đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Redmond and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Redmond vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Redmond | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $172,979 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $1,350,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $625 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,864 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 151.5 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.65 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 372.1 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 76.4% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 45 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Antonio vs. Redmond: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have San Antonio—Texas’s cultural soul, a city where Spanish missions meet modern tech, and the cost of living feels like a warm embrace. On the other, Redmond—the quiet, affluent tech hub nestled in Washington State’s lush, misty landscape, a stone’s throw from Seattle’s cosmopolitan energy but worlds away in price tag.
It’s a classic clash of titans: the sprawling, affordable metropolis versus the compact, high-earning enclave. But which one is right for you? Let’s cut through the hype and dive deep into the data, the vibe, and the very real trade-offs. Grab your coffee; we’re about to settle this.
The Vibe Check: What Are You Really Signing Up For?
San Antonio is a city of vibrant contradictions. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., but it doesn’t feel like a soulless concrete jungle. The vibe is deeply Texan—friendly, unpretentious, and fiercely proud of its history. Think the iconic River Walk lined with restaurants, the historic Alamo, and a thriving arts scene. It’s a city where you can get world-class barbecue for lunch and explore a NASA facility in the afternoon. The pace is slower than Austin or Dallas, but it’s by no means sleepy. It’s a place for people who want big-city amenities without the big-city ego or price tag.
Redmond is the polar opposite. It’s not a “city” in the traditional sense; it’s a sophisticated, high-tech suburb that functions as a self-contained ecosystem. Known as the “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest,” it’s clean, orderly, and surrounded by evergreen forests and lakes. The vibe is quiet, family-oriented, and deeply connected to the tech industry (Microsoft’s headquarters are here). It’s for those who prioritize safety, top-tier schools, and access to outdoor recreation—mountains, lakes, and trails are literally out your back door. The energy is calm and professional, not buzzing with nightlife.
Who is each city for?
- San Antonio is for the person who craves cultural depth, a lower cost of living, warm weather, and a laid-back, community-focused lifestyle. It’s ideal for families, foodies, and history buffs.
- Redmond is for the high-earning professional, the outdoor enthusiast, and the family that prioritizes safety and elite public schools above all else. It’s for those who see their home as a sanctuary and value proximity to nature over urban grit.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. The data paints a starkly different picture for your wallet.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | San Antonio | Redmond | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $1,350,000 | 509% higher in Redmond |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $1,864 | 56% higher in Redmond |
| Housing Index | 94.2 | 151.5 | 61% more expensive in Redmond |
| Median Income | $62,322 | $172,979 | 178% higher in Redmond |
The Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s run a thought experiment. You earn $100,000 a year. In San Antonio, with a median home price of $264,900, that’s a 4.2x multiplier—a historically healthy ratio. Your paycheck stretches incredibly far. You can afford a comfortable home, save for retirement, and dine out regularly without breaking a sweat.
Now, take that same $100,000 to Redmond. The median home price is $1,350,000. That’s a staggering 13.5x multiplier. You are now in a different universe of affordability. To achieve the same housing-to-income ratio as in San Antonio, you’d need to earn over $320,000 annually. For a single professional earning a tech salary (say, $172k, the Redmond median), buying a home is a monumental challenge requiring a massive down payment and a significant portion of your income going to mortgage.
The Tax Twist:
Here’s the critical factor the data doesn’t show: Taxes.
- Texas (San Antonio) has 0% state income tax. That’s a huge boost to your take-home pay. However, it makes up for it with some of the highest property taxes in the nation (often 2-2.5% of your home’s value annually). On a $264,900 home, you could be paying $5,300-$6,600 per year in property taxes alone.
- Washington (Redmond) has no state income tax (a massive perk for high earners), but it has a steep 7.7% state sales tax. Property taxes are moderate (around 0.9-1.1%). On a $1,350,000 home, property taxes could be $13,500-$15,000 per year.
Verdict: San Antonio is the clear winner for pure purchasing power and affordability. Your $100k feels like $100k. In Redmond, your $172k feels like it’s fighting a losing battle against housing costs. Redmond only wins if you are a high-earning dual-income household or a tech professional with significant stock options.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Bust?
San Antonio is a buyer’s market in many respects. Inventory is higher, and prices, while rising, are still accessible. The median home price of $264,900 is within striking distance for many first-time buyers. Renting is also a viable, affordable option, with a 1BR going for $1,197. The competition is fierce for the most desirable neighborhoods, but overall, the market is more forgiving.
Redmond is a seller’s market with teeth. The median home price of $1,350,000 is a fortress. Competition is brutal, especially for single-family homes in top school districts. Bidding wars are common, and all-cash offers are frequent. Renting is the default for many, but even that is expensive ($1,864 for a 1BR). The barrier to entry is exceptionally high, making homeownership a long-term goal for most, not an immediate reality.
Verdict: For the average earner, San Antonio offers a tangible path to homeownership. Redmond is a market for the well-heeled or the exceptionally frugal saver.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Antonio: Traffic is real. As a sprawling city, commutes can be long. The average commute is 25-30 minutes, but it can easily exceed an hour during peak times on I-10 or I-35. Public transit (VIA) exists but is less comprehensive than in denser cities.
- Redmond: Commutes are a different beast. While the city itself is manageable, many residents commute to Seattle or Bellevue. This can mean 30-60 minutes on I-405 or SR-520, some of the most congested corridors in the U.S. However, the city’s size means local errands are quick. The tech culture also normalizes remote work, mitigating some commute pain.
Weather
- San Antonio: Hot. Very hot. Summers regularly consistently hit 95-100°F with high humidity, making outdoor activity brutal from June to September. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing). If you hate the cold and love the sun, this is paradise. If you wilt in heat, it’s a dealbreaker.
- Redmond: The Pacific Northwest stereotype is real. Expect frequent rain, overcast skies, and a distinct lack of sunshine from October to June. Summers are glorious (70-80°F and dry), but they are short. The data shows an average of 48°F, but that’s misleading—it’s a mix of cool, damp winters and perfect summers. If you need sunlight to function, this will be a challenge.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical, honest comparison.
- San Antonio: The data shows a violent crime rate of 798.0 per 100k. This is significantly above the national average. Like any major city, safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Areas like Alamo Heights or Stone Oak are very safe, while others have higher crime rates. Vigilance is necessary.
- Redmond: The data shows a violent crime rate of 372.1 per 100k. This is below the national average and remarkably low for a city of its profile and proximity to Seattle. It is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the U.S. for its size. This is a major selling point for families.
Verdict: Redmond is the winner for safety and cleaner, more predictable weather (if you can handle the gray). San Antonio wins for those who prioritize heat over snow (and rain) and can navigate a larger, more dynamic city.
The Final Verdict: Who Takes the Crown?
After weighing the data, the culture, and the costs, here’s the final breakdown.
🏆 Winner for Families: San Antonio
The math is undeniable. A family can afford a spacious home ($264k median) on a single median income ($62k), with money left over for activities, education, and savings. The weather allows for year-round outdoor play (in the morning/evening), and the city is rich with family-friendly attractions (zoos, museums, the River Walk). While crime is higher, families can find safe neighborhoods without breaking the bank. The cultural diversity is also a huge plus for raising global-minded kids.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Redmond
If you’re a high-earning professional (especially in tech) and safety, outdoor access, and career proximity to Microsoft/Amazon are your priorities, Redmond is unparalleled. The $172k median income reflects the opportunity. The trade-off is housing: you’ll likely rent or have a long, expensive path to buying. The social scene is quieter, but Seattle’s nightlife is a short drive away. It’s a place to build wealth and enjoy a serene, active lifestyle.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: San Antonio
For retirees on a fixed income, San Antonio is a financial no-brainer. The lower cost of living, no state income tax on pensions/SS, and mild winters are ideal. The walkable River Walk area and vibrant cultural scene provide plenty of engagement. While healthcare access is excellent, the heat can be a health concern for some. Redmond’s high costs and gray winters can be a strain on a fixed budget, though its safety and healthcare are top-tier.
San Antonio: Pros & Cons
âś… Pros:
- Unbeatable Affordability: Median home price of $264,900 is within reach.
- 0% State Income Tax: More money in your pocket.
- Rich Culture & History: A deep, authentic Texan identity.
- Year-Round Warm Weather: No shoveling snow.
- Tasty Food Scene: A top-tier culinary destination.
❌ Cons:
- High Violent Crime Rate (798.0/100k): Neighborhood choice is critical.
- Brutal Summer Heat & Humidity: Can be oppressive for months.
- Traffic & Sprawl: Car-dependent with long commutes.
- High Property Taxes: Can offset income tax savings.
Redmond: Pros & Cons
âś… Pros:
- Elite Safety & Schools: Violent crime of 372.1/100k is remarkably low.
- High Earning Potential: Median income of $172,979 reflects opportunity.
- Stunning Natural Beauty: Lakes, forests, and mountains are your backyard.
- Mild, Snow-Free Winters: No extreme cold or snow.
- Clean, Orderly, and Family-Friendly: A pristine, organized environment.
❌ Cons:
- Staggeringly High Housing Costs (Median Home: $1.35M): A major barrier.
- "Sunshine Tax": Long, gray, rainy season (Oct-June) can affect mood.
- Competitive, High-Pressure Tech Culture: Lifestyle can be work-centric.
- Proximity to Seattle Traffic: Congestion is a daily reality.
- Limited Cultural Diversity: More homogeneous than major metros.
The Bottom Line: Choose San Antonio if your priority is affordability, culture, and sunshine. Choose Redmond if your priority is safety, nature, and high-earning potential (and you can afford the housing). Your wallet, your career, and your personal weather preference will ultimately make the decision for you.