📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Provo and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Provo vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Provo | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $62,556 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $500,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $231 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,093 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 107.4 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 93.0 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 178.0 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 74 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Antonio vs. Provo: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
Alright, let's cut to the chase. You're torn between two cities that couldn't be more different, yet somehow sit at a similar income bracket. On one side, you have San Antonio, a sprawling, historic giant in the heart of Texas. On the other, Provo, a tight-knit, family-focused hub in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah.
This isn't just about picking a place to live; it's about picking a lifestyle. Are you chasing vibrant city culture and affordability, or are you after mountain views and a tight community? Let's break it down, category by category, with the data and the straight talk you need.
The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Mountain Town Soul
San Antonio is the Alamo City—a place where history isn't just in museums; it's baked into the cobblestone streets of the River Walk. It’s a major metropolitan area (population 1.49 million) that feels distinctly Texan. The vibe is laid-back but bustling, with a rich blend of cultures, a legendary food scene (think world-class Tex-Mex and BBQ), and a major military presence. It’s for the person who wants city amenities—major league sports, diverse job markets, endless dining options—without the relentless pace (or price tag) of Austin or Dallas. It's a city for those who value history, space, and a slower, more communal pace of life.
Provo, by comparison, is a college town with a mountain soul. Home to Brigham Young University (BYU), its population of 113,355 feels much smaller and more insular. The vibe is clean, orderly, and overwhelmingly family-oriented. The outdoors aren't a weekend getaway; they're your backyard. Provo is for the active, outdoor enthusiast who prioritizes community, safety, and stunning natural beauty. It’s ideal for those who want a quieter, more predictable environment and don't mind a cultural landscape that is deeply influenced by the predominant local faith. It’s a hub for tech startups and education, but the social scene is decidedly more subdued.
Who is each city for?
- San Antonio is for the foodie, the history buff, the military family, the young professional who wants a big-city feel without the big-city price, and anyone who craves cultural diversity.
- Provo is for the outdoor adventurer, the young family seeking a safe, community-centric upbringing, the professional in tech/education, and the retiree who loves hiking and wants a peaceful, scenic environment.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Farther?
This is where the story gets interesting. Both cities have nearly identical median incomes—San Antonio: $62,322 and Provo: $62,556. But how far that money goes is a different ballgame. The key metric here is purchasing power.
Let's look at the core expenses. (Note: Weather data is N/A for San Antonio, but we'll discuss the climate impact later.)
| Expense Category | San Antonio | Provo | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $500,000 | San Antonio wins, decisively. This is the biggest sticker shock difference. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $1,093 | Provo is slightly cheaper on rent, but the home price gap is the real story. |
| Housing Index | 94.2 | 107.4 | San Antonio is more affordable (100 is the national average). |
| Gross State Tax Impact | 0% Income Tax | 4.95% Income Tax | Texas wins on income tax. Utah has a flat rate. |
Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let's say you earn $100,000. In Texas (San Antonio), you pay $0.00 in state income tax. Your take-home pay is higher right off the bat. In Utah (Provo), you'd pay $4,950 in state income tax, leaving you with $95,050 before federal taxes. That's an immediate $4,950 advantage for San Antonio.
Now, apply that to housing. In San Antonio, a median home of $264,900 requires a mortgage payment roughly $1,500-$1,700/month (with 20% down). In Provo, a median home of $500,000 requires a payment closer to $2,800-$3,000/month. That's nearly double the housing cost for nearly the same salary.
Verdict on Purchasing Power: San Antonio is the clear winner. Your $100k salary will feel significantly more powerful there. You can afford a home, dine out more often, and save more. Provo's high housing costs, despite lower rent, create a much higher barrier to entry for homeownership, especially for a median-income earner.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition
San Antonio:
- Buyer's Market (Leaning). With a median home price under $270k, the barrier to entry is relatively low. Inventory is generally better than in many major metros, though it's tightened post-pandemic. It's a competitive market for deal homes, but you can still find options. Renting is a viable, affordable option for newcomers.
- Renting: At $1,197 for a 1BR, it's below the national average and a great way to test the city before buying.
Provo:
- Seller's Market (Intense). The median home price of $500,000 reflects intense demand and limited inventory, fueled by the tech boom and a desirable lifestyle. Buyers face bidding wars and must be prepared to move fast. The market is particularly tough for first-time buyers.
- Renting: At $1,093, rent is slightly cheaper than San Antonio, which is surprising given the home prices. This is largely due to a large student population in Provo, which saturates the rental market with affordable (but often small or shared) units. Finding a family-sized rental can be challenging and expensive.
Housing Verdict: For affordability and homeownership, San Antonio is the hands-down choice. Provo is a fantastic place to live if you can afford the entry price, but it's a tough market for the average earner.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Antonio: As a sprawling city, traffic can be a beast. The average commute is around 25-30 minutes. I-35 and Loop 1604 are notorious bottlenecks. You will spend time in your car. It's a car-dependent city.
- Provo: Traffic is lighter, but not nonexistent, especially with BYU traffic. The average commute is shorter, around 20 minutes. The city is more compact, and the majestic mountains are always visible, which can make even a traffic jam feel less oppressive.
Weather
- San Antonio: This is a major dealbreaker for some. It's hot. Brutally hot. Summers regularly hit 95°F+ with high humidity. Winters are mild (rarely freezing), but the heat is intense for months. You live for the spring and fall.
- Provo: Four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry (85-90°F), perfect for hiking. Winters are cold and snowy (34°F average in Jan). You'll get a real winter with snow, which some love and others hate. The mountain air is crisp and clean.
Crime & Safety
This is one of the starkest differences in the data.
- San Antonio: Violent Crime is a serious concern. The rate is 798.0 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, crime rates vary dramatically by area, and vigilance is necessary.
- Provo: Exceptionally safe. Violent Crime is 178.0 per 100,000 residents, which is extremely low. It's consistently ranked one of the safest cities in the U.S. for its size. This is a massive point in Provo's favor for families.
Dealbreakers Verdict: It's a trade-off. Provo wins on safety and better weather for outdoor lovers, but you must be prepared for real winter. San Antonio offers milder winters but at the cost of extreme summer heat and higher crime rates.
The Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?
After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final showdown.
🏆 Winner for Families: PROVO
Why: The safety stats are undeniable. The community is built around family life. The schools are excellent (BYU's influence), and the access to outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, biking) is unparalleled for family bonding. The trade-off is the high cost of housing, which can be a stretch for a single-income family on a median salary.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: SAN ANTONIO
Why: The purchasing power is the key. A young professional earning $62k can afford to rent their own place ($1,197), save for a future home, and enjoy a vibrant, diverse city with a fantastic food and nightlife scene. Provo's social scene is limited and expensive, while San Antonio offers big-city amenities without the financial strain.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: PROVO (with a caveat)
Why: If you're an active retiree who loves hiking, skiing, and stunning mountain views, Provo is a paradise. The low crime rate and peaceful environment are ideal. The caveat: you must have a significant nest egg to afford the housing. If your retirement budget is fixed, San Antonio becomes a strong contender due to its lower cost of living, milder winters, and abundant cultural activities.
Final Pros & Cons Lists
San Antonio: The Alamo City
Pros:
- ✅ Incredible Affordability: Low median home price and favorable taxes.
- ✅ Vibrant Culture & Food: World-class Tex-Mex, BBQ, and a rich historical scene.
- ✅ Major City Amenities: Professional sports, diverse job markets, major airport.
- ✅ Mild Winters: No shoveling snow required.
Cons:
- ❌ High Crime: Violent crime rates are a serious concern.
- ❌ Brutal Summer Heat & Humidity: Can be oppressive for months.
- ❌ Traffic & Sprawl: Car-dependent with significant commute times.
- ❌ Less Outdoor Focus: Parks are nice, but not the same as mountain access.
Provo: The Mountain Haven
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely Safe: Among the lowest crime rates in the nation.
- ✅ Outdoor Paradise: Unbeatable access to hiking, skiing, and breathtaking scenery.
- ✅ Clean & Family-Friendly: Orderly, community-oriented, and great for raising kids.
- ✅ Strong Job Market (Tech/Education): Driven by BYU and local startups.
Cons:
- ❌ Very High Housing Costs: Median home price is nearly double San Antonio's.
- ❌ Limited Cultural Diversity: Homogeneous culture and social scene.
- ❌ Harsh Winters: Significant snow and cold temperatures.
- ❌ Cultural & Social Constraints: Heavily influenced by one dominant faith, which can feel restrictive for outsiders.
The Bottom Line: If your priority is financial freedom, affordability, and big-city culture, choose San Antonio. If your priority is safety, family, and outdoor adventure, and you can swing the housing costs, choose Provo.