If you’re thinking about moving to San Antonio, TX from Austin, TX or even the other way around, you’re likely not alone. This is one of the most popular relocation routes in Texas. The two cities are just a short drive apart, but they each offer their own unique culture and opportunities. This guide will dive into what you might expect when moving from Austin to San Antonio. We’ll also go over planning your move, choosing a moving company, and the pros and cons of living in San Antonio and Austin. Whether you’re moving for work, family, affordability, or just a change of pace, here is everything to know before you hit I-35.
Table of Contents
Why People Move from Austin, TX to San Antonio, TX
The distance between Austin and San Antonio is about 80 miles, or a one-and-a-half-hour drive. Austin is known for its fast-growing tech scene and lively atmosphere, while San Antonio provides a more relaxed pace, deeper cultural roots, and a more affordable cost of living.
For many people, the short distance combined with San Antonio’s lower housing costs and family-friendly environment makes the move an appealing choice.
Is Austin, TX or San Antonio, TX More Affordable?
Wondering if it might be more affordable to live in Austin or San Antonio? The difference might be bigger than you’d expect. According to cost-of-living data, overall expenses in San Antonio are about 4.7% lower than in Austin. Median home prices in San Antonio are around 20-30% lower than those in Austin, and rent averages are lower, too. Daily expenses like utilities, groceries, and transportation all cost slightly less as well. Whether you’re renting or buying, your dollar goes a little further in San Antonio than in Austin.
Things To Do In San Antonio, TX
While Austin may be known for its live music and entertainment scene, San Antonio holds its own when it comes to fun, culture, and family activities. It has a unique blend of history, food, arts, sports, and outdoor attractions that appeal to all ages. You won’t run out of things to do.
San Antonio’s Concert and Music Scene
If you love music or going to shows, you’ll feel right at home in San Antonio. Frost Bank Center and the Alamodome host big-name artists, touring performances, and concerts ranging from modern pop stars to classic rock legends. For more intimate concert experiences, the city has venues like The Aztec Theatre and The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. So if you’re worried about leaving the Austin music scene behind, San Antonio might have more to offer than you think.
Sports in San Antonio, TX
Austin is home to UT Longhorns football, making the city a great place for sports fans, but San Antonio has an impressive sports scene of its own, too. The city is home to the San Antonio Spurs, the state’s NBA team. The basketball games at the Frost Bank Center bring crowds from all over Texas to San Antonio.
San Antonio also has minor league teams, including the San Antonio Missions, which play baseball, and the San Antonio FC, which play soccer. Whether you’re looking for professional sports or a fun night out, this city has got you covered.
Things to Do With Kids in San Antonio, TX
If you’re moving with kids, you’ll quickly find that the city is full of family-friendly attractions. One of the biggest draws is Six Flags Fiesta Texas, an amusement park with rollercoasters, a water park, and shows. For something more relaxed, San Antonio also has plenty of beautiful parks like Brackenridge Park, Hemisfair, and San Pedro Springs Park. These parks have playgrounds, walking trails, splash pads, and open areas perfect for family outings or events.
Another popular spot for families is the San Antonio River Walk. While famous for its restaurants and nightlife, the River Walk is quite peaceful during the day, with boat rides, museums, and seasonal events perfect for families. Enjoy outdoor art installations, a Go Rio river cruise, or just explore the area. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon.
Other family favorites include the San Antonio Zoo, The DoSeum (a hands-on children’s museum), and the Witte Museum, which combines nature, science, art, and history.
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Food in San Antonio, TX
While Austin is known for trendy restaurants and food trucks, San Antonio can hold its own when it comes to food. The city has even been recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, highlighting its rich culinary heritage. Some of the city’s most popular dining spots include Mi Tierra Cafe in Market Square, Cured in the Pearl District, and La Panaderia, a beloved bakery offering handmade breads and pastries. Whether you’re looking for casual Tex-Mex, authentic Mexican cuisine, or farm-to-table dining, San Antonio offers plenty of delicious options.
Schools in San Antonio, TX vs. Austin, TX
Schools in Austin, TX
Austin has a large selection of educational opportunities, from highly rated public schools to well-known universities. The city has The University of Texas at Austin, which is one of the largest and most respected public universities in the country. There’s also St. Edward’s University, Huston Tillotson University, and Concordia University. Austin’s public school system, Austin ISD, includes many schools that regularly earn strong academic ratings. For some families, the quality of education in and around Austin can make moving away from the capital a difficult decision.
Schools in San Antonio, TX
San Antonio also offers reputable educational choices, with major institutions like the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University – San Antonio, and Trinity University. The city also has several respected public school districts, as well as private and charter school options like Keystone School, BASIS San Antonio, and Antonian College Prep. If schools are a major factor in your move, exploring specific districts can help guide your search.
Bike And Walkability of Austin, TX vs. San Antonio, TX
Transportation in Austin, TX
Austin ranks higher in walkability and bikeability than most Texas cities, especially in areas like Downtown, West Campus, and East Austin. Austin has an overall Walk Score of 42, making it the 6th most walkable large city in Texas. For cyclists, Austin has a Bike Score of 54 and an expanding network of bike lanes and popular trails. For public transportation, Austin operates CapMetro, which provides the bus routes and transit lanes.
Transportation in San Antonio, TX
San Antonio is more spread out, making the Walk Score of 37 lower than Austin’s. But just like Austin, San Antonio has areas with higher walkability, like Downtown, Pearl, and Southtown. The city is also continuing to invest in trails and greenways, and VIA Metropolitan Transit provides bus service through San Antonio, offering affordable transportation options for commuters. Though the Bike Score of 45 and Transit Score of 31 fall slightly behind that of Austin’s, San Antonio is growing quickly and might just catch up.
Pros and Cons of Moving From Austin, TX to San Antonio, TX
Pros of Moving From Austin to San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has a lot to offer anyone considering a move from Austin. One of the biggest advantages of living in the city is affordability. Cost-of-living data shows San Antonio’s overall expenses are lower than Austin’s, and housing costs are also significantly more affordable.
In addition to affordability, San Antonio offers a range of educational opportunities with respected universities and strong public school districts. Families have access to private and charter school options as well.
San Antonio also has an amazing food scene built on deep cultural traditions. From Tex-Mex classics and Mexican bakeries to modern restaurants, the city is full of great places to eat.
Cons of Moving from Austin, TX to San Antonio, TX
While San Antonio has so many advantages, there are a few things to consider when moving from Austin. First, Austin tends to be more walkable and bike-friendly, especially in central neighborhoods. San Antonio’s walkability and bikability scores are slightly lower, so residents usually rely on driving.
Public transportation is also more limited in San Antonio compared to Austin. While VIA Metro Transit covers the city with bus routes, Austin’s CapMetro offers a wider range of services, including rapid transit.
Lastly, Austin offers a larger selection of higher education institutions and a stronger selection of tech jobs. If someone is moving for career opportunities, especially in tech, they may find fewer opportunities in San Antonio.
Planning Your Move
Choosing a moving company can be overwhelming. We gathered quotes from a few moving companies for a standard one-bedroom apartment move from Austin to San Antonio. Here’s what we found:
- Unicorn Moving Services lists $908-1139 for a one-bedroom move from Austin to San Antonio.
- Move and Care, advertises around $1,200 for a standard one-bedroom, full-service move.
- Broader industry data shows the Austin to San Antonio average is anywhere from $455 to $2,117, depending on the size of the home and services.
These quotes include loading, transportation, and unloading. Though the final cost can vary.
How UniMovers Rates Compare
UniMovers is a labor-only moving company, meaning we handle the loading and unloading for you. This makes us a more affordable option for many customers who do not need or want full-service transportation.
For a standard one-bedroom move between Austin to San Antonio, our average labor-only price ranges from $240-$480, depending on crew size, hours needed, and whether you’re electing for a load and unload or just a load or unload.
This includes:
- A trained, reliable moving crew
- Loading and/or unloading labor
- Assistance with heavy items
- No hidden fees
- Flexible scheduling
- Full customer control over their truck or rental
Many customers choose UniMovers when they want to save money by renting their own truck but still need professional help doing the heavy lifting. Compared to a full-service mover charging $900-$1200+, UniMovers offers a cost-effective, high-quality alternative.
Conclusion
Moving from Austin to San Antonio can be a big change, but it’s one that many people feel good about. San Antonio offers a more affordable cost of living, a slower pace, a rich culture, and plenty of things to do for families or individuals alike. Whether you’re drawn to the city for its historic charm, food scene, or the chance to save money on housing, San Antonio provides a welcoming place to call home.
When you’re ready to plan your move, choosing the right type of moving help can make all the difference. Full-service movers can be expensive, especially for a short-distance move, which is why many people choose to rent their own truck and hire labor-only movers instead. Our crews are trained, friendly, and experienced.
FAQs
How far is the move from Austin, TX to San Antonio, TX?
The distance between Austin, TX and San Antonio, TX is roughly 80 miles, depending on what parts of the city you’re heading to and from. The drive can be anywhere from 1.5-2.5 hours.
Is San Antonio, TX, more affordable to live in than Austin, TX?
Housing in San Antonio, TX is generally 20-30% more affordable than in Austin, TX, and everyday expenses usually cost less too. Many people move to San Antonio from Austin specifically to save money.
What’s the biggest difference between living in Austin, TX, and San Antonio, TX?
Austin, TX has a fast-paced tech and entertainment scene, while San Antonio, TX is more relaxed, community-driven, and has deep cultural roots. San Antonio is more affordable and family-oriented, and Austin has a younger, more urban energy.
Gabrielle Davis is a freelance content writer and student at Texas State University studying Communications with a focus on Mass Media. When she isn't writing or learning, she can be found doing various crafts and working on her garden.
