Median rent is 6% lower in Waukesha ($1,183/mo vs $1,258/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Antonio, where the median home runs $219,700 versus $286,600. Households earn more in Waukesha ($81,651 vs $62,917 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 Waukesha, WI.
City A
San Antonio, TX
City B
Waukesha, WI
How much would you need to earn in Waukesha, WI to maintain your standard of living from San Antonio, 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
San Antonio
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Waukesha at $1,183/mo compared to $1,258/mo in San Antonio (6% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Waukesha: the median home is $286,600 versus $219,700 in San Antonio — 23% 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 6.25% in Texas and 5.00% in Wisconsin; Waukesha has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
San Antonio
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Waukesha
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Air quality data is available for San Antonio (avg AQI 32.0) but not yet for Waukesha.
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,651/yr).
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is San Antonio cheaper than Waukesha?
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 San Antonio vs Waukesha?
Median rent is $1,258/mo in San Antonio, TX and $1,183/mo in Waukesha, WI. Waukesha, WI has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — San Antonio or Waukesha?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio, TX and $81,651 in Waukesha, WI. Waukesha, WI 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 — San Antonio 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 San Antonio income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in San Antonio, 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