San Antonio, Texas, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offer two distinct American lifestyles. Boasting of rich cultural heritage, a burgeoning tech industry and an excellent food scene, San Antonio offers a distinct Southern style of life. On the other hand, Milwaukee, known for its extensive brewing tradition, wide array of festivals, and views of Lake Michigan, provides a wonderful Midwestern experience. However, comparing the cities yield significant differences in several areas, including crime and safety, cost of living, education, employment, and more.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Milwaukee, WI : 1,106.5 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 155%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Milwaukee has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) during that time.
In terms of safety, both San Antonio and Milwaukee have higher than national average crime rates. San Antonio sees a more significant problem in property crimes compared to violent crime. Milwaukee, however, experiences both property and violent crimes more frequently than the national norm. Regardless of these, both cities have taken significant strides to reduce crime rates with communal efforts and police initiatives.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,771 registered sex offenders living in San Antonio and 2,401 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in Milwaukee is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Antonio than in Milwaukee.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in San Antonio is lower compared to Milwaukee, primarily due to housing costs. Groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation also generally cost less in San Antonio. This could make it a more attractive prospect for those considering relocation.
Income Tax
Texas does not have any state income tax, which could be advantageous for residents in San Antonio. On the other hand, Milwaukee residents need to pay a Wisconsin state income tax, and its rates depend on the individual's earnings.
Property Tax
Property taxes are generally higher in Texas than Wisconsin, which affects homeowners in San Antonio. Milwaukee property owners tend to pay less in property tax, depending on the home's assessed value.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in San Antonio (Texas) is relatively low at 8.25%, without a state income tax. Milwaukee (Wisconsin) has a sales tax of 5.6% but does impose a state income tax.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
97.5
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $55,587 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio, located in south-central Texas, experiences mostly flat terrain with some hills, while Milwaukee, positioned on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, offers gorgeous waterfront views and green parks.
Both cities offer high-quality education opportunities. San Antonio boasts robust public and private school systems and is home to multiple universities, including the University of Texas at San Antonio. Milwaukee also has a strong education system with renowned universities like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University.
San Antonio's economy is driven by sectors such as health care, tourism, and military/defense, while Milwaukee's key industries are healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Both cities have relatively low unemployment rates and are showing positive trends in job growth.
Biggest Employers
In San Antonio, the biggest employers are H-E-B, USAA, and the Northside Independent School District. Milwaukee's largest employers are Aurora Health Care, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare and Froedtert Health.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Milwaukee
San Antonio
Milwaukee
San Antonio
Milwaukee
2020
58.3%
69.3%
40.1%
29.4%
1.5%
1.3%
2016
54.2%
65.6%
40.8%
28.6%
5.0%
5.8%
2012
51.6%
67.8%
47.1%
31.6%
1.4%
0.5%
2008
52.3%
67.8%
46.7%
31.7%
1.0%
0.5%
2004
44.5%
62.0%
55.0%
37.5%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
44.9%
58.5%
52.3%
37.9%
2.7%
3.6%
1996
49.7%
58.3%
44.6%
32.2%
5.7%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Milwaukee
San Antonio
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
21.0%
8.6%
10.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
1.3%
23.5%
4.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
1.0%
0.8%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
3.0%
1.0%
5.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.4%
1.6%
1.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
2.4%
2.2%
6.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.7%
0.3%
3.1%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.0%
2.2%
0.2%
6.0%
Weather
San Antonio enjoys a year-round moderate climate with hot summers and mild winters which attract a lot of tourists, especially those from colder regions. In contrast, Milwaukee experiences a continental climate with hot, humid summers and severely cold winters. Snow sports enthusiasts might find Milwaukee's winter appealing.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
57.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
34%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
35%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
11 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Milwaukee
San Antonio
Milwaukee
San Antonio
Milwaukee
San Antonio
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
San Antonio
Milwaukee
San Antonio
Milwaukee
San Antonio
Milwaukee
2018
83
84
N/A
N/A
4.9
8.8
25.6
28.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
8.0
7.8
0.2
0.2
2017
85
80
N/A
N/A
5.1
8.9
26.9
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.3
8.4
6.9
1.7
0.3
2016
79
86
N/A
N/A
5.2
9.4
25.7
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.0
8.2
7.4
0.8
1.2
2015
76
78
N/A
N/A
4.7
9.6
25.4
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
9.2
7.8
0.7
1.1
2014
84
89
N/A
N/A
5.5
9.9
27.3
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.4
9.5
9.2
0.6
1.0
2013
79
81
N/A
N/A
4.1
10.4
28.2
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.4
9.0
9.6
0.7
0.7
2012
77
108
N/A
N/A
4.5
11.5
27.5
28.3
N/A
N/A
18.1
17.2
9.2
9.6
N/A
1.0
2011
85
95
N/A
N/A
4.6
11.4
29.2
27.3
N/A
N/A
18.9
16.2
9.9
10.1
N/A
1.2
2010
75
83
0.21
N/A
7.2
12.9
25.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
17.1
N/A
9.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
2009
74
69
0.23
N/A
8.3
12.2
25.7
23.7
N/A
N/A
19.5
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.4
N/A
2008
84
61
0.26
N/A
9.3
12.4
26.8
24.6
N/A
N/A
19.8
17.3
10.1
N/A
0.5
N/A
2007
83
80
0.49
N/A
9.3
14.2
26.3
24.1
N/A
N/A
23.4
19.9
10.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
2006
86
66
0.51
0.35
9.7
14.7
32.7
22.8
0.017
N/A
24.8
19.9
9.8
N/A
N/A
2.6
2005
86
99
0.53
0.36
10.7
16.6
30.8
25.1
0.015
N/A
22.3
25.4
10.1
N/A
N/A
3.1
2004
76
75
0.48
0.41
10.4
16.6
29.6
21.2
0.011
N/A
22.4
21.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
2003
77
76
0.57
0.41
10.3
16.7
28.5
27.1
0.017
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
2002
88
92
0.52
0.40
11.2
N/A
30.3
28.9
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
2001
78
96
0.57
0.34
11.9
15.8
29.3
28.3
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
2000
82
84
0.52
0.29
11.7
16.5
29.6
27.0
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
19%
Transportation
Both cities have public transportation systems, but San Antonio's is considered more efficient and widespread. However, Milwaukee benefits from being a smaller city, often resulting in shorter commuting times.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
987
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Milwaukee
Bicycle
0.2%
0.5%
Bus
1.6%
4.2%
Carpooled
12.9%
8.4%
Car alone
81.9%
81.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Milwaukee
Average
27 min
24.2 min
Other means
23.4 min
21.1 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
40.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Milwaukee
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
84.6%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in San Antonio is generally less expensive than in Milwaukee, making it more affordable for homebuyers. Milwaukee does, however, boast unique lakefront and riverside properties that lend a distinct charm to the city.
Neighborhoods
San Antonio is known for its historic districts such as King William and Monte Vista while Milwaukee has eclectic neighborhoods like the Third Ward and Bay View, each with their unique culture and charm.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Milwaukee
Houses
603,670
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1956
Median year house/condo built
1981
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$854.05
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$965
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$160,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$177,554
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$161,248
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$178,933
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$222,376
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$67,466
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$171,473
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$176,965
Median house age
37
68
Renting percentage
43.5%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
2,683.8
House value disparities
33.6%
33%
Household income disparities
44.7%
46.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$72,490
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$53,843
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
5,023 (7.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Milwaukee
One, detached
60.4%
38.9%
One, attached
2.7%
4.5%
Two
2.2%
23.5%
3 or 4
4.9%
6.3%
5 to 9
7.8%
6.3%
10 to 19
8.5%
4.1%
20 to 49
5.4%
6.6%
50 or more
6.6%
9.5%
Mobile homes
1.5%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
10,069
State government workers
29,486
7,334
Unpaid family workers
657
199
Industries and Occupations
In San Antonio, prominent industries include healthcare, bioscience, tourism, and cyber security. In Milwaukee, the dominant sectors are manufacturing, healthcare, and brewing. Both places offer diverse work opportunities depending on your field.
Both San Antonio and Milwaukee are home to top-notch medical facilities. San Antonio's health care sector is one of its largest industries, while Milwaukee is known for leading health care research and patient care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Antonio's infrastructure is rapidly developing, with ongoing projects focusing on transportation and urban development. Milwaukee, with its older infrastructure, is focusing on maintenance and improvement—a blend of preservation and modernization.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Milwaukee
Hospitals
130
29
TV stations
30
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
333
146
Bank institutions located here
41
29
Main business address for public companies
23
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Milwaukee
1999
6,847
1,506
2000
2,930
1,666
2001
2,383
1,410
2002
2,313
1,157
2003
3,759
1,641
2004
5,180
2,251
2005
6,554
3,325
2006
6,983
4,218
2007
4,562
2,555
2008
1,781
719
2009
847
456
Culture and Food
San Antonio is known for its vibrant Latin culture and Tex-Mex cuisine, while Milwaukee has strong German roots reflected in its food and beer culture. Both cities boast festivals and cultural events attracting tourists year-round.
Sports Teams
San Antonio is home to the NBA's Spurs, while Milwaukee hosts the NBA's Bucks and the MLB's Brewers. Both cities have a vibrant sports culture and enthusiastic fan bases.
San Antonio, TX
Milwaukee, WI
San Antonio, TX and 
Milwaukee, WI : 1,106.5 miles
