📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Overland Park and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Overland Park vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Overland Park | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $97,176 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $523,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $192 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $839 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 88.1 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 95.0 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 178.0 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 63.1% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 28 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're trying to pick between San Antonio, Texas (the Alamo City) and Overland Park, Kansas (a giant suburb of Kansas City). On paper, they’re both "affordable" cities with strong job markets, but they are worlds apart in vibe, weather, and wallet impact.
I’ve crunched the data, looked at the taxes, and analyzed the lifestyles. Whether you’re a family, a young professional, or a retiree, this head-to-head will tell you exactly where you belong.
The Vibe Check: Deep South vs. Midwest Nice
Before we get into the dollars and cents, let's talk about the soul of these places.
San Antonio is a major city in every sense of the word. It’s the 7th largest city in the US by population, boasting a population of 1.5 million. The vibe is distinctly Texan: warm, welcoming, and fiercely proud of its history. It’s a cultural melting pot with a heavy Spanish influence, incredible Tex-Mex food, and a bustling downtown centered around the River Walk. It’s energetic, humid, and sprawling. If you want big-city amenities (major league sports, a world-class zoo, huge concerts) without the price tag of Austin or Dallas, this is your spot.
Overland Park, on the other hand, is the quintessential "perfect suburb." With a population of roughly 197,000, it feels like a large town rather than a metropolis. It consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the US for families, thanks to top-tier schools and manicured neighborhoods. It’s cleaner, quieter, and more orderly than San Antonio. The culture is polite, community-focused, and deeply rooted in the Midwest work ethic. If you crave stability, safety, and a slower pace, Overland Park is calling.
Who is this for?
- San Antonio: The extrovert who loves history, food, and a lively atmosphere. The family that wants a backyard pool and diverse cultural exposure.
- Overland Park: The planner who values safety and education above all else. The professional who wants a short commute in a predictable, four-season environment.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Furthest?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Both cities are affordable compared to the coastal elites, but the math works differently.
First, let’s look at the raw cost of living metrics. Note the rent difference—it’s a stunner.
| Category | San Antonio, TX | Overland Park, KS | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $523,000 | San Antonio (By a mile) |
| Avg Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $839 | Overland Park (Cheaper to rent) |
| Housing Index | 94.2 | 88.1 | Overland Park (Nationally cheaper) |
| Median Income | $62,322 | $97,176 | Overland Park (Higher earning potential) |
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Let’s run a scenario. Imagine you earn the median income in each city.
In Overland Park, you’re making $97,176. In San Antonio, the median is $62,322. At first glance, Kansas looks richer. But here’s the kicker: The Cost of Living.
- Buying Power: While Overland Park has higher incomes, the housing costs are nearly double. In San Antonio, that $264,900 median home price is a massive advantage. You can get a lot of house for your money. In Overland Park, half a million dollars gets you a nice suburban home, but it doesn't go as far as it does in Texas.
- The Rent Game: If you aren't ready to buy, Overland Park is surprisingly affordable for renters. At $839 for a 1-bedroom, it’s significantly cheaper than San Antonio’s $1,197. This gives young professionals or transient workers a low barrier to entry.
- The Tax Trump Card: Here is where San Antonio fights back. Texas has 0% state income tax. Kansas has a state income tax ranging from 3.1% to 5.7%.
- If you earn $97,176 in Overland Park, you’re paying roughly $4,500 - $5,500 in state income tax annually.
- If you earn $62,322 in San Antonio, you pay $0 state income tax.
- Verdict: The high income in Overland Park is nice, but the tax burden and high home prices eat into that advantage. San Antonio offers better "bang for your buck" for homeowners.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent Dynamics
San Antonio:
- Buyer’s Market? It’s competitive but accessible. With a median price under $265k, first-time homebuyers have a real shot. Inventory is decent, though rising costs are putting pressure on the market.
- Renting: Rents are rising faster than the national average due to population growth, but still reasonable compared to big metros.
Overland Park:
- Buyer’s Market? This is a tough one for entry-level buyers. The median home price is $523,000. To afford that comfortably, you need a household income well above the median. The market is stable, but the barrier to entry is high.
- Renting: This is Overland Park’s secret weapon. Rent is cheap. You can live in a safe, high-amenity suburb for less than it costs to rent a studio in many coastal cities.
Winner for Affordability: San Antonio (if buying). Overland Park (if renting).
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Antonio: Traffic is heavy. As a large, sprawling city, you will drive. The average commute is around 25-30 minutes, but rush hour on I-10 or I-35 can be brutal. Public transit (VIA) exists but is not as robust as in older cities.
- Overland Park: This is a car-centric suburb. Traffic is generally lighter than a major metro, but you are dependent on a car for everything. Commutes are short—typically 20 minutes or less to downtown KC or within the suburb itself.
Weather: The Ultimate Divider
- San Antonio: Welcome to the Texas heat. Summers are long, brutal, and humid. Expect highs in the 90s°F for months (May through September). Winters are mild but can be erratic. If you hate the heat and humidity, this is a dealbreaker.
- Overland Park: Classic four seasons. The data point of 37.0°F is likely an average, but don't be fooled. Winters are cold with snow and ice (expect sub-freezing temps regularly). Summers are hot but less humid than Texas. Fall is gorgeous; spring is volatile (tornadoes are a risk). If you hate shoveling snow, this is a dealbreaker.
Crime & Safety
- San Antonio: This is the hardest pill to swallow. The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. While the suburbs are safer, the city proper has pockets of high crime. You must be diligent about neighborhood selection.
- Overland Park: The violent crime rate is 178.0 per 100k. This is incredibly low—safer than the vast majority of US suburbs. It’s one of the safest cities of its size in the country. If safety is your #1 priority, Overland Park wins, hands down.
| Factor | San Antonio | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | Heavy, sprawling, long commutes. | Light, car-dependent, short commutes. |
| Weather | Hot & Humid (90°F+ summers). | Four Seasons (Cold winters, mild summers). |
| Safety | High crime rate (798.0/100k). | Extremely safe (178.0/100k). |
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?
This isn't about which city is objectively "better"—it's about which city fits your life stage and priorities.
Winner for Families: Overland Park
Why: It’s the trifecta: Safety, Schools, and Space. The crime rate is a fraction of San Antonio’s, and the public schools (Blue Valley, Olathe) are consistently top-ranked in Kansas. While the home prices are high, the quality of life, parks, and community activities for kids are unmatched. You pay a premium, but you get stability in return.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio
Why: Energy and Affordability. You can live downtown or in trendy neighborhoods like Pearl or Southtown without breaking the bank. The nightlife, food scene, and cultural events are vibrant. Plus, the 0% income tax helps when you're building your career. Overland Park can feel sleepy for a single person; San Antonio is alive.
Winner for Retirees: Overland Park (Narrowly)
Why: Order and Healthcare. This is a tough call. San Antonio has warmer weather, which is a huge plus for retirees. However, Overland Park offers world-class healthcare (University of Kansas Health System is excellent), low crime (peace of mind), and a slower pace. If you can handle the Kansas winters, the safety and medical infrastructure give Overland Park the edge.
Pros & Cons: The Cheat Sheet
San Antonio, TX
Pros:
- Unbeatable Housing Value: Median home price of $264,900 is rare for a major metro.
- Zero State Income Tax: Keeps more money in your pocket.
- Vibrant Culture & Food: The best Tex-Mex and BBQ you’ll ever have.
- Mild Winters: No snow shoveling required.
Cons:
- High Crime Rate: 798.0 violent crimes per 100k requires vigilance.
- Brutal Summers: Humid heat can be oppressive for 4+ months.
- Traffic & Sprawl: You will spend time in your car.
Overland Park, KS
Pros:
- Extremely Safe: Violent crime rate of 178.0 per 100k is elite.
- Top-Tier Schools: A magnet for families prioritizing education.
- Cheap Rent: $839 for a 1BR is an incredible value.
- Clean & Orderly: The quintessential well-managed suburb.
Cons:
- Expensive to Buy: Median home price of $523,000 is a steep barrier.
- State Income Tax: Eats into that high median income ($97,176).
- Harsh Winters: Snow, ice, and sub-freezing temps are the norm.
- Suburban Blandness: Lacks the cultural grit and excitement of a big city.
Final Call:
Choose San Antonio if you want a big city feel, great weather (if you love heat), and want to buy a home on a middle-class budget. Just be prepared to lock your doors and endure the humidity.
Choose Overland Park if safety, schools, and stability are your non-negotiables, and you don't mind paying a premium for a home (or enjoying cheap rent). Just bundle up for winter.