Alamo vs San Juan: which is better to live in?
Alamo gets C- overall and San Juan gets C. San Juan comes out ahead on our index.
Alamo wins on errands and things to do, getting around, education levels and health. San Juan wins on jobs and income, safety, home ownership and internet access.
Alamo suits young professionals better, while San Juan suits families and retirees better.
Side by side
| Alamo | San Juan | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | C- | C |
| Population | 20,625 | 37,868 |
| Growth since 2020 | +5.7% | +7.2% |
| Median rent | $811 | $961 |
| Median home value | $145,100 | $126,700 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $1,001 | $899 |
| Median household income | $57,096 | $56,562 |
| Property tax per year | $2,481 | $2,464 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 654 | 166 |
| Property crime per 100k | 2,929 | 1,110 |
| Schools rated A or B | 92% | 71% |
| Average commute | 24 min | 25 min |
| Work from home | 6.7% | 6.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 19% | 15% |
| Median age | 29.2 years | 30.7 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 170 | 170 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Low | Low |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Alamo | San Juan | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B+ (79) | B+ (78) |
| Jobs and income | F (6) | D- (9) |
| Schools | B+ (75) | B+ (73) |
| Safety | F (4) | B- (58) |
| Errands and things to do | A- (87) | C+ (55) |
| Getting around | C (45) | D (20) |
| Education levels | F (7) | F (3) |
| Health | F (5) | F (3) |
| Home ownership | D+ (30) | B- (58) |
| Internet access | D (18) | C- (33) |
Cost of living
Overall costs are close between the two.
Rent is lower in Alamo: a median of $811 a month, 16% lower than San Juan's $961.
The median home is worth $145,100 in Alamo and $126,700 in San Juan. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $1,001 a month against $899, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 2.5 times income in Alamo and 2.2 times in San Juan.
Commute and location
Commutes average 24 minutes in Alamo and 25 in San Juan.
The two are about 2 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
San Juan has less violent crime. Alamo reported 654 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and San Juan reported 166 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 92% of Alamo's 13 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 71% of San Juan's 14.
Common questions
Is Alamo or San Juan better to live in?
San Juan grades higher overall (C- vs C). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Alamo cheaper than San Juan?
They cost about the same to live in.
Which is safer, Alamo or San Juan?
San Juan, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.