Median rent is 23% lower in Waukesha ($1,183/mo vs $1,536/mo). Buying is cheaper in Waukesha, where the median home runs $286,600 versus $315,100. Households earn more in New Braunfels ($88,257 vs $81,651 a year). Taken together, New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels, TX.
City A
New Braunfels, TX
City B
Waukesha, WI
How much would you need to earn in Waukesha, WI to maintain your standard of living from New Braunfels, TX?
Equivalent salary in Waukesha, WI
$75,092
You'd need $92 more (0% higher).
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
New Braunfels
Texas
Waukesha
Wisconsin
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Waukesha — median rent of $1,183/mo versus $1,536/mo in New Braunfels, a 23% difference. Median home values are within 9% of each other: $315,100 in New Braunfels and $286,600 in Waukesha.
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 New Braunfels a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 5.00% in Wisconsin; Waukesha has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New Braunfels
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Waukesha
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize higher median household income ($88,257/yr).
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,183/mo median).
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is New Braunfels cheaper than Waukesha?
New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels.
How much is rent in New Braunfels vs Waukesha?
Median rent is $1,536/mo in New Braunfels, TX and $1,183/mo in Waukesha, WI. Waukesha, WI has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — New Braunfels or Waukesha?
Median household income is $88,257 in New Braunfels, TX and $81,651 in Waukesha, WI. New Braunfels, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — New Braunfels or Waukesha?
Texas has no state income tax. Wisconsin has a top rate of 7.65%.
What salary do I need in Waukesha to match my New Braunfels income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New Braunfels, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,122 in Waukesha, WI (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