📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Hattiesburg and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Hattiesburg vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Hattiesburg | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $44,140 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $153,600 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $null | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $906 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 100.0 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.9 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 291.2 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 35% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Antonio vs. Hattiesburg: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the sprawling, historic energy of San Antonio—a city where the culture is as rich as the Tex-Mex. On the other, you have Hattiesburg, the "Hub City" of Mississippi, a compact college town with a laid-back Southern soul.
This isn't just a coin flip. It's a choice between two very different versions of American life. As your relocation expert, I'm not here to just list facts. I'm here to help you feel the vibe, crunch the numbers, and figure out where your life fits best. Let's dive in.
The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Southern Charm
San Antonio is a beast of a city. With a population of nearly 1.5 million, it's the seventh-largest city in the United States. This is a place of contrasts: the historic Alamo sits alongside the modern Tower of the Americas; the River Walk's tourist energy collides with quiet, established neighborhoods. It’s a military hub (home to Joint Base San Antonio), a healthcare titan, and a growing tech corridor. The vibe is diverse, bustling, and deeply Texan. If you crave anonymity, endless dining options, professional sports, and a sense of being at the center of something big, San Antonio calls your name.
Hattiesburg, with its 48,507 residents, is the definition of a "big small town." It’s anchored by the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and William Carey University, giving it a youthful, educated energy that punches above its weight class. The pace is slower. You know your neighbors. You get a front-row seat to college football and a community that rallies around its local spots. It’s a place for those who want a tight-knit community feel with the amenities of a small city (thanks to the universities). If you value knowing the barista by name and prefer a 15-minute commute to a 60-minute slog, Hattiesburg is your lane.
Who is each city for?
- San Antonio is for the career-driven, the culture-seekers, and those who need room to breathe (literally and figuratively). It’s for families who want top-tier schools and endless weekend activities, and for young professionals who want to build a network in a major metro.
- Hattiesburg is for the community-focused, the budget-conscious, and those who prioritize a slower pace of life. It’s perfect for retirees, young families who want a safe, affordable start, and students or academics who thrive in a university town environment.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Stretch Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. A $100,000 salary feels drastically different in these two cities. Let's break down the cost of living (COL) and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | San Antonio | Hattiesburg | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $153,600 | Hattiesburg is nearly 42% cheaper for homeownership. |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $906 | Rent in San Antonio is about 32% higher. |
| Housing Index | 94.2 | 100.0 | San Antonio's index is slightly below the national average (94.2 vs 100), but Hattiesburg's is right on the money (100.0). |
| Utilities | ~$150-$200/mo | ~$180-$220/mo | Hattiesburg's older housing stock and humid climate can lead to slightly higher utility bills. |
| Groceries | ~5% below nat'l avg | ~2% below nat'l avg | Both are affordable, but San Antonio has a slight edge due to its massive grocery distribution network. |
Salary Wars & The Tax Twist:
Here’s the kicker. The median income in San Antonio is $62,322, while in Hattiesburg, it’s $44,140. On paper, you earn more in San Antonio. But the real story is purchasing power.
- In San Antonio: That $62k median income goes toward a more expensive housing market. However, Texas has 0% state income tax. If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, your take-home pay is significantly higher than in most states. Your dollar fights harder against rent and mortgages, but you have more cash in hand to do it.
- In Hattiesburg: The median income is lower, but so are expenses. Mississippi has a state income tax (ranging from 0% to 5%, with a median earner paying around 3-4%). A $100,000 salary here puts you in the top tier of earners. You can afford a spacious home, a new car, and still have money for savings. The "sticker shock" of major metros vanishes here.
Verdict on Purchasing Power: For the average earner, Hattiesburg offers a simpler, more attainable lifestyle. For high earners (especially six-figure salaries), San Antonio's lack of state income tax is a massive financial advantage, allowing you to build wealth faster if you can manage the higher housing costs.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?
San Antonio: The Competitive Buyer's Market
San Antonio's housing market is hot, but not as scorching as Austin or Dallas. With a median home price of $264,900, it's still one of the more affordable large metros in the country. However, demand is high due to population growth and military transfers. Buyers should expect competition, especially for homes under $300k. The market is favoring sellers, but with rising interest rates, it's cooling slightly. Renting is a viable option, but prices are climbing steadily. If you're looking to buy, getting pre-approved and acting fast is key.
Hattiesburg: The Stable Buyer's Market
In Hattiesburg, the median home price is a dream at $153,600. This is a stable, predictable market. It's not a speculative frenzy; it's a place where you buy a home to live in, not to flip. Inventory is reasonable, and you're not typically getting into bidding wars. This is a buyer's market for those with financing in order. For renters, the $906 average for a one-bedroom is a bargain, and availability is generally good, especially near the universities.
Housing Verdict: For sheer affordability and ease of entry into homeownership, Hattiesburg wins. For those looking for appreciation potential in a growing city, San Antonio offers more upside, but with higher risk and competition.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference trumps data.
Traffic & Commute:
- San Antonio: Traffic is a fact of life. Commutes can easily be 30-60 minutes in peak traffic. The city is spread out, and public transit (VIA Metro) is limited. A car is a necessity.
- Hattiesburg: Traffic is minimal. The longest commute is likely 15-20 minutes. You can easily bike or walk to many parts of the city. The "rush hour" is laughably short.
Weather:
Both cities are humid. San Antonio has a classic Texas climate: scorching hot summers (100°F+ is common), mild winters (rarely freezing), and a long growing season. Hattiesburg has a humid subtropical climate: hot, sticky summers, mild winters, and a higher chance of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. San Antonio gets more sunshine; Hattiesburg gets more rain.
Crime & Safety (The Honest Truth):
This is a critical category.
- San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000. This is significantly above the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, crime is a city-wide issue that requires vigilance. You must research specific areas thoroughly.
- Hattiesburg: The violent crime rate is 291.2 per 100,000. This is also above the national average but is roughly 63% lower than San Antonio's rate. Safety is a relative advantage here, though property crime can be a concern, especially near college campuses.
The Dealbreaker Verdict: For low-stress commutes and a generally safer environment, Hattiesburg takes the lead. For weather, it's a tie—both are humid; San Antonio is hotter and sunnier, Hattiesburg is stormier. For those who can't stand traffic, Hattiesburg is the clear winner.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins the Showdown?
This isn't about declaring one city "better." It's about the right fit.
👑 Winner for Families: San Antonio
While Hattiesburg is affordable and safe, San Antonio offers a world of opportunity for growing families. The North East Independent School District and Northside ISD are some of the best in Texas. The city's cultural institutions (museums, the Zoo, Six Flags) provide endless educational and entertainment options. The larger population means more diverse extracurriculars, from competitive sports leagues to language schools. You'll pay more, but you're buying into a larger ecosystem of opportunity.
👑 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio
For career growth, networking, and social life, San Antonio is unmatched. The job market is diverse (tech, healthcare, military, finance), and the social scene is vibrant—from the Pearl Brewery to the Southtown arts district. The city's size means you can constantly meet new people. Hattiesburg is great for a quiet life, but it can feel limiting for ambitious young professionals seeking a dynamic career path.
👑 Winner for Retirees: Hattiesburg
This is a no-brander. The low cost of living, especially housing, allows retirement savings to stretch further. The slower pace, strong sense of community, and mild winters (compared to the Midwest or Northeast) are ideal. Access to top-tier healthcare via USM's medical programs is a plus. While San Antonio has great amenities, the higher cost, traffic, and crime rate make Hattiesburg a more peaceful and financially sensible retirement haven.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
San Antonio Pros:
- 0% State Income Tax – A major financial advantage.
- Thriving Job Market – Diverse and growing economy.
- World-Class Culture & Food – Unmatched Tex-Mex, history, and festivals.
- Major League Sports – Spurs, Missions, and more.
- Top-Tier School Districts – Excellent public education options.
San Antonio Cons:
- High Crime Rate – Requires careful neighborhood selection.
- Traffic & Sprawl – Long commutes are the norm.
- Hot, Humid Summers – Can be oppressive for months.
- Rising Cost of Living – Still affordable for a major city, but climbing.
Hattiesburg Pros:
- Extremely Affordable Housing – Own a home for a fraction of the cost.
- Low-Stress Lifestyle – Minimal traffic, tight-knit community.
- University Town Vibe – Youthful energy, cultural events, and college sports.
- Lower Crime (vs. SA) – Statistically safer environment.
- Slower Pace of Life – Perfect for those seeking peace.
Hattiesburg Cons:
- Limited Career Opportunities – Fewer corporate jobs and lower median income.
- State Income Tax – Takes a bite out of your paycheck.
- Isolation – Far from major metros; limited travel options.
- Weather Risks – Higher tornado threat.
- Fewer "Big City" Amenities – Limited high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The Bottom Line: Choose San Antonio if you prioritize career growth, cultural amenities, and are willing to navigate the challenges (and costs) of a major metro. Choose Hattiesburg if you value affordability, community, safety, and a slower pace of life above all else. Your money goes farther in Mississippi, but your opportunities are vast in Texas.