7 Reasons Why San Antonio is Better than Austin

We’re diving into the age-old debate between San Antonio and Austin. Now, these sibling cities may be just an hour apart, but in terms of personality, they’re galaxies apart. Picture this: two siblings sharing the same space, but oh boy, are they different. And, like any siblings, San Antonio and Austin love a good rivalry – who’s better to visit, better to live in, or just better overall?

Today, we’re putting an end to the debate once and for all. Here are 7 rock-solid reasons why San Antonio takes the crown over Austin. And trust me, this comes from someone who’s been living the San Antonio life for 20 years – no bias, just love for the city!

Note: This is a fictional response written for entertainment purposes and does not reflect any real opinions or sentiments.

Austin features a more comprehensive public transportation system and higher walkability, while San Antonio generally experiences less congested traffic.

A Quick History Of The San Antonio/Austin Taco Debate

San Antonio has often felt like it had to prove itself in comparison to Austin. Austin’s reputation for being hip, cool, alternative, and weird left us San Antonio residents feeling like we had to justify our own city, relying on arguments like “yeah, but we have the Riverwalk and the Alamo!” But everything changed in 2016 when the breakfast taco debates between the two cities turned into an all-out war.

In February 2016, Eater Austin published an article claiming Austin as the home of the crucial breakfast taco, and San Antonio’s response was swift and fierce. Tired of Austin’s perceived superiority, San Antonians weren’t about to let them take credit for something so inherently San Antonio. They fought back, and they fought hard.

Ultimately, the debate was settled in San Antonio’s favor with a little historical research that Eater Austin overlooked. But this victory went beyond claiming the breakfast taco – it ignited a sense of pride in everything about San Antonio. Alamo pride soared to new heights, and with San Antonio no longer content to sit in Austin’s shadow, a newfound self-confidence led to exciting developments. San Antonio residents are now pleased and proud to call this city home, fully convinced that San Antonio is indeed the superior city.

And honestly, who can argue with that sentiment? Austin who?

Does San Antonio or Austin Have Better Food?

Setting breakfast tacos aside, any discussion on which city takes the cake isn’t complete without delving into the culinary scene. Residents fiercely guard the food culture of each city, and rightfully so.

Both are culinary powerhouses – Austin recently snagged a spot in the top 10 best cities for food by Food and Wine magazine, and San Antonio proudly stands as one of only two U.S. cities named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

While Austin may have had the upper hand in the food scene for a while, San Antonio has caught up. Boasting world-class restaurants, chefs who are finalists for the coveted James Beard Award, and a diverse range of cuisines, San Antonio is holding its own in the culinary spotlight, right alongside Austin.

Whether you’re craving top-notch barbecue, Tex-Mex delights, or international flavors, either city will meet your expectations.

Let’s chalk this one up as a tie.

7 Reasons Why San Antonio Is Better Than Austin

1. Cost of Living

Austin hits hard on the wallet. I mean, really hard. According to RentCafe, the average cost of living in Austin is a whopping 9% higher than the Texas state average and 1% higher than the national average. Now, San Antonio tells a different story.

Its cost of living aligns with the state average and, get this, is a substantial 8% BELOW the national average. From real estate and utilities to groceries, everything is considerably more budget-friendly in SA.

Sure, San Antonio hasn’t escaped the countrywide inflation, but it remains a remarkably affordable place to live, especially when you put it side by side with Austin.

2. Diversity

Austin tends to lag behind San Antonio in terms of diversity. As per the Austin Relocation Guide, Austin stands at around 49% white, 34% Hispanic, 8% African American, and 7% Asian. On the flip side, San Antonio, according to Data USA, paints a more diverse picture with 65% Hispanic, 24% white, 6% African American, and 3% Asian. It’s no wonder that San Antonio is a melting pot of thriving cultures and diverse experiences.

Adding to its cultural tapestry, San Antonio boasts a substantial military presence, earning the nickname “Military City, USA.” With a military history spanning over 300 years, the city is home to four major military bases, hosts 80,000 active-duty service members, and takes pride in honoring its 159,000 veterans.

3. Culture

The diversity mentioned earlier brings forth a rich cultural tapestry in San Antonio. The city’s deep Mexican heritage leaves an indelible mark on every facet of urban life. From food and art to architecture and special events, this strong cultural influence is omnipresent.

The citizens of SA wholeheartedly embrace and celebrate the uniqueness that stems from the city’s vibrant cultural roots.

4. History

No hard feelings, Austin, but when it comes to history, San Antonio takes the lead. Austin was founded in 1839, but by then, San Antonio had been around for 121 years already. You can see San Antonio’s rich history in the old missions along the river in the southern part of the city (check out our complete guide to the San Antonio Historical Missions for more info).

And here’s a fun fact: San Antonio celebrated its 300th birthday in May 2018! That’s a whole 116 years ahead of you, Austin!

5. Traffic, Congestion, and Crowding

If you Google, “**Is Austin crowded?**” you’ll get a loud YES from many sources.

Now, let’s do a bit of math. Austin, the city itself, covers about 272 square miles, and the whole metro area has around 2.3 million people. On the flip side, San Antonio’s area is almost twice as big at 505 square miles, with a metro population of around 2.6 million.

Here’s the simple takeaway: Austin squeezes a lot of folks (just a bit less than San Antonio’s population) into a space almost half the size of San Antonio. The result? Traffic jams and congestion.

Honestly, I can’t recall driving through Austin without running into some kind of traffic, no matter the time or day. The city wasn’t ready for the growth it’s seen in the last few decades, and there are limits to how it can expand. Commutes are long and painful – during peak hours, it takes 57% longer to travel in Austin than in normal traffic, says GPS maker TomTom.

Sure, San Antonio deals with traffic too, especially during rush hour or when there’s construction (and it feels like there’s always construction). But San Antonio’s size and room to grow help keep that sense of congestion in check.

That’s why San Antonio never lands on the lists of the top 20 most congested cities in the United States (while Austin proudly sits at number 19). San Antonio is simply less crowded, a pretty impressive feat for the 7th largest city in the United States.

6. Friendly

San Antonio is just downright friendly. Seriously, people here are generally warm and welcoming.

But hey, you don’t have to take my word for it. According to a recent study by HomeAdvisor, San Antonio made it to the top 5 cities in the country for having the friendliest neighbors. And, check this out, every few years, San Antonio manages to sneak into the top 10 list of friendliest cities, as per travel publication Conde Nast Traveler.

Even though San Antonio is a bigger city than Austin, it has this unique small-town vibe that you won’t find in Austin. This small-town feel means friendly folks and a bunch of family-friendly activities. When you visit San Antonio, you’ve got a variety of family-friendly things to do and enjoy.

Read also: BEST Tacos In San Antonio

7. The NBA Spurs

Hey, Austin, we’ve got the goods, and you know it. The NBA Spurs are a San Antonio treasure. With 5 championships in the bag and a bunch of playoff appearances, the San Antonio Spurs are a powerhouse in basketball. And we, the folks in San Antonio, are die-hard fans. Our love for the Spurs runs deep.

Now, we know you love them too. That recent record-breaking sell-out crowd at the Moody Center when the Spurs played there for the first time? Yeah, we saw it.

Looks like we might loan them out to you now and then in the future – which, okay, we’re mostly fine with. But just remember, no matter where they play, the Spurs belong to us.

The Relationship Between San Antonio and Austin Today

These days, the relationship between San Antonio and Austin is pretty much one of tolerance and goodwill. It reminds me of a cab ride I took in NYC where the driver said folks in Manhattan and Brooklyn appreciate what the other city brings to the table but wouldn’t swap places. Same vibes for San Antonio and Austin.

The cities are just so different, and that reflects in the people who call them home. Folks in Austin dig the Austin-y look and the edgy lifestyle. On the flip side, people in San Antonio prefer the more relaxed, easygoing way of life the city offers. For me and the other couple million who call the Alamo City home, we can tip our hats to Austin but firmly believe that San Antonio is the better pick.

Austin, we get it. You’ve got your live music scene, your vibe, and the whole “keep Austin weird” thing, and that’s cool for you. We’re even cool with encouraging people to explore and see what Austin is all about.

FAQs

What is better: San Antonio or Austin?

Both San Antonio and Austin offer unique experiences, and the choice depends on personal preferences. San Antonio is known for its rich history, cultural attractions like the Alamo, and a more relaxed atmosphere. On the other hand, Austin is famous for its vibrant music scene, eclectic culture, and a youthful, energetic vibe. Consider your priorities, such as history, music, or lifestyle, when deciding which city is better for you.

Why is San Antonio the best?

San Antonio stands out for its historical significance, diverse cultural influences, and welcoming community. The city is home to iconic landmarks like the Alamo, the River Walk, and vibrant neighborhoods that showcase its unique blend of Mexican, Texan, and American cultures. The warm hospitality of the locals and the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage contribute to making San Antonio a top destination.

What makes San Antonio special?

San Antonio’s special charm lies in its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city’s historic sites, such as the Alamo and the missions, showcase its role in shaping Texas history. The River Walk adds a picturesque element, with its scenic waterways, charming shops, and restaurants. Additionally, San Antonio hosts cultural events, festivals, and celebrations that reflect its diverse heritage, making it a unique and vibrant place to explore.

Is Austin or San Antonio more romantic?

Both Austin and San Antonio offer romantic settings, but the atmosphere differs. San Antonio’s River Walk, with its charming bridges and riverside dining, creates a romantic ambiance. The historic architecture and cultural richness add to the allure. In contrast, Austin’s romantic appeal is often associated with its live music scene, trendy neighborhoods, and outdoor spaces like Zilker Park. The choice between the two cities for a romantic experience depends on whether you prefer a riverside stroll in San Antonio or a music-filled evening in Austin.