Category / Metric	North Little Rock	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$51,236	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.1%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$206,800	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$127	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$950	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	67.3	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.1	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	671.9	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	30.1%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	39

San Antonio vs. North Little Rock: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing a new city isn't just about picking a pin on a map. It's about choosing a lifestyle, a community, and a future. If you're standing at the crossroads, looking at the vibrant, historic sprawl of San Antonio, Texas versus the quiet, riverfront charm of North Little Rock, Arkansas, you're comparing two very different versions of the American South.

Let's cut through the noise, look at the cold, hard data, and have a real conversation about where you should plant your roots.

The Vibe Check: Big Energy vs. Riverfront Ease

San Antonio is a beast of a city. With a population pushing 1.5 million, it's the 7th largest city in the U.S. It’s a sprawling metropolis where you can find a world-class culinary scene, a legendary River Walk, and a military presence that shapes its economy and culture. The vibe is energetic, diverse, and unapologetically Texan. It's a city that moves at a fast clip, offering endless things to do, see, and eat. You’ll feel the buzz of a major metro, but it’s often more laid-back than its Texas cousins like Austin or Dallas.

North Little Rock (often just called "NLR") is the quieter, more intimate sibling across the Arkansas River from Little Rock proper. With a population of just 64,504, it’s a fraction of the size. The vibe here is quintessential Mid-South: friendly, community-focused, and paced for living, not just working. Think riverfront parks, minor league baseball, and a historic downtown (Argenta District) that feels more like a charming town than a city center. It’s for folks who want big-city amenities nearby (Little Rock has them) without the crushing density or cost.

Who it's for:

San Antonio: Go-getters, foodies, military families, and anyone who craves diversity, cultural events, and a non-stop calendar of activities.
North Little Rock: Families seeking affordability and space, retirees looking for a calm pace, and professionals who value a tight-knit community feel.

The Dollar Power: Where Your Paycheck Goes Further

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. We'll assume a hypothetical salary of $100,000 to compare how far your money stretches in each city.

Cost of Living Table

Category	San Antonio, TX	North Little Rock, AR	Difference
Median Home Price	$264,900	$206,800	$58,100
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$950	$247
Overall Cost of Living (Housing Index)	94.2	67.3	26.9%
Median Household Income	$62,322	$51,236	$11,086

Salary Wars & The Tax Factor:
This is a critical piece often overlooked. Texas has no state income tax. Arkansas has a progressive income tax, ranging from 2% to 5.5% for the 2024 tax year.

Let's break down that $100,000 salary:

In San Antonio: You take home approximately $82,000 (after federal and Social Security/Medicare, but no state tax). Your housing costs (median home price) represent about 323% of your annual take-home pay.
In North Little Rock: You take home approximately $77,000 (after federal, Social Security/Medicare, and an estimated 5% state income tax). Your housing costs represent about 269% of your annual take-home pay.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power: While San Antonio salaries are slightly higher on paper, the no-state-income-tax advantage is often negated by the higher cost of living. North Little Rock’s significantly lower housing and overall costs mean your dollars stretch much further. For pure financial leverage, North Little Rock wins the dollar power contest. The 26.9% lower overall cost of living is a massive deal.

CALLOUT BOX: The Sticker Shock Factor
Winner: North Little Rock
The difference isn't subtle. A median home in San Antonio costs 28% more than in NLR. If you’re budget-conscious or looking to build savings aggressively, North Little Rock offers a financial breather that’s hard to ignore.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?

San Antonio: The Competitive Seller’s Market

San Antonio’s housing market is hot. With a population over 1.5 million and steady growth from military and tech sectors, demand is high. The median home price of $264,900 is relatively affordable for a major U.S. city, but competition is fierce. You’ll often face bidding wars, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Alamo Heights or The Pearl District. Rent is also climbing, with a 1BR averaging $1,197. It’s a classic seller’s market where inventory moves fast, and buyers need to be decisive.

North Little Rock: The Buyer’s Playground

In contrast, North Little Rock is a buyer’s market. With a smaller population and slower growth, inventory is more plentiful, and competition is lower. The median home price of $206,800 is not only lower but also more attainable for first-time buyers. You’re more likely to have room to negotiate and less likely to get into a bidding war. Rent is a steal at $950 for a 1BR, offering a fantastic entry point for renters looking to save for a future purchase.

The Verdict:

For Buyers: North Little Rock is the clear winner. Lower prices, less competition, and more negotiating power give you a significant advantage.
For Renters: North Little Rock also wins, with rents 20% lower than San Antonio’s, freeing up cash for other goals.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Deep Dive

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: As a sprawling metro, traffic is a real issue. The I-35 and I-10 corridors are notorious for congestion. Commute times can easily hit 30-45 minutes for a 10-mile trip during peak hours. Public transit (VIA) exists but isn’t as robust as in cities like Chicago or NYC.
North Little Rock: Traffic is virtually non-existent. The commute from NLR to downtown Little Rock is a quick, scenic drive over the river. You can get across the entire metro area in 15-20 minutes. This is a massive quality-of-life advantage.

Winner: North Little Rock by a landslide.

Weather & Climate

San Antonio: Welcome to the Texas heat. Summers are brutally hot, with averages in the 90s°F and high humidity. Winters are mild (50s°F), but ice storms can happen. You’re trading snow for scorching heat and the occasional hurricane threat from the Gulf.
North Little Rock: Four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (similar to San Antonio, but slightly less intense), but you get a true autumn with colorful leaves and a winter with occasional snow and ice. The average temperature data point of 57.0°F reflects its seasonal balance.

Winner: It's a toss-up. If you hate cold and snow, San Antonio wins. If you love seasonal change and can handle humidity, North Little Rock offers more variety.

Crime & Safety

Let's be direct and use the data. Both cities have higher violent crime rates than the U.S. national average (which is around 380/100k).

San Antonio Violent Crime Rate: 798.0/100k
North Little Rock Violent Crime Rate: 671.9/100k

San Antonio’s rate is roughly 19% higher than North Little Rock’s. This is influenced by its massive size, higher poverty rates in certain neighborhoods, and its status as a major transit hub. North Little Rock, while smaller, is not immune to crime, especially in specific pockets. However, statistically, you have a better chance of avoiding violent crime in NLR.

Winner: North Little Rock for a lower statistical risk, but safety is highly neighborhood-dependent in both cities. Thorough research is essential.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for YOU?

This isn't about declaring one city superior overall. It's about which city is the superior fit for your life stage and priorities.

Winner for Families: North Little Rock
The combination of lower housing costs, safer neighborhoods (statistically), less traffic, and a community-focused vibe makes it an ideal environment for raising kids. The space and financial breathing room are game-changers.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio
If you crave career opportunities, a dynamic social scene, endless dining and nightlife, and cultural diversity, San Antonio delivers. The no-state-income-tax helps offset the higher cost of living, and the energy of a big city is perfect for networking and growth.
Winner for Retirees: North Little Rock
Affordability is king in retirement. NLR’s lower costs of living, especially in housing and healthcare, mean fixed incomes go much further. The slower pace, milder summers (compared to deep Texas), and strong sense of community are tailor-made for a relaxed retirement.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Antonio, TX

Pros:

No state income tax (big financial boost).
World-class food scene and cultural attractions (River Walk, Alamo).
Diverse economy with strong military, healthcare, and tech sectors.
Vibrant, fast-paced lifestyle with endless activities.

Cons:

High cost of living (especially housing) relative to income.
Brutal summer heat and humidity.
Significant traffic congestion and sprawl.
Higher violent crime rate than NLR.

North Little Rock, AR