Georgetown vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Georgetown	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$95,160	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$425,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$205	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,220	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	126.4	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	91.9	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.35	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	446.5	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	43.1%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	39

San Antonio vs. Georgetown: The Ultimate Texas Showdown

So you’re looking to make a move in Central Texas. You’ve got two powerhouse contenders on the table: the massive, historic metropolis of San Antonio, and the charming, rapidly growing suburb of Georgetown. They’re both in the same sun-baked region, but they offer wildly different lifestyles.

Choosing between them isn’t just about square footage or commute times; it’s about picking the backdrop for your life. Are you craving the non-stop energy of a major city, or the tight-knit community feel of a smaller town? Let’s break it down, head-to-head.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Suburban Charm

San Antonio is a beast. With a population pushing 1.5 million, it’s the seventh-largest city in the United States. This is a place of sprawling neighborhoods, a world-class River Walk, the Alamo, and a military presence that shapes its culture. The vibe is historic yet modern, deeply Texan yet internationally influenced. It’s a city where you can explore a 300-year-old Spanish mission in the morning and catch a Spurs game in the afternoon. The energy is palpable, the options are endless, and you can get lost in the crowd if that’s your thing.

Georgetown, on the other hand, is the definition of a "small town with big amenities." With a population of just over 96,000, it feels intimate and manageable. It’s the fastest-growing city in the U.S. for its size, but it has managed to preserve a charming, walkable downtown square that feels like a movie set. It’s part of the "Sun City" area, which gives it a slightly older, quieter demographic, but its growth is attracting young families and professionals seeking space and community. The vibe is laid-back, friendly, and picturesque.

Who is each city for?

• San Antonio is for the urban explorer, the foodie, the culture vulture, and anyone who thrives on the buzz of a major city. It’s for those who want everything within reach and don’t mind a little chaos.
• Georgetown is for the lifestyle seeker, the family grower, the retiree, and the professional who wants a peaceful home base with easy access to both Austin and San Antonio. It’s for those who prioritize community, space, and a slower pace.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Wallet Stretch Further?

Let’s talk money. Both cities are in Texas, which means no state income tax. That’s a huge win for your paycheck. But the cost of living tells a different story.

Expense Category	San Antonio	Georgetown	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$425,000	Georgetown is 60% more expensive to buy a home.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,220	Rent is nearly identical, a surprising twist.
Housing Index	94.2	126.4	Georgetown’s index is 34% higher, reflecting the buyer's market.
Median Income	$62,322	$95,160	Georgetown residents earn 53% more on average.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Here’s where it gets interesting. Let’s say you earn the median income in each city. In San Antonio, with a $62,322 salary, your money goes a long way, especially if you’re buying. A $264,900 home is within reach for a dual-income household. Your purchasing power is strong for housing, food, and utilities.

In Georgetown, the median income is much higher at $95,160. However, that $425,000 median home price eats into that advantage. You’re earning more, but you’re spending significantly more on housing. The "deal" here is that Georgetown is a seller's market, meaning competition is fierce, and you might face bidding wars and higher property taxes on that pricier home.

Insight: If you’re bringing a high salary (e.g., $120k+) from a tech job in Austin, Georgetown might feel like a bargain compared to Austin prices. But for a local earning the median, San Antonio offers more bang for your buck, especially in the housing market.

The Housing Market: Buy or Rent?

Buying in San Antonio:
San Antonio is a buyer's market. Inventory is higher, competition is lower, and you have more negotiating power. For first-time homebuyers, this is a major advantage. The median price of $264,900 is one of the most affordable for a major U.S. city. You get more house for your money, and the options are diverse—from historic bungalows to modern subdivisions.

Buying in Georgetown:
Georgetown is a seller's market. The city’s rapid growth and desirability have led to high demand and limited inventory. Expect to pay over asking price, waive contingencies, and move fast. The median price of $425,000 is a steep entry point, and new construction is booming but often at a premium. It’s competitive and can be frustrating.

Renting:
The rent data is a shocker. Both cities have nearly identical prices for a 1BR apartment—around $1,200. This is a huge win for Georgetown, as it’s not as inflated as you’d expect given the home prices. However, rental inventory in Georgetown is tighter. In San Antonio, you have an ocean of options, from downtown high-rises to suburban complexes.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is real. The city is sprawling, and commutes between suburbs and downtown can easily hit 45-60 minutes during rush hour. The highway system (I-10, I-35, Loop 1604) is often congested. Public transit (VIA) is limited unless you live and work on the main corridors.

Georgetown: The commute is the main draw for many. It’s about 30-45 minutes to Austin (without traffic) and about 45-60 minutes to San Antonio. The traffic is lighter locally, but the I-35 corridor between Georgetown and Austin is notoriously one of the most congested stretches in the country. If you work in Austin, you’ll need a flexible schedule or a tolerance for traffic.

Weather

San Antonio: Welcome to the heat. Summers are brutally hot and humid, with temperatures regularly soaring above 100°F. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing), but the humidity makes it feel colder. You’ll experience a mix of sun and occasional storms.

Georgetown: Slightly more moderate. It’s still in Central Texas, so summers are hot, but the humidity is a bit lower than in San Antonio. Winters are cooler and can occasionally see a light dusting of snow or ice. The weather is more seasonal, with beautiful springs and falls.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, honest comparison.

San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the national average. Like any large city, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, and the Pearl District are generally very safe, while others have higher crime rates. You must do your homework on specific areas.

Georgetown: The violent crime rate is 446.5 per 100,000. While still above the national average, it is 44% lower than San Antonio's. The smaller, more community-oriented nature of Georgetown contributes to a generally safer feel. It’s a key reason many young families choose it.

The Verdict: Who Wins Where?

After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the bottom line, here’s the final call:

• Winner for Families: Georgetown. The lower crime rate, strong schools, abundance of parks (like the beautiful Lake Georgetown), and community feel make it a top choice for raising kids. The higher median income is a bonus.
• Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio. The energy, the food scene, the nightlife, the lower cost of entry for housing, and the job diversity (military, healthcare, tech, tourism) are unbeatable. It’s a city where you can build a social life and career.
• Winner for Retirees: Georgetown. The slower pace, lower crime, active adult communities (like Sun City), and proximity to both Austin and San Antonio for top-tier healthcare create an ideal retirement setting. The weather is also slightly less extreme.

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Final Pros & Cons Lists

San Antonio

Pros:

• Affordable Housing: Median home price of $264,900 is a steal for a major metro.
• Vibrant Culture: World-class food, rich history, major league sports, and endless entertainment.
• No State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.
• Job Diversity: Major military, healthcare, and growing tech sectors.
• Buyer's Market: Less competition and more options for homebuyers.

Cons:

• High Crime Rate: Violent crime is a significant concern in many areas.
• Traffic & Sprawl: Long commutes and congestion are the norm.
• Extreme Summer Heat: Brutally hot and humid for months on end.
• Large City Challenges: Can feel impersonal; sprawl means you’re often in your car.

Georgetown

Pros:

• High Median Income: Residents earn $95,160 on average.
• Lower Crime Rate: 44% safer than San Antonio statistically.
• Charming Small-Town Vibe: Walkable downtown, strong community feel.
• Proximity to Austin: Easy access to a major tech and cultural hub.
• Good Rent Value: Rent is surprisingly reasonable for the area.

Cons:

• Expensive Housing: Median home price of $425,000 is a steep barrier.
• Seller's Market: Fierce competition, bidding wars, and high property taxes.
• Limited City Amenities: Fewer major concerts, pro sports, and diverse dining options.
• I-35 Traffic: Your commute to Austin can be a daily nightmare.

The Bottom Line: Choose San Antonio for affordability, city life, and career opportunities. Choose Georgetown for safety, community, and a quieter lifestyle—if you can afford the housing premium.