Category / Metric	Roseville	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$107,888	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$625,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$321	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,666	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	133.5	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.6	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	44.3%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	75	39

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

Let's cut the fluff. You're looking at two cities that couldn't be more different. One is a sprawling, historic Texas giant with a distinct culture and $264k median home price. The other is a polished, affluent suburb of Sacramento with a median home price of $625k and a violent crime rate 3.4 times lower than the former.

This isn't just about picking a dot on a map; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you craving the energy of a major metro, or the curated safety of a master-planned community? Do you want to stretch your dollar, or are you already earning an income that can handle California's premium?

Buckle up. We're diving deep into the data, the vibes, and the real-world trade-offs to help you decide where to plant your roots.

1. The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

San Antonio is the cultural heart of South Texas. It’s a city where history isn't in a museum; it's the backdrop for your Tuesday afternoon. The River Walk, the Alamo, and the vibrant Fiesta San Antonio festival define its identity. The culture is deeply Texan—friendly, family-oriented, with a slow-burning pace that contrasts with its size. It’s a major military hub (with lackluster wages to match), home to several bases, which injects a diverse, transient population. The food scene is legendary (Tex-Mex, BBQ), and the cost of living allows for a lifestyle that feels accessible, even if you're not pulling in a six-figure salary.

Roseville, on the other hand, is a picture of suburban perfection. It’s not a place with a gritty, unique soul; it’s a place designed for comfort, safety, and convenience. As a suburb of Sacramento, it offers easy access to the state capital and wine country, but its identity is more "family-friendly community" than "cultural hub." The vibe is clean, orderly, and outdoorsy, with a focus on parks, trails, and top-rated schools. It’s for people who value predictability, low crime, and a polished environment over historic charm or urban grit.

Who is it for?

San Antonio is for the history buff, the foodie, the military family, the budget-conscious professional, and anyone who wants a big-city feel with a small-town price tag.
Roseville is for the established professional, the safety-first family, the retiree who wants California weather without the L.A. chaos, and the person who prioritizes community amenities and school districts above all.

2. The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the rubber meets the road. The numbers tell a stark story, and it's primarily driven by one massive factor: California vs. Texas.

Let's break down the day-to-day costs. The data shows Roseville is more expensive across the board, but the gap in housing is the real shocker.

Category	San Antonio	Roseville	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$625,000	Roseville costs 2.3x more. This is the single biggest factor.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,666	Roseville rent is ~40% higher. You pay a premium for the zip code.
Housing Index	94.2	133.5	A 100 index is the national average. Roseville is 33.5% above average; San Antonio is 5.8% below.
Median Income	$62,322	$107,888	Roseville residents earn 73% more on average.
Violent Crime	798.0 / 100k	234.0 / 100k	Roseville is significantly safer. (More in Dealbreakers)

The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power

Let's play out a hypothetical. You earn $100,000 a year.

In Roseville, you're earning ~7% below the median household income. You're comfortable, but you're not the top earner in the room. Your $625k home purchase will stretch your budget, demanding a large down payment or a hefty mortgage. Your money goes to California taxes (which are high) and premium prices for everything from gas to groceries.
In San Antonio, you're earning ~60% above the median. You are in the top tier of earners. That same $264,900 home is a breeze. You could afford a much larger house, or invest the difference. Your purchasing power is immense. The kicker? Texas has zero state income tax, while California's top rate is 13.3%. On a $100k salary, that's an immediate ~$5,000-$7,000 annual savings in San Antonio, before you even calculate the lower cost of goods.

The Verdict on Dollars: San Antonio wins on pure purchasing power. Your dollar stretches further, and you keep more of it. Roseville's higher wages are largely eaten by the cost of living. However, if you're already in a high-paying California career (tech, specialized medicine) and can't relocate your income, Roseville may be the only viable option.

3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio: It's a buyer's market. The median home price is $264,900, which is within reach for many. Inventory is generally better than in California, and while prices have risen, they haven't reached the stratospheric levels of the West Coast. Renting is also a strong, affordable option, with a $1,197 median rent for a 1BR. You have flexibility.

Roseville: It's a seller's market. The median home price of $625,000 is a barrier to entry. Competition is fierce, especially for homes in the top school districts. Bidding wars are common. Renting is not a cheap alternative, with a $1,666 1BR rent that locks you out of the equity-building aspect of homeownership. You're paying a premium for the privilege of living in a desirable, safe, and well-maintained community.

Insight: In San Antonio, you're buying a house. In Roseville, you're buying a lifestyle—the schools, the safety, the amenities. The price tag reflects that.

4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is real. As a major metro (population ~1.5M), the I-35 and I-10 corridors are notoriously congested. Commutes can be long, and public transit (VIA) is limited. You'll need a car.
Roseville: As a suburb, traffic is more manageable. You'll deal with rush hour on I-80 and Highway 65, but it's not the gridlock of a major city. Commutes to Sacramento are reasonable (30-45 mins). It's also more bikeable and walkable within its core.

Weather

San Antonio: Hot and humid. Summers regularly hit 95°F+ with high humidity, making outdoor activities challenging. Winters are mild but can have cold snaps. It's a "sweat it out" climate.
Roseville: Classic California climate. The data point of 41°F is likely a winter average. Summers are hot and dry (90°F+), but it's a dry heat. Winters are cool and rainy (not snowy). If you hate humidity and love four distinct but mild seasons, Roseville wins.

Crime & Safety

San Antonio: The data doesn't lie. A violent crime rate of 798.0 per 100k is more than 3 times the national average. This is a significant consideration. While many neighborhoods are safe, the citywide statistic is a major red flag for safety-conscious families and individuals.
Roseville: Violent crime at 234.0 per 100k is below the national average. It's consistently ranked one of the safest cities in California. This is a massive selling point and the primary reason many choose Roseville over other Sacramento-area options.

5. The Verdict: Who Wins Where?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: San Antonio

Why? The math is undeniable. A family earning the median income of $62k can afford a median home. The cost of living allows for a higher quality of life—more disposable income for activities, a larger home, and better access to family-friendly attractions (zoos, parks, the River Walk). The trade-off is safety and school rankings. You must be diligent about neighborhood selection.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Roseville

Why? If you're in a high-earning field (tech, finance, healthcare) that's portable or available in Sacramento, Roseville offers a springboard to homeownership in a stable, safe community. The higher median income ($107k) reflects the job market. You're close to professional networks in Sacramento and can access California's career opportunities. The safety and quality of life are ideal for launching a career or starting a family.

Winner for Retirees: San Antonio

Why? Stretching a fixed income is crucial. San Antonio's lower cost of living, especially housing ($264k vs. $625k), means retirement savings go much further. The climate is warm year-round, and the city's culture and festivals provide ample activity. The higher crime rate is a consideration, but many retire to specific, safer suburbs within the metro area (like Alamo Heights or Stone Oak).

Final Pros & Cons

San Antonio: Pros & Cons

PROS

Massive Purchasing Power: Your dollar goes incredibly far, especially on housing.
Zero State Income Tax: Keep more of your paycheck.
Vibrant Culture & Food: Unmatched Tex-Mex, BBQ, and historic charm.
Major City Amenities: Professional sports, airport, diverse job market (though wages can be low).
Family-Friendly Attractions: Numerous parks, zoos, and the famous River Walk.

CONS

High Crime Rate: Statistics are concerning; neighborhood choice is critical.
Hot & Humid Summers: Can be oppressive and limit outdoor time.
Traffic Congestion: Commutes can be frustrating.
Lower Wages: The median income is significantly lower than Roseville's.

Roseville: Pros & Cons