Hollywood vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Hollywood	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$60,630	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$496,850	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$363	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,621	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	156.4	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	102.9	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.60	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	567.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	34.4%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	39

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between San Antonio and Hollywood.

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San Antonio vs. Hollywood: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the deep-rooted, spacious, and surprisingly affordable vibe of San Antonio. On the other, the glitz, glamour, and eternal spring of Hollywood, Florida.

This isn’t just about picking a zip code; it’s about picking a lifestyle. Are you looking for a place where your paycheck stretches, or a place where the weather is always perfect? Let’s cut through the noise and break down exactly what life looks like in these two vastly different cities.

The Vibe Check: Alamo City vs. The Tinseltown of the Atlantic

San Antonio is the embodiment of Texas charm mixed with rapid growth. It’s a city that feels lived-in and authentic. The culture is a rich blend of Tex-Mex, military history (it’s home to massive Air Force bases), and a booming healthcare and tech scene. The vibe here is laid-back but ambitious. You’ll spend weekends exploring the River Walk, hitting the Hill Country wineries, or enjoying a backyard BBQ. It’s a city for people who value space, community, and a slower pace that still offers big-city amenities.

Hollywood, Florida, on the other hand, is the "Golden Beach" city sandwiched between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It’s a coastal town with a distinct Art Deco flair and a boardwalk that screams vacation. The vibe is cosmopolitan, humid, and active. It’s a haven for retirees, beach bums, and young professionals who want access to the Miami nightlife without the Miami price tag (though it’s catching up). Life here revolves around the ocean, the sun, and the energy of South Florida.

• Who is San Antonio for? Families, budget-conscious professionals, military families, and anyone who hates traffic and loves a strong sense of local culture.
• Who is Hollywood for? Retirees, beach lovers, social butterflies, and those who prioritize weather and coastal living above all else.

The Dollar Power: Your Wallet’s Best Friend

This is where the rubber meets the road. If you earn a six-figure salary, where does it feel like you’re actually rich?

Let’s break down the cold, hard numbers. We’re using $100,000 annual income as our baseline for comparison.

Expense Category	San Antonio	Hollywood	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$496,850	Hollywood homes cost nearly 88% more than San Antonio's.
1-BR Rent	$1,197	$1,621	Renting in Hollywood is roughly 35% more expensive monthly.
Housing Index	94.2	156.4	Hollywood's housing market is significantly more expensive (100 = national avg).
Median Income	$62,322	$60,630	Surprisingly, incomes are nearly identical, making the cost gap even starker.

The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power & Taxes

Here’s the brutal truth: San Antonio wins the value war by a landslide.

Let’s talk "Purchasing Power." If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, your effective purchasing power feels closer to $140,000 in Hollywood. Why? Because your biggest expense—housing—swallows a much smaller chunk of your paycheck.

The Tax Factor (The Big Equalizer):
This is crucial. Texas has 0% state income tax. California (where Hollywood, CA is located) has a high state income tax (up to 13.3%). However, Hollywood, FL is in Florida, which also has 0% state income tax. So, in this specific Florida vs. Texas matchup, the tax advantage is a wash. Both states save you thousands compared to high-tax states like New York or California.

But even with taxes equal, the cost of living in Hollywood is driven by demand, tourism, and proximity to Miami. You pay a premium for the coastal lifestyle. In San Antonio, your dollar goes further for groceries, utilities, and especially housing.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio:

• Buyer’s Market: With a median home price of $264,900, homeownership is within reach for middle-class families. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. You can find a decent 3-bedroom home in a good school district for under $350,000.
• Renting: A strong rental market for both apartments and single-family homes. Rent increases have been steady but not astronomical.

Hollywood:

• Seller’s Market (Intense): The median home price is nearly $500k. This is a tough pill to swallow unless you’re coming from a major metro like NYC or San Francisco. Starter homes are scarce, and the competition is fierce, especially for anything near the water.
• Renting: Rent is high, and vacancy rates can be low. You’re paying for location. A $1,621 1-BR rent gets you a nice apartment, but often without the square footage you’d get in San Antonio.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• San Antonio: Traffic exists, but it’s manageable. The city is spread out, which helps. The average commute is around 26 minutes. You’re rarely sitting in gridlock for hours like in Houston or LA.
• Hollywood: Traffic is a different beast. You’re in the thick of the South Florida corridor. I-95 and US-1 are notorious bottlenecks. The average commute can be 30-40 minutes, and during snowbird season (winter), it can be a nightmare. If you work in Miami, expect a brutal daily drive.

Weather

• San Antonio: Brutal summers. We’re talking sustained highs of 95°F-105°F with high humidity. Winters are mild (50s-60s), with occasional freezes. You get four seasons, but summer is the main event.
• Hollywood: Near-perfect, but humid. The data says 75°F average, which is accurate. It’s summer year-round. However, humidity is a constant companion (80%+), and you have a real hurricane season (June-Nov) to worry about. If you hate heat and humidity, this is a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be honest: Safety is a major concern for anyone moving.

• Violent Crime Rate (per 100k):
  • San Antonio: 798.0
  • Hollywood: 567.0

Hollywood is statistically safer in terms of violent crime. However, this data is nuanced. Crime in Hollywood can be concentrated in specific areas, while San Antonio’s rate is averaged across a much larger, more diverse population. Hollywood’s lower rate is a strong point in its favor, but always research specific neighborhoods in either city.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins?

After crunching the numbers and listening to the local pulse, here’s the final breakdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: San Antonio
It’s not even close. San Antonio offers affordable homeownership, lower cost of living, and a family-centric culture with great schools (in the right districts). You can afford a house with a yard, and the city is packed with kid-friendly activities (Zoo, Six Flags, museums). The lower violent crime rate (when compared to major metros) and manageable traffic make daily life less stressful.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Hollywood
If you’re young, single, and want an active social life near the water, Hollywood is the spot. You’re 30 minutes from Miami’s nightlife and an hour from Fort Lauderdale’s job market. The weather is a constant pick-me-up, and the social scene is vibrant. Just be prepared to budget aggressively for rent and navigate a competitive job market.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Hollywood
For retirees, Hollywood is a dream. The weather allows for year-round golf, walking the boardwalk, and swimming. There’s a massive retiree community, endless social activities, and top-tier healthcare. While San Antonio is also retiree-friendly (lower cost, mild winters), Hollywood’s climate and coastal lifestyle are the ultimate draw for those looking to escape cold winters for good.

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Pros & Cons: The Quick Glance

San Antonio Pros & Cons

✅ PROS:

• Incredible Value: Median home price of $264,900 is a steal in today's market.
• Zero State Income Tax: Keeps more money in your pocket.
• Strong Job Market: Growing in healthcare, military, and tech.
• Rich Culture & Food: World-class Tex-Mex and authentic local flavor.
• Manageable Traffic: Compared to other Texas metros.

❌ CONS:

• Scorching Summers: Heat and humidity can be oppressive for months.
• Public Schools: Highly variable; research is essential.
• Limited Nature: Not close to beaches or mountains (Hill Country is lovely but not the same).

Hollywood Pros & Cons

✅ PROS:

• Perfect Weather: Average of 75°F year-round.
• Beach & Boardwalk: Unbeatable coastal lifestyle.
• Proximity to Miami: Access to world-class entertainment and jobs without the full Miami price tag.
• Lower Violent Crime: Statistically safer than San Antonio.
• Active & Social: Great for retirees and social butterflies.

❌ CONS:

• High Cost of Living: Housing is nearly 88% more expensive.
• Tourist Crowds: Can feel congested, especially in winter.
• Hurricane Risk: A real and serious seasonal threat.
• Traffic: Part of the congested South Florida corridor.
• Humidity: Constant and can be stifling.

The Bottom Line

Choose San Antonio if: You prioritize financial freedom, space, and a strong local culture. It’s the practical, budget-friendly choice that doesn’t sacrifice big-city amenities.

Choose Hollywood if: Your non-negotiable is perfect weather and coastal living. You’re willing to pay a premium for lifestyle and access to the South Florida scene.

San Antonio gives you more house for your money. Hollywood gives you more sun for your soul. The choice depends entirely on what you value more.