đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Great Falls and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Great Falls vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Great Falls | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $63,934 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $299,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $163 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $745 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 100.0 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.3 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 469.8 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.3% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 36 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Antonio vs. Great Falls: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing between San Antonio and Great Falls is like choosing between a thrilling roller coaster and a peaceful mountain hike. One is a bustling, sun-drenched metropolis bursting with history and flavor; the other is a rugged, gateway-to-nature city where the skies are wide and the pace is deliberate. As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the vibes, and dug into the data to help you decide. Let’s get into it.
The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
San Antonio, TX: Think of San Antonio as the ultimate blend of old-world charm and modern energy. The Alamo City is defined by its River Walk, a vibrant network of cafes and shops along a serene waterway, and its deep-rooted Texan and Hispanic heritage. The vibe here is fiesta—lively, social, and family-oriented. It’s a city of festivals, world-class BBQ, and a booming military and healthcare economy. The population is massive (1.49 million), so you’ll never run out of things to do, but you also won’t feel squeezed in a dense, intimidating metropolis like NYC or LA. It’s for the person who craves urban amenities—great food, diverse neighborhoods, major sports teams—without the pretense or the astronomical price tag of coastal cities.
Great Falls, MT: Great Falls is the definition of "big sky country." With a tiny population (60,412), it’s a tight-knit community where you’re more likely to run into a neighbor at the grocery store than a stranger. The lifestyle here is outdoor-centric and quiet. It’s a gateway to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, the Missouri River Breaks, and Glacier National Park. The culture is shaped by its history as a railroad hub and its proximity to Malmstrom Air Force Base. It’s for the person who values solitude, vast natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. If your ideal weekend involves hiking, fishing, or staring at an unpolluted night sky, Great Falls calls your name.
Who is each city for?
- San Antonio is for urbanites who love culture, food, and a touch of chaos, and who want a major city feel without the major city price.
- Great Falls is for outdoor enthusiasts, military families, and anyone seeking a tight community and a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road. At first glance, the numbers look deceptively similar, but the devil is in the details—especially the purchasing power.
Salary Wars: The Texas Advantage
Both cities have nearly identical median incomes: San Antonio at $62,322 and Great Falls at $63,934. So, on paper, they’re a wash. But here’s the kicker: Texas has a 0% state income tax. Montana has a state income tax that ranges from 1% to 6.75%. For a household earning $63,000, that’s a difference of roughly $2,500-$3,000 staying in your pocket each year in San Antonio. That’s a vacation, a car payment, or a significant boost to your savings.
Let’s break down the monthly expenses.
| Expense Category | San Antonio, TX | Great Falls, MT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $299,000 | San Antonio |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $745 | Great Falls |
| Housing Index | 94.2 (8.2% below nat'l avg) | 100.0 (Nat'l Avg) | San Antonio |
| Groceries | ~8% above nat'l avg | ~10% above nat'l avg | Slight edge to San Antonio |
| Utilities | ~9% below nat'l avg | ~14% above nat'l avg | San Antonio (Big Win) |
The Insight:
- Renters: Great Falls is the undisputed champion. Your $745 rent goes a lot further than San Antonio’s $1,197. You can get more space for less money, making it easier to save.
- Buyers: San Antonio’s $264,900 median home price is a solid 11% cheaper than Great Falls’ $299,000. This is a massive win for long-term wealth building. Combined with no state income tax, your purchasing power stretches significantly further in San Antonio.
- Utilities: This is a dealbreaker many overlook. Montana’s long, cold winters mean heating bills are steep. San Antonio’s mild winters and cheap electricity (thanks to its deregulated market) keep utility costs well below the national average.
Bottom Line: If you’re renting, Great Falls offers better bang for your buck. If you’re buying or earning a salary, San Antonio’s tax-free income and lower home prices give you more financial freedom.
The Housing Market
San Antonio: The market is competitive but accessible. With a median home price under $270k, it’s one of the most affordable major metros in the U.S. You get a lot of house for your money, especially in the suburbs. It’s a buyer’s market with more inventory than many coastal cities, but desirable homes still move quickly. The rental market is tighter, driven by a growing population and a strong military presence.
Great Falls: The market is tight and seasonal. Inventory is limited due to the smaller population. The median home price is higher than San Antonio, which can be a shock for a city of its size. It’s often a seller’s market, especially for homes in good condition. Rent is cheaper, but finding a rental can be challenging due to low turnover. The housing stock is older on average, which can mean more character but also more maintenance.
Verdict: For buyers, San Antonio offers more options and better value. For renters, Great Falls is cheaper, but be prepared for a more competitive search.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
San Antonio is a sprawling city. Traffic is real, especially on I-35 and I-10 during rush hour. The average commute is ~25 minutes. It’s not Atlanta-level gridlock, but it’s a far cry from a small town.
Great Falls is a breeze. The city is small, and you can get from one side to the other in 10-15 minutes. Traffic jams are virtually non-existent.
Winner: Great Falls (by a landslide).
Weather
San Antonio is hot and humid. Summers are brutal, with highs regularly hitting 95-100°F and high humidity. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. You’ll get used to the heat, but it’s a non-negotiable part of life.
Great Falls has four distinct seasons. Summers are perfect (avg high 80°F), but winters are long and cold, with frequent snow and temps often below 0°F. The wind is a constant factor.
Verdict: This is pure preference. Do you hate the cold or hate the heat? For most, San Antonio’s mild winters are easier to handle than Great Falls’ brutal winters, but the summer heat is a major trade-off.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical, honest look at the data.
- San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100k people. This is significantly higher than the national average (~380/100k) and even higher than the Texas average. Crime is often concentrated in specific neighborhoods, so research is essential.
- Great Falls: The violent crime rate is 469.8 per 100k people. This is also above the national average but notably lower than San Antonio’s. It’s a safer city on paper, but no city is crime-free.
Safety Insight: Statistically, Great Falls is safer. However, in a city of 60k, crime feels personal. In a city of 1.5 million, crime is often an abstract statistic. Your day-to-day safety in either city will depend heavily on the neighborhood you choose.
Head-to-Head Pros & Cons
San Antonio, TX
Pros:
- 0% State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.
- Affordable Housing: Median home price of $264,900 for a major metro.
- Vibrant Culture: World-class food, festivals, history, and sports.
- Mild Winters: No shoveling snow.
- Strong Job Market: Diverse economy in healthcare, military, and tech.
Cons:
- High Humidity & Heat: Summers are oppressive.
- Higher Crime Rate: 798.0/100k violent crime is a serious concern.
- Traffic & Sprawl: Commutes can be long.
- State Income Tax Benefit Disappears: If you move to a state with income tax, the financial advantage is gone.
Great Falls, MT
Pros:
- Low Rent: $745 for a 1BR is incredible value.
- Outdoor Paradise: Unrivaled access to mountains, rivers, and parks.
- Slower Pace & Community: Small-town feel with big-sky views.
- Safer Statistically: Violent crime rate of 469.8/100k.
- Easy Commutes: 10-15 minutes anywhere in town.
Cons:
- Higher Home Prices: Median of $299,000 for a much smaller city.
- Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and snowy.
- Limited Amenities: Fewer shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- State Income Tax: Erodes the slightly higher median income.
- Isolation: Far from major airports and large cities.
The Final Verdict
This isn’t about declaring one city universally better. It’s about matching the city to your life stage and priorities.
Winner for Families: San Antonio
The combination of affordable housing, zero state income tax, and endless family-friendly activities (parks, zoos, museums, festivals) makes San Antonio the clear choice. A family earning $100k will have significantly more purchasing power here than in Great Falls, and the school district options are more varied in a city of 1.5 million.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio
For career growth, networking, and a social life, San Antonio wins. The job market is larger and more diverse, the cost of living (especially for buyers) is unbeatable for a major city, and the cultural scene is dynamic. Great Falls can feel isolating for a young person seeking energy and opportunity.
Winner for Retirees: Great Falls
If your retirement dream is fish, hike, and enjoy quiet solitude, Great Falls is your spot. The lower rent is a huge plus on a fixed income. The community is tight-knit, and the access to nature is therapeutic. However, retirees with high medical needs should weigh the distance from major specialist centers against the peace and quiet.
The Bottom Line:
Choose San Antonio if you value urban amenities, a lower tax burden, and a vibrant cultural scene and can handle the heat and higher crime stats.
Choose Great Falls if you value affordable rent, unparalleled outdoor access, a slower pace, and a safer statistical profile and can handle the isolation and cold.
Your move. Which city feels like home?