📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Williston and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Williston vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Williston | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $84,309 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $345,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $185 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $837 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 106.9 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.1 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 315.5 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 25.7% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 31 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're trying to decide between San Antonio and Williston. On the surface, this looks like comparing a sprawling, historic metropolis to a tight-knit energy boomtown. But the devil's in the details, and your lifestyle, wallet, and peace of mind are on the line.
Buckle up. We're about to break this down with zero fluff.
The Vibe Check: Laid-Back Fiesta vs. Gritty Boomtown
San Antonio is the soul of Texas with a Spanish colonial heartbeat. It’s a city of 1.5 million people where the River Walk hums with tourists, the Alamo stands as a silent witness, and the military (with its massive bases) gives the place a disciplined yet diverse flavor. The vibe is laid-back, family-oriented, and culturally rich. It’s a place where you can grab top-tier BBQ for lunch, explore missions in the afternoon, and catch a Spurs game at night. It’s for the person who wants big-city amenities without the frantic pace of Dallas or Houston.
Williston is a different beast entirely. Nestled in the heart of North Dakota's Bakken shale formation, this is an energy epicenter. With a population of just ~28,000, it’s a boom-or-bust town defined by the oil industry. The vibe is gritty, transient, and economically charged. You’ll find a younger, predominantly male workforce, a sky-high median income, and a landscape of prairie and oil derricks. It’s for the high-earner in energy, willing to trade amenities for a massive paycheck and a short commute, or for someone seeking a radical change of pace.
Who is it for?
- San Antonio: Families, military personnel, retirees, and culture-seekers who crave community, diversity, and a vibrant urban experience.
- Williston: Young professionals in energy, tradespeople, and anyone with a high-risk, high-reward mindset focused on maximizing savings in a low-cost, high-income environment.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Go Further?
This is where the numbers get interesting. Texas has no state income tax, which is a massive boost to your take-home pay. North Dakota also has a lower income tax, but it's not zero. Let's see how far your money stretches.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | San Antonio | Williston | Winner (Bang for Buck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $837 | Williston (by 30%) |
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $345,000 | San Antonio (by 23%) |
| Housing Index | 94.2 (Below nat. avg) | 106.9 (Above nat. avg) | San Antonio |
| Median Income | $62,322 | $84,309 | Williston (by 35%) |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's play with a $100,000 salary.
In Williston: You earn $84,309 on average, but with your $100k salary, you're in the top tier. However, your housing costs are higher than San Antonio's. The $837 rent is a steal, but the $345k median home price stings. The real win is the $0 state income tax. Your $100k translates to a higher raw take-home than in many states. You'll save aggressively on rent, but the overall cost of living is creeping up due to the boom. The purchasing power is excellent for a single person or a couple renting, but the housing market is tougher for buyers.
In San Antonio: With a $100k salary, you are well above the median. Your $1,197 rent is higher than Williston's, but the $264,900 median home is significantly more attainable. With no state income tax, your $100k goes a long way. The Housing Index of 94.2 means you're paying less than the national average for shelter. Your purchasing power is fantastic here, especially if you're looking to buy a home.
Verdict on Dollars: For pure shelter cost, Williston wins on rent. But for overall purchasing power and the ability to build equity in a home, San Antonio takes the crown. The median home in San Antonio is nearly $80k cheaper, a massive dealbreaker for aspiring homeowners.
The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying
San Antonio: The market is competitive but accessible. With a median home price under $265k, it's one of the most affordable major metros in the U.S. It's a strong buyer's market with ample inventory. You can find a decent starter home without breaking the bank. Renting is also straightforward, with plenty of options across the city.
Williston: This is a tight seller's market. The median home price is $345,000, and inventory is low. The energy boom has driven up prices, and new construction can't keep up. Renting is your best bet for flexibility, and at $837, it's incredibly cheap. If you're looking to buy, you'll face competition and higher prices than San Antonio, despite the smaller population.
Bottom Line: For long-term stability and equity, San Antonio's housing market is far more forgiving and accessible. Williston is a renter's paradise if you're there for the short-term work, but a challenging buy.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Deep Dive
Traffic & Commute:
- San Antonio: Traffic is real. As a major metro, you'll deal with congestion on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604. The average commute is ~25 minutes. It's not as bad as Austin or Houston, but it's a far cry from a small town.
- Williston: This is a massive win for Williston. The average commute is under 15 minutes. You can live anywhere and be at work in a flash. The city is small and easy to navigate.
Weather:
- San Antonio: Brutal, humid summers. Expect 100°F+ days from June to September with oppressive humidity. Winters are mild, but ice storms are possible. Tornadoes are a rare but real risk.
- Williston: This is a major dealbreaker for many. Winters are bone-chillingly cold, with averages in the teens and snowfall measured in feet. Summers are warm and pleasant. The sheer length and severity of the winter are a lifestyle factor you cannot ignore.
Crime & Safety:
Let's be direct. This is a stark contrast.
- San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100k people. This is significantly above the national average. While specific neighborhoods vary wildly, the city as a whole has a higher crime profile. You must be diligent about where you choose to live.
- Williston: The violent crime rate is 315.5 per 100k people. This is closer to the national average and less than half of San Antonio's rate. In a town this size, crime is often concentrated, but overall, Williston feels safer.
Verdict on Dealbreakers: Williston wins on safety and commute. San Antonio wins on weather (if you can't handle brutal winters). Traffic is a push.
The Final Verdict: Your Life, Your Choice
This isn't about which city is "better." It's about which city fits your next chapter.
| Winner Category | City | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | San Antonio | More affordable homes, better schools (in suburbs), endless family activities (zoos, parks, missions), and a true community feel. The crime rate is a concern, but the suburbs offer safer options. |
| Singles/Young Pros | Williston | If you're in energy/trades, the income potential is unbeatable. Low rent lets you bank cash fast. The social scene is limited, but the financial upside for a 2-5 year stint is massive. |
| Retirees | San Antonio | The cost of living is low, the culture is rich, and the winters are mild. The healthcare system is robust, and the city is very walkable in many areas. Williston's harsh winters are a non-starter for most retirees. |
Head-to-Head Pros & Cons
San Antonio: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Major Affordability: One of the cheapest big cities in America.
- No State Income Tax: More money in your pocket.
- Rich Culture & History: Endless festivals, museums, and dining.
- Strong Job Market: Diverse economy (military, healthcare, tech).
- Family-Friendly: Tons of kid-friendly activities.
CONS:
- High Crime Rate: Statistically above the national average.
- Brutal Summers: Long, hot, and humid.
- Traffic: Congestion is a daily reality.
- Urban Sprawl: You'll need a car for almost everything.
Williston: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- High Median Income: Earnings potential is top-tier.
- Very Low Crime: Much safer than the average U.S. city.
- Ultra-Short Commutes: More time for life outside work.
- Cheap Rent: Your biggest monthly expense is minimal.
- No State Income Tax: (Texas also has this, but it's a plus).
CONS:
- Harsh, Long Winters: Can be psychologically and physically draining.
- Limited Amenities: Fewer restaurants, cultural venues, and entertainment options.
- Boom/Bust Economy: Tied to volatile oil prices.
- Isolation: Far from other major cities (closest is Fargo, ~4 hours).
- Housing Market: Higher home prices than San Antonio for less city.
Final Take: Go to Williston if you're a young professional in energy looking to make bank and sacrifice amenities for 3-5 years. Go to San Antonio if you want a permanent, affordable home base with culture, family life, and a warmer climate. Your wallet might love Williston's rent, but San Antonio offers a more livable, sustainable future for most.