Georgetown vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Georgetown	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$78,373	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$296,750	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$194	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$837	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	74.4	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.2	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	250.9	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	32.5%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	31	39

San Antonio vs. Georgetown: The Ultimate Texas Showdown

So, you're looking to plant your flag in Texas. You've narrowed it down to two heavy hitters: the massive, historic metropolis of San Antonio versus the picturesque, growing town of Georgetown. This isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing your lifestyle, your community, and where your paycheck will feel the most powerful.

Let's cut through the noise and break down the real, gritty details of what it's like to live in each. Buckle up, because we're about to settle this.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Small-Town Charm

San Antonio is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. It’s a sprawling, vibrant beast of a city with a personality all its own. Think world-class Tex-Mex, the historic River Walk buzzing with tourists and locals alike, and a military presence that shapes the culture. It's fast-paced, diverse, and never boring. If you crave big-city amenities—major league sports, endless concerts, top-tier hospitals, and an international airport—this is your playground. It's a city for the social butterfly, the ambitious professional, and the family that wants access to everything.

Georgetown, on the other hand, is the definition of a "lifestyle choice." Nestled just 30 minutes north of Austin, it’s a charming, historic town known for its stunning Victorian architecture and a square that feels straight out of a movie set. It’s the quintessential "small town with big-city access." The vibe here is quieter, more community-focused, and slower-paced. It’s for those who want to escape the concrete jungle but don’t want to be completely isolated from the action. You're trading endless options for a higher quality of life and a stronger sense of place.

Who is each city for?

• San Antonio is for the energy seeker, the foodie, the family that wants top-tier schools and museums, and the young professional who needs a larger job market.
• Georgetown is for the family that prioritizes safety and community, the retiree seeking a relaxed but social atmosphere, and the hybrid worker who wants peace and quiet with Austin's job market on tap.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

Let's talk brass tacks. Texas has no state income tax, which is a massive win for your paycheck. But the cost of living varies wildly between these two cities. The key metric here isn't just what you earn, but what your money can actually buy—your purchasing power.

San Antonio offers a lower cost of living compared to many major U.S. cities, but it's pricier than Georgetown. Georgetown is a relative bargain, especially for what you get, but its rapid growth is starting to push numbers up.

Here’s a direct, no-nonsense comparison of key expenses:

Cost of Living Snapshot

Expense Category	San Antonio	Georgetown	The Winner
Median Income	$62,322	$78,373	Georgetown
Median Home Price	$264,900	$296,750	San Antonio
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$837	Georgetown
Housing Index	94.2	74.4	Georgetown
Violent Crime Rate	798.0 / 100k	250.9 / 100k	Georgetown

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's imagine you earn $100,000. In San Antonio, where the median income is $62,322, you'd be well above average. However, your housing costs (rent or mortgage) will eat up a larger chunk of that paycheck. Georgetown's higher median income ($78,373) suggests a more affluent populace, but the shockingly low rent ($837 vs. $1,197) means your disposable income could feel significantly higher there. You could save hundreds of dollars monthly on rent alone, which is a game-changer for building wealth.

The Insight: While Georgetown has a higher median home price, the overall Housing Index (74.4 vs. 94.2) tells you that housing is actually more affordable relative to income there. For pure day-to-day expenses and housing, Georgetown offers better bang for your buck. Your dollar simply stretches further for a place to live.

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The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Bust?

San Antonio:

• Buying: The market is competitive but not cutthroat. With a median home price of $264,900, it's accessible for many first-time buyers. However, inventory can move fast, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Alamo Heights or Stone Oak. It's generally a balanced market, leaning slightly toward sellers in hot areas.
• Renting: High demand keeps rental prices up ($1,197 for a 1BR). There's plenty of inventory from apartments to single-family homes, but you'll pay a premium for location and convenience.

Georgetown:

• Buying: This is a seller's market, hands down. The lower housing index (74.4) indicates high demand and relatively limited supply. The median home price ($296,750) is a hair higher than San Antonio, but you're getting more space, a larger lot, and a quieter neighborhood. New developments are popping up, but competition is fierce. Be prepared to act fast and potentially face bidding wars.
• Renting: The rental market is tight. With such low rents ($837), there's high demand and limited availability. Finding a place can be a challenge, but once you do, the cost is unbeatable.

Verdict: San Antonio is easier to enter as a renter and offers more options. Georgetown is the better long-term buy if you can handle the competition, offering more value for your money.

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The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

This is where the cities diverge most dramatically.

Traffic & Commute:

• San Antonio: Traffic is real. While not as legendary as Austin's, commuting across town during rush hour can take time. The city is spread out, so you'll likely be driving everywhere. A 20-30 minute commute is standard.
• Georgetown: The traffic is a fraction of San Antonio's. You can cross town in 10-15 minutes. The major upside is access to major employers in Austin via I-35, but that corridor is famously congested. If you commute to Austin daily, factor in 45-60 minutes each way. If you work remotely or locally, Georgetown's traffic is a dream.

Weather:

• San Antonio: Brutal, sweaty summers are the norm. Expect 90°F+ temperatures for months on end, with high humidity that makes it feel even hotter. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. It's a sun-lover's paradise but can be punishing for others.
• Georgetown: More seasonal. Summers are hot (90°F), but less humid than San Antonio. The real difference is in winter. While not a winter wonderland, Georgetown gets a true taste of fall and winter, with occasional freezes and even rare snow flurries. The data point (43.0°F avg) reflects this cooler climate. It's a much more pleasant escape from the Texas heat.

Crime & Safety:
This is the starkest contrast. Georgetown is remarkably safe, with a violent crime rate of 250.9 per 100k—well below the national average. You can expect a quiet, secure environment.

San Antonio has a significantly higher violent crime rate (798.0 per 100k). While certain neighborhoods are perfectly safe, the city-wide average is a real consideration. This isn't to demonize the city, but to be honest: if safety is your #1 dealbreaker, Georgetown is in a different league.

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The Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?

There’s no single "best" city—it's about the best fit for you. Here’s our final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Georgetown

While San Antonio has fantastic schools and endless kid-friendly activities (SeaWorld, Six Flags), Georgetown wins on safety, community, and value. The lower crime rate (250.9 vs. 798.0) is a massive peace of mind. The excellent Georgetown ISD schools, numerous parks, and family-centric community events create an ideal environment for raising kids. You get more space for your money and a safer, tighter-knit community.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio

The sheer scale, diversity, and energy of San Antonio are unbeatable for this demographic. The job market is larger and more varied, the social and dating scene is vibrant, and the cost of living is still relatively affordable for a major metro. You have endless restaurants, bars, cultural events, and professional networking opportunities right at your doorstep.

Winner for Retirees: Georgetown

This is a slam dunk for Georgetown. The combination of lower crime (250.9/100k), a slower pace of life, a walkable historic downtown, and a strong sense of community is perfect for retirement. The climate is more manageable than San Antonio's oppressive summer humidity, and the cost of living is lower. You're also only a short drive from Austin's world-class healthcare and entertainment if needed.

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Final Pros & Cons Breakdown

San Antonio

Pros:

• Vibrant Culture & Food Scene: Unmatched Tex-Mex, vibrant arts district, and the iconic River Walk.
• Major City Amenities: Pro sports (Spurs), major airport, top-tier hospitals (Medical Center), and endless entertainment.
• Diverse Job Market: Strong military, healthcare, tourism, and tech sectors.
• Large, Diverse Housing Stock: From downtown lofts to suburban family homes.

Cons:

• High Crime Rate: A significant concern city-wide.
• Traffic & Sprawl: Getting around can be time-consuming.
• Brutal Summer Heat & Humidity: Can be unbearable for months.

Georgetown

Pros:

• Exceptional Safety: Very low violent crime rate.
• High Quality of Life: Small-town charm, beautiful historic square, strong community feel.
• Excellent Value: Great purchasing power, especially for housing.
• Proximity to Austin: Access to a major job market and big-city perks with a 30-minute drive.
• Pleasant Climate: Less humid summers and more distinct seasons.

Cons:

• Limited In-Town Amenities: Fewer restaurants, shops, and entertainment options (you'll drive to Austin for variety).
• Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home is tough; rentals are scarce.
• Austin Commute Traffic: I-35 is notoriously congested.
• Slower Pace: Can feel too quiet or isolated for some.

The Bottom Line: Choose San Antonio if you crave city energy, endless options, and a major metro career. Choose Georgetown if you prioritize safety, community, value, and a slower pace of life, while still having Austin's opportunities within reach. Your data is clear, but your heart will tell you the rest.