Median rent is 18% lower in Milwaukee ($1,033/mo vs $1,258/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $172,000 versus $219,700. Households earn more in San Antonio ($62,917 vs $51,888 a year). Taken together, San Antonio is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 95.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Antonio, TX.
City A
Milwaukee, WI
City B
San Antonio, TX
How much would you need to earn in San Antonio, TX to maintain your standard of living from Milwaukee, WI?
Equivalent salary in San Antonio, TX
$74,909
You could earn $91 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
San Antonio
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Milwaukee at $1,033/mo compared to $1,258/mo in San Antonio (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in San Antonio: the median home is $219,700 versus $172,000 in Milwaukee — 22% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% — giving San Antonio a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 5.00% in Wisconsin and 6.25% in Texas; Milwaukee has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Milwaukee
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
San Antonio
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Milwaukee has cleaner air on average: 6.0 AQI (Good) compared to 32.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize higher median household income ($62,917/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,033/mo median).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 6.0).
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Milwaukee cheaper than San Antonio?
San Antonio is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 95.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in San Antonio.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs San Antonio?
Median rent is $1,033/mo in Milwaukee, WI and $1,258/mo in San Antonio, TX. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Milwaukee or San Antonio?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee, WI and $62,917 in San Antonio, TX. San Antonio, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Milwaukee, WI has better air quality on average: 6.0 AQI versus 32.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Milwaukee or San Antonio?
Texas has no state income tax. Wisconsin has a top rate of 7.65%.
What salary do I need in San Antonio to match my Milwaukee income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Milwaukee, WI is equivalent to roughly $99,878 in San Antonio, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology