Farmington Hills vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Farmington Hills	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$90,598	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	5%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$367,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$168	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,029	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	93.0	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	98.0	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	449.2	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	56.5%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	39

Here is the Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown: San Antonio vs. Farmington Hills.

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San Antonio vs. Farmington Hills: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between San Antonio, Texas, and Farmington Hills, Michigan, isn't just about picking a dot on a map. It’s a choice between two wildly different lifestyles, climates, and economic realities. One is a sprawling, historic southern giant with a fiesta spirit; the other is a quiet, affluent suburb in the heart of the Midwest.

As your Relocation Expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the humidity (and the snow), and analyzed the data to help you decide. Let’s break it down.

The Vibe Check: Laid-Back Fiesta vs. Quiet Affluence

San Antonio is a city with a soul. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., a blend of deep Texan history, vibrant military culture, and a burgeoning tech scene. The vibe is decidedly laid-back but energetic. Think riverwalks, world-class Tex-Mex, and a community that knows how to celebrate (Fiesta San Antonio is a 10-day party). It’s a city for those who want big-city amenities without the frantic pace of New York or LA. You’ll find young professionals, military families, and retirees all soaking up the sun.

Farmington Hills is the picture of suburban tranquility. Located in Oakland County, it’s consistently ranked as one of the most affluent and safest cities in Michigan. The vibe here is quiet, family-oriented, and community-focused. It’s less about nightlife and more about excellent schools, pristine parks, and tight-knit neighborhoods. This is a city for those who prioritize safety, top-tier public services, and a peaceful environment. It’s a haven for families and professionals who commute to nearby Detroit or Ann Arbor for work.

Who is it for?

• San Antonio is for the extrovert, the history buff, the foodie, and the sun-seeker who values culture and affordability.
• Farmington Hills is for the introvert, the safety-conscious family, the winter-lover, and the professional who values stability and high quality of public services.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You need to look beyond the salary offer and understand purchasing power.

Let’s start with a hard truth: Texas has no state income tax, while Michigan does. For a household earning $100,000, this is a massive deal. In Texas, your take-home pay is significantly higher, giving you more "bang for your buck" immediately. In Michigan, state income tax can shave off thousands annually.

Now, let’s look at the monthly essentials.

Cost Category	San Antonio, TX	Farmington Hills, MI	Winner
Median Income	$62,322	$90,598	Farmington Hills
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,029	Farmington Hills
Utilities (Est.)	$150 (High A/C)	$200 (High Heating)	San Antonio (Seasonal)
Groceries	~4% below nat'l avg	~2% below nat'l avg	San Antonio (Slightly)
Housing Index	94.2	93.0	Tie

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
At first glance, Farmington Hills looks richer—and it is, with a median income 45% higher than San Antonio’s. However, San Antonio’s lower costs, especially its legendary housing market, can make a lower salary feel like more.

Let’s play a thought experiment. If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, your cost of living (excluding rent) is roughly 12% lower than the U.S. average. In Farmington Hills, it’s about 8% lower. The key difference is housing. San Antonio’s median home price is $264,900 compared to Farmington Hills’ $367,000. That’s a $100,000+ gap.

The Verdict on Dollar Power:
For most middle-income earners, San Antonio offers superior purchasing power. The lack of state income tax combined with a significantly cheaper housing market means your paycheck goes much, much further. In Farmington Hills, the higher salaries are largely offset by higher costs, particularly in housing.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio (Buyer's Market):
San Antonio’s housing market is one of the most accessible big cities in America. With a median home price under $265,000, homeownership is a tangible reality for many. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. Renters have it good, with a 1BR averaging $1,197. The city is sprawling, meaning you can find space and a yard without breaking the bank.

Farmington Hills (Seller's Market):
Farmington Hills is a classic seller’s market. The median home price of $367,000 reflects the high demand for its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods. Competition is fierce, and buyers often face bidding wars. Rent is slightly cheaper than San Antonio at $1,029, but availability can be tight. The housing stock is older, with many charming mid-century homes that require maintenance.

The Verdict on Housing:
Winner: San Antonio. For affordability and accessibility, San Antonio is the clear choice. It’s a market where you can still find a starter home. Farmington Hills is a premium market where you pay a premium for the zip code.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• San Antonio: Traffic is real. The city is car-dependent, and rush hour on I-10 and I-35 can be a grind. Average commute times hover around 26 minutes. The sprawl means errands can take time.
• Farmington Hills: As a suburb, commuting is part of the deal. Most residents drive into Detroit, Ann Arbor, or Troy for work. Traffic is manageable compared to a major city center, but the commute can be 30-45 minutes each way. Local traffic within the suburb is minimal.

Weather: A Climate Chasm
This is the single biggest lifestyle difference.

• San Antonio: It’s hot. Very hot. Summers regularly hit 95°F+ with brutal humidity. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. If you hate snow, this is paradise. But if you hate sweating, it’s hell.
• Farmington Hills: You get four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant (80°F), falls are stunning, and winters are cold and snowy. Expect 25°F temps and significant snowfall. If you love winter sports and cozy seasons, it’s perfect. If you hate shoveling, it’s a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety:

• San Antonio: The data shows a violent crime rate of 798.0 per 100,000. This is above the national average. However, crime is highly localized. Safe, family-friendly suburbs exist, but you must be vigilant and choose your neighborhood carefully.
• Farmington Hills: The violent crime rate is 449.2 per 100,000, significantly lower than San Antonio and well below the national average. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities of its size in the U.S. This is a major selling point for families.

The Verdict on Dealbreakers:

• Traffic: Farmington Hills (easier local driving).
• Weather: Farmington Hills (if you love seasons), San Antonio (if you hate winter).
• Safety: Farmington Hills, hands down.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?

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

🏆 Winner for Families: Farmington Hills
The combination of top-tier public schools, extremely low crime, and a safe, community-focused environment is a parent’s dream. While the housing is pricier, the quality of life and peace of mind are worth the premium.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio
The cost of living is a game-changer. You can afford to live closer to downtown, enjoy the food and nightlife scene, and build a life without being house-poor. The job market in tech and healthcare is growing, and the social vibe is vibrant.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: San Antonio
This is a tough call, but San Antonio edges out. The lack of state income tax is a massive benefit on a fixed income. The winters are mild, eliminating the physical strain of snow and ice. The cost of living allows retirement savings to stretch further, and the city offers plenty of cultural activities and healthcare options.

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The Pros & Cons: At a Glance

San Antonio, TX

Pros:

• Massive purchasing power due to no state income tax and low housing costs.
• Vibrant culture with world-class food, history, and festivals.
• Mild winters—say goodbye to snow boots.
• Growing job market in tech, healthcare, and military.
• Large population with diverse neighborhoods and suburbs.

Cons:

• Summers are brutally hot and humid.
• High violent crime rate (requires careful neighborhood selection).
• Significant traffic and urban sprawl.
• Car-dependent city with limited public transit.

Farmington Hills, MI

Pros:

• Extremely safe with low crime rates.
• Excellent public schools and family-friendly amenities.
• Affluent, stable community with high median income.
• Four distinct seasons with beautiful falls and summers.
• Proximity to Detroit’s job market and cultural amenities.

Cons:

• High cost of living relative to income, especially housing.
• State income tax reduces take-home pay.
• Winters are long, cold, and snowy.
• Less cultural diversity compared to a major city like San Antonio.
• Commute required for most high-paying jobs.

The Bottom Line:
Choose San Antonio if you prioritize affordability, culture, and warm weather. Your dollar will go further, and you’ll live with more vibrancy.

Choose Farmington Hills if you prioritize safety, schools, and community. You’ll pay a premium for a peaceful, high-quality suburban life, insulated from urban challenges.

Now, the question is: Do you want a fiesta or a quiet evening at home? The data is in—your heart decides.