Apartments for Rent in San Antonio, TX - 2,030 Rentals available

Renter's Guide to San Antonio

San Antonio is a true Texan city complete with modern and progressive charm. Home to the Alamo, the San Antonio Spurs, and a Riverwalk which extends for miles along the banks of San Antonio River, this city is perfect for the work hard–play hard adult eager to embrace warm weather year-round.

Like all things in Texas, San Antonio is big! At 461 square miles, San Antonio is comparable in size to Los Angeles. With 1.4 million residents, San Antonio has the second highest population in Texas—below Houston, which boasts 2.2 million—and it is also the seventh most-populous city in the United States.

The distance from San Antonio to Houston is less than 200 miles, and about 80 miles to Austin—perfect for day trips or weekend adventures.

San Antonio is a diverse city consisting of mostly Hispanic and Caucasian ethnicities with a deep history dating back nearly 300 years. The city thrives as a major business center in Texas and as a popular tourist destination all year long.

The weather in San Antonio is generally hot, especially when temperatures reach the mid-90s in the summertime. Winter temperatures in San Antonio can dip into the 40s at night and average in the 60s during the day. The rainiest months are May, June and October with totals around 4-5 inches which is actually higher than New York City, although annual rainfall is considerably lower since it doesn’t rain as much the rest of the year. On average, you can expect 220 days of sunshine in San Antonio!

Cost of Living in San Antonio, TX

The cost of living in San Antonio compared to Austin is less by 15-20%, making it a considerably more affordable place to call home. If you’re heading out to enjoy a meal in San Antonio, an average inexpensive dinner for two costs around $30-50. A cappuccino in San Antonio costs about $3.41. The cost of living in San Antonio is also less than in Dallas and Houston.

There is public transportation in San Antonio but it isn’t as prevalent like it is in Chicago or New York. The VIA Metro Transit bus service charges $38 for a monthly pass. The Bicycle program offers bike sharing in San Antonio, which ranges in price from $10 for a one-pass to $80 for an annual pass. Most opt to drive though. San Antonio ranks 39^th in traffic congestion in the US and San Antonio traffic compared to Austin and Houston is far better. San Antonio Taxis is the most used taxi service here and fares generally cost $2.60 per mile. Ride sharing services like Uber are also available.

Basic utility services in San Antonio for a 915-square-foot apartment average around $135/month. Utilities in San Antonio compared to Austin are similar with Austin averaging just $10/month more.

Living in San Antonio

As with every city, there are pros and cons to living in San Antonio too. To start with the good stuff, San Antonio is so friendly that you may be surprised when strangers simply say hello. And even though it has a large population it doesn’t feel overcrowded. San Antonio is bike friendly, offers free ample parking downtown and features a scenic Riverwalk.

The University of Texas San Antonio is the major college in the area with an estimated 28,000 student population. Go Roadrunners!

The San Antonio Spurs are the only professional sports team in the city but they dominate the NBA having won 5 Championships since 1999.

Every city has its cons though. There’s no white Christmas here—the San Antonio climate is hot. Public transportation in San Antonio is not nearly as widespread as in bigger cities either. The creative class is also seeking more opportunity elsewhere in hipper cities like Austin or out of the state in robust creative centers like L.A. or New York. The San Antonio music scene doesn’t thrive compared to Austin—but it certainly exists.

Things to do in San Antonio

You will never be short of things to do in San Antonio.

Things to do in San Antonio with kids include riding rollercoasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, visiting Seaworld San Antonio, or discovering the 3,500+ species at the San Antonio Zoo. The San Antonio Museum of Art is located on the San Antonio Riverwalk and has free admission times on Tuesdays and Sundays; the 90-year-old Witte Museum has free general admission on Tuesdays too.

Brackenridge Park is a nice oasis providing 343-acres of park area and trails as well as playgrounds for the kids. The Japanese Tea Gardens nearby offers a quieter setting amid gorgeous koi ponds and vegetation. Other popular San Antonio landmarks include the Spanish frontier missions at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, of course, the Alamo!

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in February is a massive event often topping one million attendees and is something you‘ll want to experience. In April, head to Fiesta San Antonio which is an annual festival honoring the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto.

When you’re searching for malls in San Antonio, you’ll want to check out the Riverwalk Mall downtown which is packed with entertainment options and stores including an IMAX theater, a comedy club, and great restaurants including Fogo De Chao.

Where to Work in San Antonio

The San Antonio unemployment rate is often lower than the rest of Texas, and is known in the region for its economic diversity boasting thriving healthcare, bioscience, IT, aerospace and new energy industries. The major employers in San Antonio are H-E-B Texas Grocery and the USAA.

Top Colleges in San Antonio

The University of Texas San Antonio is the major college in the area with an estimated 28,000 student population. Go Roadrunners!

San Antonio College is the oldest public two-year college in Texas! They offer 75 Associate Degree programs with courses that can transfer to four-year colleges.

If you want more options for higher education in San Antonio, you’ll be able to choose from 29 colleges and universities offering various programs all within the city!

Tips for Renting in San Antonio

If you’re moving to San Antonio from California, you should know there are no Texas rent control laws meaning a landlord can raise rent when your yearly lease ends. Depending on the demand in the marketplace, rent increases can vary upon renewal.

San Antonio is an expanding and affordable city perfect for millennials eager to call it home. Between 2000 and 2010, San Antonio grew by 16% and was one of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the country. With its military presence, abundant sunshine and amazing culture, the Alamo City continues to be a great place to call home.