Category / Metric	Johns Creek	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$151,344	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$675,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$230	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,362	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	110.9	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	99.8	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	400.7	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	74.8%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	27	39

San Antonio vs. Johns Creek: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

By: Your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist

Choosing between a city is like picking a partner—you’ve got to look beyond the surface and see if your lifestyles, values, and bank accounts are compatible. Today, we’re putting two wildly different American cities in the ring: the historic, sprawling giant of San Antonio, Texas, and the affluent, tightly-knit suburb of Johns Creek, Georgia.

This isn't just a numbers game; it's a clash of cultures. One offers a vibrant, big-city energy with a small-town heart (and no state income tax). The other offers top-tier schools, manicured lawns, and a quiet, upscale suburban life. Let’s dive in and see which one deserves your next chapter.

The Vibe Check: Big City Soul vs. Suburban Sanctuary

San Antonio is where history hums. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., a sprawling metropolis where the Alamo sits blocks away from modern skyscrapers and the River Walk’s festive lights. The vibe is laid-back, culturally rich, and unapologetically Texan. It’s a city of fiestas, world-class BBQ, and a thriving military and healthcare economy. You’ll find a diverse population, a booming food scene, and a pace that feels energetic yet manageable. It’s for the person who wants big-city amenities without the suffocating cost or congestion of coastal hubs.

Johns Creek, on the other hand, is the picture-perfect affluent suburb. Located in the northern Atlanta metro area, it’s a master-planned community known for its pristine parks, nationally-ranked public schools, and a median income that doubles the national average. The vibe is family-centric, quiet, and polished. Life here revolves around youth sports, community events, and excellent amenities. It’s for the family prioritizing school districts above all else, or the professional seeking a safe, convenient home base with easy access to Atlanta’s job market.

The Verdict: If you crave cultural depth, a distinct identity, and a lower cost of entry, San Antonio wins on vibe. If you want suburban perfection, elite schools, and a high-achieving community, Johns Creek is your match.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. The data paints a stark picture of two different economic realities.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	San Antonio, TX	Johns Creek, GA	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$675,000	Johns Creek is 155% more expensive to buy a home. This is the biggest financial divide.
1-BR Rent	$1,197	$1,362	Rent is higher in Johns Creek, but the gap is smaller than the home price chasm.
Housing Index	94.2	110.9	Johns Creek’s index is 17.7% above the national average. San Antonio is 5.8% below.
Median Income	$62,322	$151,344	Johns Creek residents earn 2.4x more on average, which is crucial for affording that housing.

Salary Wars & The Tax Factor
Let’s run a scenario. You have a remote job paying $100,000.

In San Antonio: Your $100k goes incredibly far. With 0% state income tax and a housing index below the national average, your purchasing power is massive. You can afford a nice mortgage on a median home ($264,900) with plenty of cash left over for dining out, travel, and savings. The "sticker shock" is minimal.
In Johns Creek: Your $100k feels tighter. Georgia has a 5.75% state income tax (on income over $10k). More importantly, the median home price is $675,000. To comfortably afford that, you’d likely need a household income closer to $200,000. Here, a six-figure salary is the entry point, not the luxury.

Insight: San Antonio offers bang for your buck. Johns Creek requires a higher income to maintain a similar standard of living, but that higher income is more common there. The dealbreaker is your budget: if you’re priced out of Johns Creek’s housing market, San Antonio is a financial breath of fresh air.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio’s Market: It’s a balanced to slightly seller-favored market. Inventory exists, but demand is steady due to population growth. The median home price of $264,900 is accessible for many, making homeownership a realistic goal for median-income earners. Renting is a viable, affordable option, with 1BRs at $1,197. Competition is present but not cutthroat.

Johns Creek’s Market: This is a classic seller’s market. With a median home price of $675,000 and a housing index of 110.9, affordability is the primary challenge. Inventory is often low, and desirable homes receive multiple offers quickly. This market favors those with significant capital or high incomes. Renting is an option ($1,362 for 1BR), but you’re paying a premium for the zip code without the equity benefits.

Verdict: For buyers, San Antonio is the clear winner for affordability. For renters, the choice is closer, but San Antonio still offers better value.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: As a large, sprawling city, traffic can be heavy, especially on I-35 and Loop 1604 during rush hour. Commutes can easily hit 30-45 minutes. However, the city’s grid layout offers multiple routes, and public transit (VIA Metropolitan) is available, if not comprehensive.
Johns Creek: Suburban traffic is real. As a bedroom community, the primary arteries (like GA-400) get congested during peak hours. Most residents commute to Atlanta or nearby areas. The average commute is longer than the national average, but the roads are well-maintained.

Weather

San Antonio: Brutal summers. Expect 90°F+ for months, with high humidity. Winters are mild (rarely freezing). If you hate intense heat and humidity, this is a major con.
Johns Creek: Four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F), but winters are cool with occasional snow/ice (a 52°F average temp). It offers seasonal variety but also the hassle of occasional winter weather disruptions.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical differentiator. The data speaks volumes.

San Antonio’s Violent Crime Rate: 798.0 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average (~380/100k). While many neighborhoods are safe, the city-wide statistic is a concern for many families and individuals.
Johns Creek’s Violent Crime Rate: 400.7 per 100,000. This is closer to the national average and reflects its status as a safe, affluent suburb. It’s consistently ranked one of the safest cities in Georgia.

The Verdict on Safety: Johns Creek is objectively safer by the numbers. This is a major factor for families and those prioritizing peace of mind.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which City?

After weighing the data and the vibes, here’s our definitive breakdown.

Winner for Families: Johns Creek

Why: The combination of top-tier public schools, significantly lower crime rates, and a family-oriented community is unbeatable. Yes, housing is expensive, but for families with the income to support it, the investment in safety and education is worth the premium.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio

Why: Affordability is king. A young professional can live comfortably, build savings, enjoy a vibrant food and culture scene, and build equity in a home—all on a median salary. The energy and diversity of a major city provide endless networking and social opportunities.

Winner for Retirees: San Antonio (with a caveat)

Why: For retirees on a fixed income, San Antonio’s low cost of living and 0% state income tax are financial game-changers. The mild winters are a plus. However, Johns Creek’s safety and amenities appeal to retirees with a larger nest egg. The tipping point is budget: San Antonio for the cost-conscious, Johns Creek for the affluent retiree.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Antonio, TX

Pros:

Rock-bottom cost of living and no state income tax.
Vibrant culture, history, and food scene.
Accessible home prices for a major U.S. city.
Mild winters (if you hate snow).
Strong job market in healthcare, military, and tech.

Cons:

High violent crime rate (city-wide).
Brutal summer heat and humidity.
Sprawling layout can lead to long commutes.
Limited public transportation.

Johns Creek, GA