đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Roswell and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Roswell vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Roswell | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $119,657 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $648,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $233 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,643 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 110.9 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 99.8 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 400.7 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | — | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 27 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Antonio vs. Roswell: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing between cities is like picking a life partner—it's all about compatibility. You’re not just looking at stats; you’re choosing a daily vibe, a future, and a home. In this corner, we have San Antonio, the vibrant, history-soaked giant of South Texas. In the other, Roswell, the affluent, high-desert enclave of Georgia. They’re both "Sun Belt" cities, but they couldn’t be more different.
Let’s break it down, head-to-head, so you can decide which one deserves your heart (and your mortgage).
The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Desert Zen
San Antonio is a cultural powerhouse. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., and it feels like it. The vibe is a spicy blend of deep Texan pride, rich Spanish colonial history, and a booming modern economy. Think the iconic River Walk, the Alamo, world-class theme parks (SeaWorld, Six Flags), and a food scene that’s starting to rival Austin’s. It’s bustling, diverse, and unapologetically loud. The city is a massive, sprawling metro, meaning you’ll find every amenity you could possibly want, but you’ll also deal with big-city traffic and sprawl.
Roswell (the one in Georgia, not New Mexico) is a different beast entirely. It’s a wealthy northern suburb of Atlanta, but it feels like a separate entity. The vibe here is refined, serene, and nature-focused. It’s not about high-rises and nightlife; it’s about strolling through charming, historic downtown streets, exploring the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and enjoying a high quality of life in a picturesque setting. It’s affluent, family-oriented, and quieter. Think "Money Heist" but for suburban living—discreet wealth, excellent schools, and manicured lawns.
Who is each city for?
- San Antonio is for the extrovert who craves energy, history, and a lower cost of living. It’s for young professionals looking for a major city without the coastal price tag, families who want endless entertainment options, and anyone who loves a blend of urban and suburban life.
- Roswell is for the nature lover, the affluent professional, and the family that prioritizes top-tier schools and a peaceful, safe environment. It’s for those who want the amenities of a major metro (Atlanta) within a 30-minute drive but prefer to live in a quieter, greener community.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. The key factor here is Texas’s 0% state income tax, which is a massive advantage for higher earners. Georgia does have a state income tax, though it’s relatively low (top rate of 5.75%).
Here’s how the numbers shake out. To keep it apples-to-apples, we'll look at the cost of living data. Note: The data snapshot provided a "Housing Index" which is a relative measure (higher is more expensive). For a full picture, we need to look at broader cost of living metrics.
Cost of Living Comparison (Approximate Data for Clarity):
| Category | San Antonio | Roswell | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living | ~10-15% below U.S. avg | ~15-20% above U.S. avg | San Antonio is significantly more affordable overall. |
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $648,000 | The housing gap is staggering. Roswell is 145% more expensive. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $1,643 | Roswell rent is 37% higher. |
| Utilities | ~15% below avg | ~5% below avg | Close, but SA has a slight edge due to milder winter heating costs. |
| Groceries | ~5% below avg | ~5% above avg | SA wins again. |
| Taxes | 0% State Income Tax | ~5.75% State Income Tax | This is a dealbreaker for high earners. |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s run a scenario. Imagine you earn $100,000 annually.
- In Roswell: After federal taxes and Georgia’s 5.75% state tax, your take-home is roughly $75,000-$78,000 (depending on deductions). Your biggest expense, housing, will consume a huge chunk. A median home price of $648,000 requires a significant down payment and a hefty monthly mortgage.
- In San Antonio: After federal taxes (and 0% state tax), your take-home is roughly $78,000-$81,000. You’re already ahead by a few thousand dollars. Now, consider the median home price of $264,900. Your mortgage payment could be over $1,000 less per month than in Roswell.
Verdict on Dollar Power: San Antonio wins, and it’s not close. The combination of no state income tax and drastically lower housing costs means your salary stretches much, much further. You can live like a king in San Antonio on a salary that would feel middle-class in Roswell. The "sticker shock" in Roswell is real, especially when you see those home prices.
The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?
San Antonio (Buyer’s Market? Sort of):
With a median home price of $264,900, San Antonio is one of the most affordable major cities in the U.S. for homeownership. The market is competitive but accessible. You get more square footage for your money, and property taxes (while high in Texas) are partially offset by the lack of income tax. The inventory is diverse, from historic homes near downtown to sprawling new builds in the suburbs (like Stone Oak or Alamo Ranch). It’s a fantastic market for first-time buyers and families looking to build equity.
Roswell (Seller’s Market):
Roswell’s housing market is tough. The median home price of $648,000 puts it in a different league. It’s a classic "seller’s market" with fierce competition, especially for homes in the top-rated school districts. You’re paying a premium for the location, the schools, and the prestige. While you can rent, the rental market is also pricey. If you’re not in the top income bracket, buying in Roswell can feel out of reach.
Verdict on Housing: San Antonio is the clear winner for affordability and accessibility. It offers a path to homeownership for the middle class. Roswell is a market for established professionals and high-earning families.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Antonio: Traffic is real, especially on Loop 1604 and I-35. The city is sprawling, so your commute can easily be 30-45 minutes if you live in the suburbs and work downtown. However, public transit (VIA) exists but is not as robust as in other major metros.
- Roswell: As a suburb of Atlanta, Roswell benefits from being a reverse commute for many. Traffic into Atlanta can be brutal, but if you work within Roswell or North Atlanta suburbs, it’s manageable. The city is more compact, so daily errands are quicker.
Weather
- San Antonio: Hot. Hot. Summers are long, with average highs in the 90s for months, and humidity can be oppressive. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. If you hate cold, this is your paradise, but you must be prepared for relentless summer heat.
- Roswell: Four distinct seasons. Summers are warm (highs in the 80s), but not as brutal as Texas. Winters are cool, with occasional dips below freezing and light snow (a dusting, not a blizzard). Fall is gorgeous with colorful foliage. If you crave seasonal change, Roswell wins.
Crime & Safety
Here’s where the data gives a stark contrast.
| City | Violent Crime Rate (per 100k) | The Reality |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Average | ~399 | |
| San Antonio | 798.0 | More than double the national avg. Crime is a significant concern in many neighborhoods. You must research areas carefully. |
| Roswell | 400.7 | Right at the national average. Statistically safer than San Antonio by a wide margin. |
Verdict on Safety: Roswell is the safer bet. While San Antonio has many safe, family-friendly neighborhoods, the city-wide crime rate is a serious consideration. Roswell’s relative safety is a major draw for families.
The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?
This isn’t about which city is "better," but which is better for you.
- 🏆 Winner for Families: Roswell. The combination of superior school districts, lower crime rates, and abundant green space makes it a no-brainer for families who can afford the premium. The safety and educational foundation are worth the higher cost for many.
- 🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: San Antonio. The cost of living is the ultimate dealbreaker. You can build a life, explore a dynamic city, and maybe even buy a home on a $60k-$80k salary. The energy, diversity, and nightlife are more aligned with a young professional’s lifestyle.
- 🏆 Winner for Retirees: It’s a Tie (depending on priorities).
- Choose San Antonio if you want maximum spending power, warm winters, and a vibrant city with endless cultural events and medical facilities. Your retirement dollars will go much further.
- Choose Roswell if you prioritize safety, walkability, and scenic beauty, and you have a robust retirement portfolio to handle the higher cost of living. The milder summers compared to Texas are a plus.
City-Specific Pros & Cons
San Antonio: The Affordable Giant
Pros:
- Incredible Affordability: One of the best bang-for-your-buck major cities in America.
- 0% State Income Tax: A massive financial advantage.
- Rich Culture & History: The Alamo, River Walk, Missions UNESCO site.
- Diverse Food Scene: From legendary Tex-Mex to a rising culinary star.
- Strong Job Market: Growing in healthcare, military, tech, and tourism.
Cons:
- High Crime Rate: Statistically above the national average; requires neighborhood research.
- Brutal Summer Heat & Humidity: Not for everyone.
- Traffic & Sprawl: A car is a must; commutes can be long.
- Public Transit: Limited; the city is built for drivers.
Roswell: The Affluent Oasis
Pros:
- Top-Tier Schools: Some of the best public schools in Georgia.
- Safety: Crime rates at or below the national average.
- Natural Beauty: Abundant parks, rivers, and hiking trails.
- Charming Downtown: A walkable, historic, and picturesque core.
- Proximity to Atlanta: Access to world-class airports, sports, and culture.
Cons:
- Extremely High Cost of Living: Especially housing.
- State Income Tax: Takes a bite out of your paycheck.
- Less Diverse: Less cultural and demographic diversity than San Antonio.
- Can Feel "Small": Limited nightlife and entertainment compared to a major city.
- Traffic to Atlanta: Commuting into the city can be a grind.
Final Word: If you’re budget-conscious and want a vibrant, diverse city life, San Antonio is your champion. If you have the means and prioritize safety, schools, and a serene, upscale environment, Roswell is the dream. Choose wisely.