Category / Metric	Evansville	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$52,318	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3.7%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$150,750	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$114	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$850	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	60.2	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.1	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	456.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	24%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	31	39

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

You’re standing at a crossroads. One path leads to the vibrant, sun-drenched streets of a major Texas metropolis. The other winds into the quiet, affordable heartland along the Ohio River. Choosing between San Antonio and Evansville isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing a different life rhythm, a different cost of living, and a different set of trade-offs.

As your relocation expert and data journalist, I’ve crunched the numbers, talked to locals, and lived the vibe of both places. This isn't just a list of facts. This is a head-to-head, no-holds-barred comparison to help you decide where to plant your roots. Let’s dive in.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. River City Charm

First, let’s talk about the feeling of each city.

San Antonio is a major metropolitan powerhouse. With a population of 1.49 million, it’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S. This is a city of sprawling energy, deep history (think the Alamo and the River Walk), and a booming economy. The vibe is laid-back but ambitious. You get world-class museums, a legendary food scene (Tex-Mex is a religion here), and major league sports. It’s a city that feels big, with the cultural offerings to match. It’s for the person who wants the amenities of a major city without the frantic pace (and price tag) of New York or San Francisco.

Evansville is a classic Midwestern gem. With a population of 113,291, it’s a manageable, tight-knit community. The vibe here is genuinely friendly and unpretentious. Life revolves around the Ohio River, community festivals, and a strong sense of local pride. It’s a city where people know their neighbors, and the pace is decidedly slower. Evansville is for the person who values community, affordability, and a simpler pace of life. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle, offering a grounded, family-friendly atmosphere.

Who is each city for?

San Antonio: Young professionals, families seeking top-tier public amenities, foodies, and anyone who craves the energy of a major city.
Evansville: Families on a budget, retirees seeking a peaceful and affordable haven, and those who prioritize community over constant stimulation.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s break down the cost of living and what your paycheck actually buys.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	San Antonio	Evansville	Winner
Median Home Price	$264,900	$150,750	Evansville
Median Income	$62,322	$52,318	San Antonio
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$850	Evansville
Housing Index	94.2	60.2	Evansville
Violent Crime/100k	798.0	456.0	Evansville

The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power
Let’s make this real. If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, your purchasing power is strong, but you’re up against a housing market that’s nearly 73% more expensive than Evansville. Your $100,000 in Evansville feels like a king’s ransom. You could afford a beautiful home, a reliable car, and a comfortable lifestyle with money left over for travel and savings.

The magic number here is the Housing Index. Evansville’s index of 60.2 is one of the most affordable in the nation. San Antonio’s 94.2 is still below the national average (100), making it a relative bargain for a major city, but it’s a different league entirely.

The Tax Twist
Here’s a huge factor: Texas has 0% state income tax. Indiana has a 3.23% flat income tax. For our $100,000 earner, that’s a $3,230 difference in after-tax income. While Evansville’s housing is drastically cheaper, the lack of state income tax in Texas gives San Antonio a significant boost in take-home pay, partially offsetting the higher housing costs.

Verdict on Dollar Power: For pure, unadulterated purchasing power, Evansville wins. Your money stretches further, especially for housing. However, San Antonio offers a better earning potential (higher median income) and a tax advantage that makes its higher costs more manageable.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio: A Seller’s Market with Options

Buying: With a median home price of $264,900, San Antonio offers a wide range of options from historic bungalows in King William to new builds in the suburbs. The market is competitive but not as cutthroat as Austin or Dallas. You get more square footage for your money here than in most major U.S. cities.
Renting: The average 1BR rent is $1,197. While rising, it’s still reasonable for a city of its size. The rental market is robust, with plenty of apartments and single-family homes available.
Availability: Steady growth means new developments are constant. It’s a balanced market leaning slightly towards sellers in desirable neighborhoods.

Evansville: A Buyer’s Paradise

Buying: This is where Evansville shines. A median home price of $150,750 is astoundingly low. You can find a solid, updated 3-bedroom home for under $200,000. The market is less volatile and more predictable.
Renting: At $850 for a 1BR, renting is exceptionally affordable. It’s a great option for those saving for a down payment or who prefer flexibility.
Availability: The market is generally a buyer’s market. Inventory is steady, and there’s less frantic competition, giving you more time to make a decision.

Verdict: For buyers, Evansville is a clear winner with its rock-bottom prices. For renters, Evansville also wins on pure cost, but San Antonio offers a more dynamic rental market with more amenities.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is genuine. While not as legendary as Los Angeles, rush hour on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604 can be a test of patience. The average commute is 25-30 minutes. Public transit (VIA Metro) exists but is limited compared to other major cities.
Evansville: Traffic jams are a rare concept. The city is built on a grid, and you can get across town in 15-20 minutes easily. This is a massive quality-of-life improvement for daily life.

Weather: Heat vs. Seasons

San Antonio: Brutal summers. Expect 90°F+ highs for months, with high humidity that makes it feel even hotter. Winters are mild (rarely freezing), but the lack of seasonal change can be draining for some. It’s a sun-drenched, year-round outdoor lifestyle, but you must love the heat.
Evansville: True seasons. You get a beautiful, warm summer (can hit 90°F, but less humid), a vibrant fall, a cold and occasionally snowy winter (average low in Jan: 23°F), and a blooming spring. If you crave seasonal change, Evansville delivers. The winters can be gray and dreary, but the summers are lovely.

Crime & Safety: The Hard Truth

This is a critical and sensitive category. We must look at the data honestly.

San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000 people. This is above the national average (~380 per 100k) and is a significant consideration. Like many large cities, crime is not evenly distributed; some neighborhoods are very safe, while others struggle. It requires being savvy about where you live.
Evansville: The violent crime rate is 456.0 per 100,000 people. While lower than San Antonio, it is still above the national average. However, the perception and experience of crime in a smaller city like Evansville can feel different—often more localized and less pervasive than in a massive metro.

Verdict on Dealbreakers:

Traffic: Evansville (by a landslide).
Weather: It’s personal. Love sunshine and hate snow? San Antonio. Want four distinct seasons? Evansville.
Safety: Evansville has a lower rate, but both cities require vigilance. This is a complex win based on your personal risk tolerance.

The Final Verdict

So, who wins this head-to-head? It depends entirely on your life stage and priorities.

🏆 Winner for Families: Evansville

While San Antonio has incredible parks, museums, and the San Antonio Zoo, the sheer affordability of Evansville is a game-changer for families. A $150,750 median home price means a single-income family can comfortably own a home. The lower crime rate (though still above average), easier traffic, and strong community focus create a stable, low-stress environment for raising kids. Your paycheck goes further, reducing financial stress—a key ingredient for a happy family life.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio

Career opportunities, nightlife, and social scene are the deciding factors. San Antonio’s larger population and economy offer more diverse job fields, a vibrant downtown, and endless things to do. The 0% state income tax and higher median income ($62,322 vs. $52,318) mean more disposable income to enjoy the city’s restaurants, bars, and cultural events. It’s a city where you can build a career and a social life simultaneously.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Evansville

This is a clear win. The combination of ultra-low cost of living, affordable housing, slower pace, and mild summers (compared to San Antonio’s oppressive heat) makes Evansville a retiree’s dream. You can sell a home elsewhere and buy a beautiful, low-maintenance property in Evansville for a fraction of the cost, freeing up retirement savings. The community is welcoming, and the stress of big-city life is nonexistent.

Quick-Look Pros & Cons

San Antonio: Pros & Cons

PROS:

🌟 0% State Income Tax
🌟 Major City Amenities (World-class dining, museums, sports)
🌟 Strong Job Market & Higher Median Income
🌟 Vibrant Culture & Nightlife
🌟 Mild Winters

CONS:

❌ High Summer Heat & Humidity
❌ Significant Traffic Congestion
❌ Higher Cost of Living (Especially Housing)
❌ Above-Average Violent Crime Rate

Evansville: Pros & Cons