Evanston vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Evanston	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$76,569	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3.4%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$347,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$162	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$921	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	111.5	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.1	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.2	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	19.9%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	45	39

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

So, you're torn between the Alamo City and the "Chicago's North Shore" gem. On the surface, these two couldn't be more different. One is a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis steeped in Texan history and military culture. The other is a compact, leafy, educated suburb anchored by a world-class university.

Picking between them isn't just about a zip code; it's a lifestyle choice. Are you chasing affordable space and a slower pace, or do you want top-tier schools and a quick train ride into a global city? Let's cut through the noise and break it down, head-to-head.

The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. College Town Charm

San Antonio is a city that wears its heart on its sleeve. It’s massive, diverse, and growing at a dizzying pace. The vibe is unpretentious and deeply communal. You’ll find families cheering at Spurs games, military families navigating life at the city’s many bases, and tech workers flooding new developments along the River Walk. It’s a city of contrasts—historic Spanish missions sit near gleaming downtown skyscrapers, and the famous River Walk is both a tourist trap and a legitimate local hangout. The culture is a rich blend of Tex-Mex, military pride, and a burgeoning food scene that’s finally getting national recognition.

Evanston, by contrast, feels like a well-kept secret that’s not really a secret anymore. It’s a quintessential college town, but with the sophistication and resources of a wealthy suburb. The vibe is intellectual, progressive, and walkable. The presence of Northwestern University infuses the city with youthful energy, cultural events, and a highly educated populace. It’s got a distinct "East Coast" feel with its brick-lined streets, historic homes, and proximity to Chicago. The pace is more measured, the community is tight-knit, and the focus is on quality of life—excellent schools, beautiful parks, and easy access to the city without living in the city.

Who is it for?

• San Antonio is for those who want big-city amenities (major league sports, a massive airport, diverse job market) with a lower cost of living and a distinct cultural identity. It’s for families who want space to spread out and a community that’s friendly and unassuming.
• Evanston is for professionals, academics, and families who prioritize education, walkability, and access to a major metropolitan hub (Chicago) without the chaos. It’s for those who value community engagement, cultural events, and a more compact, efficient lifestyle.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: purchasing power. This is where the data gets really interesting, because on paper, Evanston has a higher median income, but San Antonio’s cost of living can make that salary stretch much further.

Here’s a side-by-side look at the essential costs:

Metric	San Antonio	Evanston	Winner
Median Income	$62,322	$76,569	Evanston
Median Home Price	$264,900	$347,000	San Antonio
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$921	Evanston (surprise!)
Housing Index	94.2 (4.2% below nat'l avg)	111.5 (11.5% above nat'l avg)	San Antonio
Sales Tax	8.25% (combined)	10.25% (combined)	San Antonio

The Salary Wars:
If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, you’re living like royalty compared to most places. That $264,900 median home price is within striking distance for a dual-income household. Your purchasing power is immense. You can get a large, modern home in a good school district for a price that would get you a condo in many other major metros.

In Evanston, earning $100,000 feels different. The median home price of $347,000 is no joke, and that’s just the median. The desirable, historic homes near downtown or the lakefront can easily climb into the $600k-$1M+ range. However, here’s the kicker: Evanston’s 1BR rent is surprisingly lower than San Antonio’s ($921 vs. $1,197). This suggests that while buying is a challenge, the rental market for singles or young couples is actually more accessible in Evanston.

The Tax Tie-Breaker:
This is a massive, often overlooked factor. Texas has 0% state income tax. California (where Evanston is often compared to) has high state income tax, but Illinois also has a progressive income tax. For a household earning $150,000+, the lack of a state income tax in Texas can mean an extra $7,000-$10,000 in your pocket each year compared to living in Illinois. That’s a huge deal for long-term wealth building.

Verdict: For raw purchasing power, especially if you plan to buy, San Antonio wins. You get more house for less money, and the lack of state income tax is a game-changer. For renters (especially singles), Evanston presents a more affordable upfront cost, but be prepared for a tighter housing market when you're ready to buy.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Availability

San Antonio’s Market: This is a seller’s market, but not an insane one. Inventory is low, and demand is high due to consistent population growth. However, compared to coastal cities, it’s still relatively affordable. The median home price of $264,900 is attainable. New construction is booming on the outskirts (like Alamo Ranch and Stone Oak), offering modern homes with great amenities. Competition is fierce for homes under $300k, but you can find options. Renting is also competitive, with prices rising steadily but still below the national average.

Evanston’s Market: This is a hyper-competitive seller’s market. The inventory is extremely limited, especially for single-family homes. The median home price of $347,000 is just a starting point. To get into a good school district and a desirable location (walkable to downtown or the lake), you’re often looking at $500,000+. Bidding wars are common, and cash offers often win out. Renting is a more viable short-term strategy, but long-term, the path to homeownership is steep and expensive.

Verdict: If your goal is to buy a home without breaking the bank or entering a brutal bidding war, San Antonio is the clear winner. Evanston offers incredible quality but at a premium price and with fierce competition.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• San Antonio: Driving is a way of life. The city is spread out, and public transit (VIA Metropolitan Transit) is limited. The average commute is around 25 minutes, but traffic on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604 can be brutal during rush hour. You will need a car. It’s not a walkable city overall, though the downtown and Alamo Heights areas are improving.
• Evanston: This is a walkable city. You can run errands on foot, bike to the lake, and take public transit to Chicago. The CTA ‘L’ Purple Line and Metra commuter rail connect directly to downtown Chicago (a 30-40 minute trip). Many residents commute via train, avoiding traffic. The city is designed for pedestrians and cyclists.

Winner for Walkability/Transit: Evanston. It’s not even close.

Weather

• San Antonio: Think hot. Summers are long, with average highs in the 90s°F from May to September. It’s humid, but not as oppressive as Houston. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. The big downside is the heat and the occasional hurricane season threat (though SA is inland).
• Evanston: Think all four seasons, hard. Winters are cold and snowy (average temp in Jan is around 20°F, but can plummet). Summers are warm and pleasant (80s°F). It’s a true seasonal experience, with beautiful falls and springs. The lake effect can make winters more severe, but it’s a trade-off for gorgeous lakefront summers.

Winner for Year-Round Pleasantness: It’s a toss-up. If you hate winter, pick San Antonio. If you hate oppressive summer heat, pick Evanston.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, stark difference.

• San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe (especially the suburbs like Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, and Terrell Hills), property crime and violent crime are city-wide issues. You must be neighborhood-aware.
• Evanston: The violent crime rate is 234.2 per 100k. This is lower than the national average. Evanston is generally considered a very safe city, especially compared to Chicago. Crime exists, but it’s far less prevalent.

Winner for Safety: Evanston, by a landslide. This is a major dealbreaker for many families and individuals.

The Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?

After crunching the numbers and living the vibes, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: San Antonio

• Why: The combination of affordable home prices, strong public schools (especially in suburban districts like Northside ISD), family-friendly activities (zoos, Six Flags, SeaWorld, the River Walk), and a community-centric culture makes it a top choice. You can afford a larger home with a yard, a crucial element for many families. The 0% state income tax also helps with long-term financial planning for college savings and more.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Evanston

• Why: The walkability, access to Chicago’s job market (especially for finance, law, tech), and a vibrant social scene centered around the university and downtown make it ideal. The lower rent for 1BR apartments is a huge plus. You’ll be surrounded by educated, like-minded peers, and your weekends can be spent at the lake, in Chicago, or exploring a lively downtown.

Winner for Retirees: San Antonio

• Why: While Evanston offers a peaceful, intellectual environment, San Antonio’s cost of living is a retiree’s dream. Stretching a fixed income is far easier. The mild winters mean no shoveling snow. The city is built for driving, which many retirees prefer. The healthcare system is robust, with major medical centers. The slower pace of life in many neighborhoods aligns well with retirement goals.

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Final Pros & Cons

San Antonio

Pros:

• Massive purchasing power for your dollar.
• 0% state income tax (huge financial advantage).
• Big-city amenities (sports, airport, diverse food scene).
• Family-friendly with great suburban school districts.
• Mild winters, abundant sunshine.

Cons:

• High violent crime rate (do your neighborhood homework).
• Car-dependent; poor public transit.
• Brutal, long summer heat and humidity.
• Sprawling, can feel disconnected without a car.

Evanston

Pros:

• Extremely safe with a low crime rate.
• Walkable and bikeable with excellent public transit to Chicago.
• Top-tier public and private schools.
• Beautiful lakefront setting and four distinct seasons.
• Intellectual, progressive, and culturally rich community.

Cons:

• Expensive housing market with fierce competition.
• Illinois state income tax (can be a financial hit).
• Harsh, snowy winters.
• Can feel insular or "academic"; less diverse than San Antonio.

The Bottom Line:
Choose San Antonio if your priority is affordability, space, and a warm climate, and you’re willing to navigate a larger, more complex city with higher crime in certain areas. Choose Evanston if your priority is safety, walkability, top-tier education, and easy access to Chicago, and you’re prepared for a higher cost of living and tough winters.

It’s not just a move—it’s a choice between two fundamentally different versions of the American dream.