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City comparison

Philadelphia, PA vs San Antonio, TX

Climate is the sharpest divide between Philadelphia and San Antonio. Philadelphia averages 74°F while San Antonio averages 90°F, a difference that affects utility bills, outdoor lifestyle, and how you feel nine months of the year. Rent runs $1,810 versus $1,426.

Neither city has a clear overall edge here. San Antonio is the easier city on typical rent, but Philadelphia can still be the better daily fit depending on schools, safety, and climate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.

The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. San Antonio at $1,426 average has pockets that run $1,226 and others at $1,826: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.

Full Philadelphia reportFull San Antonio report

Philadelphia, PA

Rent
1,810/mo
Median income
57,537
Crime index
128
Schools
A-
Weather
74°F

San Antonio, TX

Rent
1,426/mo
Median income
59,593
Crime index
215
Schools
A-
Weather
90°F

Rent

21% cheaper

San Antonio rent is 21% cheaper than Philadelphia

Philadelphia

$1,810/mo

San Antonio

Winner

$1,426/mo

What this means for your life

Typical rent runs $1,426 a month in San Antonio versus $1,810 in Philadelphia, so San Antonio is 21% cheaper. That's roughly $384/month back in your pocket ($4,608/year). Over five years that's $23,040 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Philadelphia, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, San Antonio is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.

Planning to buy in San Antonio? Check mortgage rates before you decide.

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Median income

4% higher

San Antonio's median income is 4% higher than Philadelphia

Philadelphia

$57,537

San Antonio

Winner

$59,593

What this means for your life

Median household income is $59,593 in San Antonio versus $57,537 in Philadelphia, so typical pay runs 4% higher in San Antonio (about $2,056 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.

Crime index

40% lower crime

Philadelphia's crime index is 40% lower than San Antonio

Philadelphia

Winner

128 (100 = avg)

San Antonio

215 (100 = avg)

What this means for your life

Philadelphia's crime index is 128 versus 215 in San Antonio (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 40% lower in Philadelphia. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Philadelphia is the easier city. San Antonio can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.

School scores

Neck and neck

Philadelphia and San Antonio are about even on school scores.

Philadelphia

A- · 84/100

San Antonio

A- · 84/100

What this means for your life

School composites are effectively even (A- in Philadelphia, A- in San Antonio). For families with kids this is a warning if you assumed one city was obviously better. At this range the campus, not the city name, decides it. Tour the zoned elementary you would actually use.

Typical weather

117% more comfortable

Philadelphia weather is 117% more comfortable than San Antonio

Philadelphia

Winner

74°F avg · 82°F highs · comfort 100/100

San Antonio

90°F avg · 103°F highs · comfort 46/100

What this means for your life

Philadelphia averages about 74°F (82°F highs); San Antonio averages about 90°F (103°F highs). Philadelphia sits near 74°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. San Antonio often hits 103°F highs, so expect heavy AC use and limited outdoor time in summer. Philadelphia scores 117% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose San Antonio if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.

Fit check

Who should choose Philadelphia

Outdoor enthusiasts and people who need year-round access to nature for their wellbeing

Pick Philadelphia if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you need year-round access to nature for your wellbeing. Typical conditions (74°F) beat San Antonio on this page's weather index by 117%. San Antonio may pay more or cost less, but Philadelphia is the city where the forecast fights you less.

Philadelphia is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 40% lower than San Antonio (128 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.

Open the Philadelphia report →

Fit check

Who should choose San Antonio

Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth

San Antonio is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 21% cheaper here at about $1,426 a month. Choose San Antonio if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.

San Antonio is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 4% higher here ($59,593). Start with San Antonio if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.

Open the San Antonio report →

Bottom line

Philadelphia vs San Antonio: Our Take

Philadelphia and San Antonio split the scoreboard, so this page tips to San Antonio as the stronger default package for most movers.

San Antonio's typical rent runs 21% lower than Philadelphia ($1,426/month vs $1,810/month), which is real money over a lease.

The main trade-off: Philadelphia posts a 40% lower crime index (128 vs 215, where 100 is the national average).

The decision comes down to whether you value cost of living more than safety. For most middle-income movers, San Antonio is the stronger choice.

Common questions

Philadelphia vs San Antonio FAQ

Is Philadelphia cheaper than San Antonio?
No. San Antonio is cheaper: typical rent is $1,426 a month versus $1,810 in Philadelphia (21% lower). Median household income is $57,537 in Philadelphia compared with $59,593 in San Antonio, so San Antonio has the stronger local pay picture.
Which city is safer, Philadelphia or San Antonio?
Philadelphia is safer on this comparison. Its crime index is 128 versus 215 in San Antonio (40% lower; 100 is the national average). Citywide indexes still hide neighborhood variation, so walk the block you would actually rent.
Which city has better schools, Philadelphia or San Antonio?
School composites are close: A- in Philadelphia and A- in San Antonio. Tour specific campuses rather than picking a city on the letter grade alone.

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