant traffic.
• Sprawling layout can feel impersonal.

Evanston, Illinois

Pros:

• Excellent public schools (a top draw for families).
• Unbeatable access to Chicago via public transit.
• Walkable, historic neighborhoods with a strong community feel.
• Lake Michigan access and beautiful parks.
• Safer than San Antonio (and national average).

Cons:

• High cost of living, especially for buying a home.
• Harsh, long winters with snow and cold.
• State income tax (4.95%) reduces your purchasing power.
• Competitive housing market for buyers.

The Verdict: Which City Wins for You?

After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the finances, here’s my expert verdict.

🏆 Winner for Families: San Antonio
While Evanston’s schools are phenomenal, the financial math is overwhelming. For a family of four, the ability to buy a spacious home for $264,900 versus $420,000 is a game-changer. You get more space, a yard, and still have money left for vacations and savings. The warmer climate also means more outdoor playtime year-round. The crime rate is a concern, but careful neighborhood selection (like the affluent suburbs of Alamo Heights or Stone Oak) can mitigate this. Bottom line: San Antonio offers a better quality of life for the middle-class family budget.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Evanston
If you’re young, career-focused, and want an urban lifestyle without the chaos, Evanston is hard to beat. The seamless commute to Chicago’s job market is a massive career advantage. The walkability, lakefront, and cultural scene (thanks to Northwestern) provide a sophisticated backdrop for social and professional growth. You’ll pay more, but you’re investing in a lifestyle of access and convenience. Bottom line: Evanston is the superior launchpad for a young professional’s career and social life.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Evanston (with a caveat)
This is the toughest call. San Antonio’s low cost of living, warm weather, and no state tax are a retiree’s dream—especially for those on a fixed income. However, Evanston offers a different kind of retirement: a walkable, engaged community with top-tier healthcare (Northwestern Memorial is world-class). The caveat is that you need a significant nest egg to afford the housing. For the retiree with solid savings who values four seasons, walkability, and proximity to world-class culture and healthcare, Evanston wins. For the retiree on a tighter budget who prioritizes sunshine and low costs, San Antonio is the winner.

Final Take: Your choice isn’t just about geography—it’s about whether you value financial freedom and space (San Antonio) or access, safety, and community (Evanston). Run your own numbers, but based on the data, if you can handle the heat and a higher crime rate, San Antonio’s dollar power is too good to ignore. If you crave a connected, walkable, safer lifestyle and are willing to pay for it, Evanston delivers in spades. Choose wisely.