Category / Metric	Spokane	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$65,016	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$375,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$196	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,012	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	93.6	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.8	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.65	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	678.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	33.7%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	32	39

Here is your ultimate head-to-head showdown between San Antonio and Spokane.

The Lone Star vs. The Inland Empire: San Antonio vs. Spokane Head-to-Head

You’ve narrowed it down to two cities that couldn't be more different. On one side, you have the sprawling, sun-drenched cultural hub of South Texas. On the other, the crisp, mountain-backed city of the Pacific Northwest. Choosing between San Antonio and Spokane isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing a lifestyle.

As your relocation expert, I'm here to cut through the brochure marketing and give you the raw data and real-world vibes. Let’s settle this.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the U.S. for a reason. It’s a massive, diverse metropolis that feels surprisingly laid-back. The vibe here is a unique blend of deep Texan heritage, vibrant Hispanic culture, and military history. Think the River Walk’s festive energy, world-class barbecue, and a booming tech scene dubbed "Alamo City Tech." It’s a city that moves at its own pace—southern, but not slow. It’s perfect for those who want big-city amenities (pro sports, major airport, endless dining) without the intense hustle of Austin or Dallas.

Spokane is the opposite. It’s a mid-sized city with a small-town heart, nestled in the "Inland Northwest." The vibe here is outdoorsy, indie, and defined by nature. The Spokane River cuts right through downtown, and you’re never more than a short drive from a lake, mountain, or hiking trail. It’s a city for people who prioritize weekend adventures over nightlife. The culture is younger, hipper, and more progressive than you might expect, but it lacks the sheer scale and diversity of a major metro.

San Antonio is for: Culture lovers, foodies, families seeking diversity, and those who need warm weather year-round.
Spokane is for: Outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers craving a change of scenery, and those who prefer a tighter-knit community with easy access to nature.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the math gets interesting. On paper, the salaries are nearly identical—$62,322 in San Antonio vs. $65,016 in Spokane. But where does that money actually go? Let’s break it down.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	San Antonio	Spokane	Winner
Median Home Price	$264,900	$375,000	San Antonio
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,012	Spokane
Housing Index	94.2	93.6	Tie
Income Tax	0%	0% (WA has no income tax)	Tie
Sales Tax	8.25%	8.1%	Spokane (by a hair)

The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power
If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, you’re earning slightly below the city’s median, but your dollar stretches further in the housing market. The median home price is $110,000 cheaper than in Spokane. That’s a massive down payment difference. However, Spokane’s slightly lower rent (for a 1BR) and comparable utilities mean that if you’re renting, your monthly cash flow might feel slightly better in Washington.

Insight on Taxes: Both states are tax havens for workers—0% state income tax. This is a huge win for high earners. The difference comes in property taxes. Texas has notoriously high property taxes (often 2%+ of home value), which can eat into the savings of owning that cheaper home. Washington’s property taxes are generally lower relative to home value, but home prices are higher. It’s a trade-off.

The Verdict: If your goal is homeownership, San Antonio offers significantly more bang for your buck. If you plan to rent long-term and prioritize lower monthly costs, Spokane has a slight edge.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio:

Buyer’s Market? It’s competitive, but inventory is better than in coastal metros. The median price of $264,900 is attainable for many. However, be prepared for a bidding war on the "sweet spot" homes (3-bed, 2-bath in good school districts).
Renting: Rents have risen but are still reasonable. The $1,197 median rent for a 1BR is manageable on a $62k salary, but rising costs are a concern.

Spokane:

Buyer’s Market? It’s a seller’s market. The median home price of $375,000 is steep for the local income level. Inventory is tight, and homes sell fast. You’ll likely pay over asking price, especially for anything turnkey.
Renting: More affordable than buying. The $1,012 median rent is a better deal than the purchase prices suggest, but competition for rentals is fierce due to the influx of remote workers and retirees.

The Verdict: San Antonio wins for buyers. The gap between median income and median home price is much more favorable. Spokane’s housing market is stretched, making it harder for locals to enter.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is real. As a top-10 largest city, you’ll deal with congestion on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604. The average commute is 25-30 minutes, but rush hour can double that. It’s a car-dependent city.
Spokane: Traffic is a breeze compared to major metros. You can cross town in 15-20 minutes easily. The city is compact, and public transit (Spokane Transit Authority) is decent for a mid-sized city.

Weather: The Ultimate Divider

San Antonio: Long, brutal summers. Expect 90°F+ highs from May through September, with high humidity. Winters are mild (rarely freezing), but you trade snow for gray, damp days. If you hate heat, this is a dealbreaker.
Spokane: True four seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (30°F avg in Jan), requiring snow tires and winter gear. Summers are glorious—dry, sunny, and in the 70s-80s. It’s a paradise for outdoor lovers but a shock if you’re not used to snow.

Crime & Safety

San Antonio: Violent crime rate: 798.0 per 100k. This is above the national average. It’s a city of contrasts; some neighborhoods are incredibly safe, while others struggle. You must research specific areas.
Spokane: Violent crime rate: 678.0 per 100k. Also above national average, but lower than San Antonio. However, Spokane has seen a rise in property crime and downtown issues. It’s generally safer, but not without issues.

The Verdict: Spokane wins on traffic and safety, but San Antonio wins on weather (if you love heat). If you hate winter, Spokane is a non-starter.

The Final Verdict

After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here’s your winner’s circle.

Winner for Families

San Antonio.
Why? Affordability. The ability to buy a larger home for $264,900 vs. $375,000 is the deciding factor. The public school system (SAISD) has great magnet programs, and the city’s diversity is a huge plus for raising kids. The cultural exposure, zoo, and family-friendly events are endless.

Winner for Singles / Young Professionals

Spokane.
Why? Lifestyle & Balance. While San Antonio has a bigger job market (tech, military, healthcare), Spokane offers a better work-life balance. You can leave work and be on a lake or mountain trail in 20 minutes. The downtown vibe is younger, and the $1,012 rent is easier to swing on a starting salary. The city feels like it’s on the rise, offering a chance to get in before it gets too expensive.

Winner for Retirees

Spokane.
Why? Climate & Pace. San Antonio’s humidity and heat can be brutal for older adults. Spokane’s dry summers and mild (though snowy) winters are easier to manage. The slower pace, lower cost of living (compared to coastal PNW), and access to nature are ideal for retirement. However, if you need year-round warmth and hate snow, San Antonio is your clear choice.

PROS & CONS: AT A GLANCE

San Antonio, TX

Pros:

Affordable Housing: Median home price $264,900.
0% State Income Tax: Keep more of your paycheck.
Cultural Richness: World-class food, history, and festivals.
Big City Amenities: Pro sports, major airport, diverse economy.
Warm Weather: No shoveling snow.

Cons:

Extreme Summer Heat: Months of 90°F+ and high humidity.
Higher Crime: Violent crime rate of 798.0/100k.
Traffic & Sprawl: Car-dependent, long commutes.
High Property Taxes: Can offset low home prices.

Spokane, WA