San Antonio, Texas, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, are two diverse and exciting American cities, each possessing distinctive advantages for both residents and tourists. The contrasts between them span the range of climate and cost of living, to culture and cuisine, making for a complex comparison. This contrast may provide valuable insights for those considering relocating or simply visiting either city.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Minneapolis, MN : 1,109.3 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 241%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Minneapolis has grown by 42,718 people (11.2%) during that time.
Regarding crime and safety, San Antonio has higher crime rates in comparison to the national average and to Minneapolis. However, it is worth noting that crime rate varies within districts of the same city. In Minneapolis, despite having lower overall crime rates, certain areas such as Phillips and Near North have higher crime rates. Both cities prioritize safety and offer various police-community engagement programs.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,802 registered sex offenders living in San Antonio and 189 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 393 to 1; the ratio in Minneapolis is 2,189 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in San Antonio than that in Minneapolis.
Cost of Living
San Antonio is generally less expensive than Minneapolis. From housing to grocery bills, you'll likely find your money stretches further in San Antonio. However, salaries often reflect cost of living, meaning those working in Minneapolis may earn more than their San Antonio counterparts.
Income Tax
Minnesota imposes a state income tax, with rates ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%, depending on income level, whereas Texas does not impose an income tax.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are higher in Texas compared to Minnesota. So, while housing may be cheaper in San Antonio, property taxes will likely be higher than in Minneapolis.
Sales Tax
Minnesota’s sales tax rate of 6.875% is higher than Texas' state rate of 6.25%. However, when city, county, and transit taxes in respective cities are taken into account, rates in Minneapolis and San Antonio are almost equal.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$69,397
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$44,836
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
115.8
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $66,021 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio is characterized by its flat to gently rolling terrain located on the Balcones Escarpment, while Minneapolis is known for its waterways including the Mississippi River and an abundance of lakes.
Both cities reflect solid educational options. Minneapolis outperforms San Antonio in terms of higher education, being home to the University of Minnesota. On the other hand, San Antonio features a variety of public and private school options for K-12 education, with some ranking highly at the state level.
San Antonio’s economy is primarily driven by sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism. Meanwhile, the economy of Minneapolis is better diversified with significant contributions from finance, industry, health, and education. Unemployment rates in both cities are on par with the national average.
Biggest Employers
In San Antonio, the largest employers are the military, the city government, the school district, and the Health Science Center. In Minneapolis, Fortune 500 companies such as Target, U.S. Bancorp, and Xcel Energy provide many local jobs.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 63 building permits issued in Minneapolis in 2012 (14 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Minneapolis (Hennepin County), 62.5% voted for Democrats and 35.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Minneapolis
San Antonio
Minneapolis
San Antonio
Minneapolis
2020
58.3%
70.7%
40.1%
27.4%
1.5%
1.9%
2016
54.2%
63.4%
40.8%
28.3%
5.0%
8.3%
2012
51.6%
62.5%
47.1%
35.4%
1.4%
2.1%
2008
52.3%
63.6%
46.7%
34.9%
1.0%
1.4%
2004
44.5%
59.7%
55.0%
39.7%
0.6%
0.6%
2000
44.9%
53.7%
52.3%
39.4%
2.7%
6.9%
1996
49.7%
54.4%
44.6%
33.2%
5.7%
12.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Minneapolis
San Antonio
Minneapolis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
18.7%
8.6%
8.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
0.1%
23.5%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.7%
0.8%
2.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
1.6%
1.0%
4.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.7%
1.6%
2.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
10.8%
2.2%
12.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.4%
0.3%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.3%
2.9%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.0%
0.4%
0.2%
1.4%
Weather
When it comes to weather, San Antonio features a hot semi-arid climate with mild winters, while Minneapolis experiences a hot-summer humid continental climate, which includes cold winters with lots of snowfall. For those who appreciate warm weather, San Antonio may be more appealing. Conversely, if you like experiencing four distinct seasons with a white Christmas, Minneapolis may be a better fit.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
45.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
74.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
30.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
98.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
15.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
61.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
37%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
37%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
10.5 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Minneapolis
San Antonio
Minneapolis
San Antonio
Minneapolis
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
San Antonio
Minneapolis
San Antonio
Minneapolis
San Antonio
Minneapolis
2018
83
81
N/A
0.24
4.9
14.1
25.6
28.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.4
8.0
8.5
0.2
1.3
2017
85
71
N/A
0.26
5.1
13.4
26.9
27.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.5
8.4
7.8
1.7
1.4
2016
79
76
N/A
0.28
5.2
12.6
25.7
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.7
8.2
7.3
0.8
1.5
2015
76
80
N/A
0.28
4.7
13.8
25.4
27.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.4
9.2
8.8
0.7
1.1
2014
84
83
N/A
0.25
5.5
15.9
27.3
26.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.2
9.5
7.0
0.6
1.0
2013
79
81
N/A
N/A
4.1
12.8
28.2
32.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.9
9.0
6.7
0.7
0.9
2012
77
80
N/A
N/A
4.5
7.7
27.5
29.0
N/A
N/A
18.1
23.8
9.2
8.4
N/A
0.2
2011
85
90
N/A
0.22
4.6
7.8
29.2
29.7
N/A
N/A
18.9
23.4
9.9
9.8
N/A
0.1
2010
75
101
0.21
N/A
7.2
9.6
25.8
27.8
0.003
N/A
17.1
24.7
9.2
9.6
N/A
0.5
2009
74
103
0.23
N/A
8.3
7.4
25.7
N/A
0.004
N/A
19.5
21.4
9.8
9.4
0.4
1.1
2008
84
92
0.26
N/A
9.3
8.8
26.8
N/A
0.003
N/A
19.8
18.3
10.1
10.1
0.5
1.0
2007
83
102
0.49
N/A
9.3
9.2
26.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
23.4
21.6
10.3
11.6
N/A
0.6
2006
86
88
0.51
N/A
9.7
9.5
32.7
N/A
0.006
N/A
24.8
20.5
9.8
10.5
N/A
1.8
2005
86
107
0.53
N/A
10.7
12.3
30.8
N/A
0.004
N/A
22.3
22.0
10.1
10.6
N/A
2.1
2004
76
103
0.48
N/A
10.4
11.0
29.6
N/A
0.005
N/A
22.4
23.9
N/A
10.5
N/A
3.3
2003
77
114
0.57
N/A
10.3
12.5
28.5
N/A
0.004
N/A
26.7
25.9
N/A
11.9
N/A
3.0
2002
88
95
0.52
0.42
11.2
15.7
30.3
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
N/A
1.8
2001
78
82
0.57
0.75
11.9
17.5
29.3
32.4
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
N/A
2.0
2000
82
68
0.52
0.75
11.7
16.6
29.6
31.2
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
129.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
44.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
17%
Transportation
Minneapolis takes the lead in terms of public transport, featuring an impressive network of buses and an expanding light rail system. San Antonio’s public transport system is less robust, but the city does benefit from less congestion and shorter average commuting times.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
987
284
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Bicycle
0.2%
1.9%
Bus
1.6%
6.6%
Carpooled
12.9%
9%
Car alone
81.9%
74.3%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.6%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
5.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Average
27 min
27.4 min
Other means
23.4 min
20.3 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
32.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
84.6%
87.5%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
10.3%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate cost in San Antonio is lower than in Minneapolis, with a more affordable housing market. Whether you are interested in buying or renting, money tends to go further in San Antonio.
Neighborhoods
San Antonio is famous for its historic districts like Alamo Heights and King Williams, while Minneapolis boasts diverse areas like North Loop and Uptown. Both cities exhibit a wide range of housing styles, catering to different tastes and budgets.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Houses
603,670
203,633
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.2
Median year apartment built
1987
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
13 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
188,681 (92.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
93,981 (49.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
94,700 (50.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,777
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,369
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$238,504
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$319,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$398,431
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$353,466
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$335,939
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$317,891
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$9,605
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$376,360
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$383,883
Median house age
37
70
Renting percentage
43.5%
50.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
3,709.7
House value disparities
33.6%
30.1%
Household income disparities
44.7%
45.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$113,268
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$70,111
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
1,756 (2.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
6,107 (8.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
68,555 (97.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
203 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
7,699 (10.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
0.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Minneapolis
One, detached
60.4%
41.8%
One, attached
2.7%
3.6%
Two
2.2%
7.4%
3 or 4
4.9%
3.8%
5 to 9
7.8%
3.7%
10 to 19
8.5%
6.2%
20 to 49
5.4%
9.8%
50 or more
6.6%
23.3%
Mobile homes
1.5%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
13,397
State government workers
29,486
12,526
Unpaid family workers
657
516
Industries and Occupations
San Antonio’s primary industries are healthcare, education, and tourism. In contrast, Minneapolis has a diverse industry base which includes commerce, finance, rail and trucking services, healthcare, and industry. The median income in Minneapolis is slightly higher than San Antonio.
Both cities offer world-class healthcare facilities. San Antonio has the renowned South Texas Medical Center, while Minneapolis has two of the top hospitals in the country: the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Minneapolis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities boast robust infrastructure. San Antonio flaunts a distinctive blend of Spanish colonial architecture and modern high-rises, while Minneapolis is renowned for its modernistic architecture and the famous Skyway System, which connects buildings in the downtown area.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Hospitals
130
17
TV stations
30
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
333
86
Bank institutions located here
41
26
Main business address for public companies
23
59
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
10
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Minneapolis
1999
6,847
1,420
2000
2,930
428
2001
2,383
294
2002
2,313
272
2003
3,759
1,151
2004
5,180
1,818
2005
6,554
3,008
2006
6,983
3,221
2007
4,562
1,812
2008
1,781
710
2009
847
372
Culture and Food
Culture and food are areas where both cities shine. San Antonio offers a rich mix of American and Mexican cultures, resulting in a unique Tex-Mex food scene. Minneapolis, on the other hand, is home to a thriving arts scene and a diverse food scene noted for its Scandinavian influences and farm-to-table offerings.
Sports Teams
Sports fans would likely be pleased with either city. Minneapolis features a range of professional sports teams including the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Minnesota Twins (MLB), and Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA). San Antonio is home to the highly competitive San Antonio Spurs (NBA).
San Antonio, TX
Minneapolis, MN
