Category / Metric	Pasco	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$84,337	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$425,460	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$247	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,633	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	83.2	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.8	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.65	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	372.1	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	23%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	52	39

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

Choosing where to plant your roots is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. It’s not just about a job; it’s about your daily life, your community, and your future. In this corner, we have San Antonio, the sprawling, historic giant of South Texas. In the other corner, we have Pasco, the rapidly growing, sun-drenched city in Washington’s Tri-Cities region.

This isn't just a data dump. This is a no-holds-barred comparison to help you decide. Let's dive in.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

San Antonio is a city that wears its heart on its sleeve. It’s a massive, diverse metropolis (population 1.49 million) where the past and present collide. Think the iconic River Walk, the historic Alamo, and a world-class culinary scene that’s more than just Tex-Mex. The vibe is big-city energy with a distinct, familial warmth. It’s a place for history buffs, foodies, and anyone who loves the energy of a major metro without the frantic pace of, say, Dallas or Houston. You’re never bored, and you’re always within a stone’s throw of culture, nightlife, and endless suburb options.

Pasco, on the other hand, is the definition of a rising star. With a population of just 81,415, it’s a fraction of San Antonio’s size. The vibe here is more outdoorsy, practical, and community-focused. It’s the heart of Washington’s wine country, surrounded by vineyards and the mighty Columbia River. The pace is slower, the air is cleaner, and life revolves around family, outdoor recreation, and a booming agricultural and tech-driven economy. If San Antonio is the bustling downtown of a major league city, Pasco is the charming, fast-growing suburb that’s building its own identity.

Who is each city for?

San Antonio is for the city-lover who wants big-city amenities, rich history, and a diverse, vibrant community. It’s for those who thrive on energy and variety.
Pasco is for the outdoors enthusiast, the young professional seeking opportunity in a growing market, or the family looking for a quieter, safer community with easy access to nature.

Verdict: This one’s a tie. It’s apples and oranges. San Antonio wins for sheer scale and cultural depth. Pasco wins for its clean, family-friendly, and outdoor-oriented atmosphere.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where things get interesting. Your paycheck goes a long way in Texas, but Washington’s higher wages help offset its steeper costs.

Let’s break it down with a direct comparison. For this table, we’ll use the national average (100) as a baseline. A number below 100 is cheaper than the U.S. average.

Category	San Antonio, TX	Pasco, WA	The Insight
Overall Cost of Living	94.2 (6% below avg)	83.2 (17% below avg)	Pasco is cheaper overall, surprisingly.
Median Home Price	$264,900	$425,460	Sticker Shock Alert: Pasco's housing is 60% more expensive.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,633	Renting in Pasco costs ~36% more per month.
Median Income	$62,322	$84,337	Pasco residents earn 35% more on average.
State Income Tax	0% (No state income tax)	0% (No state income tax)	A huge win for both! Your paycheck is yours.
Sales Tax	8.25% (Combined)	8.9% (Combined)	Pasco has a slightly higher sales tax.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power

Let’s get real. If you earn $100,000 a year, where does it feel like more?

In San Antonio: Your $100k feels like a king's ransom. With a median income of $62,322, you’re in the top tier. Rent for a nice 1BR is under $1,200, and you can find a solid family home for under $300k. Your money stretches incredibly far here. The lack of state income tax is the cherry on top. This is the definition of "bang for your buck."
In Pasco: Your $100k is still good, but you’re closer to the median. The housing market is the dealbreaker. That median home price of $425,460 means a significant chunk of your income goes toward housing. While your salary is higher, your cost of living—especially housing—eats into that advantage. You’ll have a comfortable life, but you won’t feel as "rich" as you would in San Antonio.

The Bottom Line on Buying Power: San Antonio is the clear winner for maximizing your dollar. The combination of lower housing costs and no state income tax gives you a financial cushion that Pasco can’t match, even with its higher median income.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio is a buyer's market. Inventory is relatively healthy, and while prices have risen, they haven’t exploded like in other major metros. The median home price of $264,900 is still accessible for many. Renting is also a viable, affordable option, making it easier to explore neighborhoods before committing. Competition exists, but it’s not the brutal, all-out war seen in cities like Austin or Seattle.

Pasco is a seller's market. The median home price of $425,460 is steep for the region, driven by high demand and limited inventory. Competition is fierce, especially for homes in the $300k-$500k range. You’ll likely face bidding wars and need to act fast. Renting isn’t a cheap escape either, with 1BR apartments averaging $1,633. The market is hot, fueled by people fleeing the high costs of Seattle and Portland for the relative affordability of the Tri-Cities.

Verdict: San Antonio wins decisively for homebuyers and renters alike. It offers more house (or apartment) for your money with less stress and competition.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio is a car-dependent city. While the traffic is heavy during rush hour, it’s generally more manageable than Houston or Dallas. The average commute is around 25 minutes. Public transit (VIA) exists but isn’t as comprehensive as in larger cities. You’ll need a car to get around efficiently.

Pasco is a commuter’s dream. The city is compact, and traffic is virtually non-existent. The average commute is under 20 minutes. It’s easy to get anywhere in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) in 15-20 minutes. The only traffic hiccup is on I-182 during peak hours, but it’s nothing compared to a major metro.

Winner: Pasco. The ease of getting around is a massive quality-of-life boost.

Weather

San Antonio is hot. Seriously hot. Summers are long and brutal, with average highs in the mid-90s and a heat index that often pushes 100°F+. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. The big factor here is humidity, which can make the heat feel oppressive. It’s a trade-off: mild winters for scorching summers.

Pasco has a true four-season climate, but it’s extreme. Summers are hot and dry, often hitting 90°F+ with little humidity. Winters are cold, with average lows around 36°F and regular snowfall. The region is known for its dramatic temperature swings and inversions that can trap cold air and pollution. It’s not for those who hate the cold.

Winner: It’s a draw. It depends on your preference. Hate the cold? San Antonio. Can’t stand humidity? Pasco. This is a pure personal preference call.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be direct: San Antonio has a serious crime problem. The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000 people, which is more than double the national average. While it’s concentrated in certain neighborhoods, it’s a city-wide concern that you must research carefully. Property crime is also high.

Pasco is significantly safer. The violent crime rate is 372.1 per 100,000, which is still above the national average but far below San Antonio’s. It’s a much safer community overall, which is a major factor for families.

Verdict: Pasco is the clear winner for safety. This is a non-negotiable for many.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?

After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final callout.

Winner for Families: Pasco

Why: Safety is the top priority for families, and Pasco’s lower crime rate is a massive advantage. The $84,337 median income provides a solid foundation, and the community-oriented, slower pace is ideal for raising kids. While housing is pricier, the trade-off for a safer, cleaner environment with great schools and outdoor activities is worth it for many families.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio

Why: Your dollar goes further, and the city offers a vibrant, social scene that’s hard to match. You can rent a nice place for $1,197, leaving plenty of cash for exploring the food, music, and nightlife. The job market is massive and diverse, and the city’s energy is infectious. It’s the perfect place to build a career and a social life without getting priced out.

Winner for Retirees: Pasco

Why: For retirees on a fixed income, safety and a quieter pace are paramount. Pasco offers that in spades. While the housing costs are higher, the overall cost of living is lower than San Antonio’s (check the table: 83.2 vs. 94.2). The beautiful, dry climate (if you can handle the cold winters) and access to wine country and outdoor recreation make it an attractive, peaceful place to settle down.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Antonio, TX

Pros:

Unbeatable Value: Your salary stretches incredibly far. No state income tax.
Rich Culture & History: Endless museums, festivals, and a world-class food scene.
Major Metro Amenities: Huge job market, major sports teams, top-tier healthcare.
Mild Winters: Escape the deep freeze.

Cons:

High Crime Rate: A serious concern that requires careful neighborhood research.
Brutal, Humid Summers: The heat and humidity can be overwhelming for 4-5 months.
Traffic & Sprawl: Car-dependent, with significant rush-hour congestion.

Pasco, WA