đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Sumter and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Sumter vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Sumter | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $53,071 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $263,500 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $134 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $933 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 54.2 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 95.6 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 530.7 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.6% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 36 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between San Antonio and Sumter.
Head-to-Head Showdown: San Antonio vs. Sumter
The Alamo City vs. The Palmetto City
Choosing between these two is like choosing between a big, bold brisket and a quiet, home-cooked meal. One is a massive, energetic metropolis with a rich history and endless distractions; the other is a modest, slow-paced Southern town where the cost of living is low and the traffic is non-existent.
If you’re looking for a life change, you’re asking the wrong question. It’s not about which city is "better"—it’s about which city fits the life you actually want to live. Let’s dig into the data, the vibe, and the reality of living in San Antonio, Texas, versus Sumter, South Carolina.
1. The Vibe Check: Big Energy vs. Small-Town Soul
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States. It’s a sprawling, sun-baked beast of a city that blends deep historical roots (think the Alamo and the River Walk) with modern military and tech hubs. The vibe is distinctly Texan: friendly, loud, and proud. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, from the hipster enclaves of Southtown to the manicured suburbs of Stone Oak. It offers big-city amenities—major league sports, world-class dining, and a booming nightlife—but without the frantic pace of New York or the price tag of Los Angeles. It’s for people who want the energy of a metropolis without feeling like they’re just a cog in a machine.
Sumter is the definition of a "burg." With a population under 50,000, it’s a place where you know your neighbors, the pace is unhurried, and the biggest event might be the local high school football game. Located in the heart of South Carolina’s Midlands, it’s surrounded by lakes and pine forests. It’s a military town (home to Shaw Air Force Base) and a former textile hub, giving it a gritty, authentic Southern character. It’s quiet, affordable, and deeply rooted in community. It’s for people who want to escape the rat race, value simplicity, and don’t need a five-star sushi spot to feel content.
Who is it for?
- San Antonio: Young professionals, families seeking diversity and amenities, foodies, history buffs, and anyone who needs a little chaos in their life.
- Sumter: Retirees, military families, remote workers seeking a low cost of living, and those who prioritize peace and quiet over endless entertainment options.
2. The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn a similar salary in both places, but your purchasing power—what that money actually buys you—is vastly different.
The Tax Factor:
Before we even look at rent, let’s talk about the government’s cut. South Carolina has a progressive income tax rate ranging from 0% to 7% (depending on your bracket). Texas, famously, has 0% state income tax. However, Texas makes up for it with some of the highest property taxes in the nation (averaging around 1.8%). South Carolina’s property taxes are lower (around 0.57%). This is a crucial calculation. If you own a home, Texas’s tax advantage might vanish.
The Table of Truth:
Here’s a look at the monthly cost of living based on the provided data. We’re assuming a single person renting a 1-bedroom apartment.
| Expense Category | San Antonio, TX | Sumter, SC | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $263,500 | Virtually identical. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $933 | Sumter is ~22% cheaper. |
| Housing Index | 94.2 | 54.2 | Sumter is 42% below national avg; SA is near it. |
| Median Income | $62,322 | $53,071 | San Antonio earns ~17% more. |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 798.0 | 530.7 | Sumter is safer by ~33%. |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s run a scenario. You earn the median income in each city.
- In San Antonio, earning $62,322, you pay $0 state income tax. Your take-home is roughly $46,000 annually (after federal taxes). Your rent is $1,197/month ($14,364/year). You’re spending about 31% of your take-home on rent. It’s manageable, but not luxurious.
- In Sumter, earning $53,071, you’ll pay state income tax (let’s assume a 3% effective rate for calculation). Your take-home is roughly $38,000 annually. Your rent is $933/month ($11,196/year). You’re spending about 29% of your take-home on rent.
The Verdict: While San Antonio pays more, the cost of living (especially rent) eats into that advantage. However, the real kicker is the Housing Index. Sumter’s index of 54.2 means housing is incredibly affordable relative to the national average. San Antonio’s 94.2 is close to the national average. For pure dollar stretch, Sumter wins. You can live comfortably on a modest income there. In San Antonio, you need a higher salary to maintain a comparable lifestyle.
CALLOUT BOX: The Purchasing Power Verdict
Winner: Sumter. For the average earner, your money goes significantly further in Sumter, especially if you plan to rent. The gap in median income is narrower than the gap in housing costs. San Antonio offers higher earning potential, but you’ll pay a premium for the privilege of living there.
3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Antonio:
The median home price is $264,900. This is surprisingly reasonable for a city of its size, beating out Austin, Dallas, and Houston by a mile. However, don’t be fooled by the number. The market is competitive. You’re competing against a population of nearly 1.5 million people. In desirable neighborhoods (like Alamo Heights or The Pearl District), you’ll face bidding wars and prices well above the median. The property taxes are the silent killer; on a $300k home, you could be looking at $5,000-$6,000 annually in property taxes alone (on top of your mortgage). It’s a seller’s market in the hot zones, but there’s still inventory in the sprawling suburbs.
Sumter:
The median home price is $263,500—almost identical to San Antonio. This is the most shocking data point in the snapshot. For a small Southern town, that’s high. Why? Likely due to the military base (Shaw AFB) creating a stable, insulated housing demand. However, with a population of only 43,065, inventory is tight. There aren’t endless new subdivisions going up. It’s a small-town market, which can mean less competition than a major metro, but also fewer options. The low property tax rate (~0.57%) is a massive advantage here. On a $263k home, you’d pay roughly $1,500 annually in property taxes compared to San Antonio’s $4,700+.
The Verdict:
- For Buyers: Sumter offers a clearer advantage due to drastically lower property taxes, which saves you thousands every year. However, San Antonio offers more variety and a larger market to choose from.
- For Renters: Sumter is the undeniable winner. $933 vs. $1,197 is a significant monthly saving.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute:
- San Antonio: Houston-level traffic? Not quite. But it’s a car-dependent city. Commutes can easily hit 30-45 minutes across town, especially on Loop 1604 or I-35. Rush hour is real.
- Sumter: Traffic is almost non-existent. A "rush hour" might mean waiting an extra light cycle at the main intersection. You can get anywhere in town in 15 minutes. This is a massive quality-of-life booster for many.
Weather:
- San Antonio: Brutal. Summers are long, hot, and humid, with highs regularly in the 95°F-105°F range from May to September. Winters are mild (rarely gets below freezing), but you get very few true "pleasant" days. It’s a trade-off for the year-round growing season.
- Sumter: Four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (South Carolina), but not as extreme as Texas. Winters are mild with occasional snow or ice (think 30s-40s). Fall and spring are beautiful. If you hate extreme heat, Sumter is the clear winner.
Crime & Safety:
- San Antonio: Violent crime rate of 798.0/100k. This is significantly higher than the national average (~380/100k). It’s a large city with large city problems. Crime varies wildly by neighborhood—some areas are very safe, others require caution.
- Sumter: Violent crime rate of 530.7/100k. While lower than San Antonio, it’s still above the national average. Small towns aren’t immune. However, the scale of crime is different—less random, more localized. Generally, the perception of safety in Sumter is higher than in SA.
CALLOUT BOX: The Lifestyle Verdict
Winner: Sumter (for peace), San Antonio (for convenience). If you hate traffic and extreme heat, Sumter is your sanctuary. If you need endless dining, shopping, and entertainment options within a 10-minute drive, San Antonio is your playground. Safety is a toss-up; Sumter has lower stats, but San Antonio’s safer neighborhoods are vast.
5. The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?
Choosing between these two is about trading scale for simplicity. Here’s the final breakdown.
Winner for Families: San Antonio
Why? The diversity of schooling options (public, charter, private), endless family activities (museums, the Zoo, Six Flags, theme parks), and a larger, more diverse community for kids to grow up in. The cost of living is higher, but the cultural and educational resources are unmatched by a town of Sumter’s size.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio
Why? Career opportunities. While remote work is changing the game, San Antonio’s economy is robust (military, healthcare, tech, tourism). The dating pool is larger, the nightlife is vibrant, and the networking potential is infinite. You can build a career and a social life here that Sumter simply can’t support.
Winner for Retirees: Sumter
Why? It’s not just about the lower cost of living (though that’s huge). It’s about the pace of life. The slower traffic, the quieter streets, the lower property taxes, and a community-focused atmosphere are tailor-made for retirement. The weather is manageable, and the stress levels are low. San Antonio offers great healthcare, but the city’s hustle and bustle can be overwhelming.
Pros & Cons: The Final Snapshot
San Antonio, Texas
Pros:
- Massive Economic Opportunity: Diverse job market.
- Cultural Powerhouse: World-class food, history, and arts.
- No State Income Tax: Keep more of your paycheck.
- International Airport Hub: Easy travel access.
- Surprisingly Affordable Housing (for a major city).
Cons:
- Brutal Summer Heat: 100°F+ days are the norm.
- High Property Taxes: Can negate the income tax benefit if you own a home.
- Traffic & Sprawl: You need a car, and commutes can be long.
- Higher Crime Rate: Vigilance is required in many areas.
Sumter, South Carolina
Pros:
- Extreme Affordability: Low rent and low property taxes.
- Small-Town Charm: Friendly community, low stress.
- Four Seasons: Mild winters and beautiful autumns.
- Minimal Traffic: Easy, stress-free commutes.
- Proximity to Nature: Lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation.
Cons:
- Limited Economic/Job Opportunities: Fewer employers, lower median income.
- Fewer Amenities: Limited dining, shopping, and entertainment.
- Isolation: Far from major coastal cities (2+ hours to Charleston or Charlotte).
- Small Population: Less diversity and a smaller dating/social pool.
The Final Word:
If you’re chasing a career, crave cultural stimulation, and can handle the heat, San Antonio offers a big-city life at a (relatively) reasonable price. If you’re prioritizing financial freedom, peace of mind, and a slower pace, Sumter provides a sanctuary where your dollar stretches further and your stress levels plummet. Choose wisely.