Comparing San Antonio, Texas, and Wichita, Kansas, gives a broad perspective on two thriving American cities with distinct environments and dynamics. While both cities pride on their cultural diversity and economic growth, they offer different experiences, pros and cons relating to weather, cost of living, education, and more. This detailed comparison will help you, whether you're considering relocating or simply planning a visit to these cities.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Wichita, KS : 573.1 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 267%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Wichita has grown by 51,415 people (14.9%) during that time.
Starting with crime rates, San Antonio's crime rate is higher than the national average, and slightly higher than Wichita's. However, both cities are making significant efforts to improve safety. A variety of neighborhood watch programs exist in both locations, helping residents feel more secure. Both cities have efficient law enforcement agencies, but anyone thinking of relocating should research neighborhoods carefully, as crime rates do vary locally.
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 1,438 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 396 to 1; the ratio in Wichita is 271 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Antonio than in Wichita.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Antonio is slightly higher than Wichita. Housing tends to be more expensive in San Antonio, although on average, salaries can also be higher. On the other hand, Wichita offers a relatively low cost of living with reasonable housing prices, making it a great option for budget-conscious movers.
Income Tax
As mentioned before, Texas does not impose a state income tax. Kansas, on the other hand, applies a state income tax with rates ranging from 3.1% to 5.7%.
Property Tax
San Antonio and Wichita both have property taxes. San Antonio's can be slightly higher on average than Wichita's, largely dependent on the exact location and value of the property.
Sales Tax
Texas, including San Antonio, does not have a state income tax but does have a higher state and city sales tax rate of about 8.25%. On the other hand, Wichita has a lower sales tax rate of about 7.5% but collects state income tax.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Wichita
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$56,293
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$30,942
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
81.7
If you make $50,000 in Wichita, you will have to make $53,672 in San Antonio to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio is situated on the Balcones Escarpment and has varying geographical features, ranging from flat to hilly terrain. Wichita lies on the relatively flat Plains region and has the Arkansas River running through the city, providing some topographical interest.
When it comes to education, both cities have a wide range of options. San Antonio has a stronger emphasis on bilingual education due to its large Hispanic population, while Wichita is known for its high standard of education with several high-achieving school districts.
In terms of work and economy, San Antonio boasts a diverse economy with sectors like healthcare, tourism, and military defense leading the way. Wichita, often dubbed as the "Air Capital of the World", has a strong economy built around the aircraft industry, but also diversified into healthcare, manufacturing and education.
Biggest Employers
San Antonio's biggest employers are H-E-B, USAA, and the city's school district, while Wichita's largest employers are Spirit AeroSystems, Koch Industries, and Wichita State University.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 760 building permits issued in Wichita in 2012 (351 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Wichita (Sedgwick County), 39.4% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Wichita
San Antonio
Wichita
San Antonio
Wichita
2020
58.3%
42.9%
40.1%
54.7%
1.5%
2.4%
2016
54.2%
36.3%
40.8%
54.4%
5.0%
9.3%
2012
51.6%
39.4%
47.1%
58.3%
1.4%
2.3%
2008
52.3%
42.5%
46.7%
55.2%
1.0%
2.3%
2004
44.5%
36.6%
55.0%
62.3%
0.6%
1.2%
2000
44.9%
38.4%
52.3%
57.5%
2.7%
4.1%
1996
49.7%
35.8%
44.6%
56.1%
5.7%
8.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Wichita
San Antonio
Wichita
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
15.0%
8.6%
5.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
5.9%
23.5%
9.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.2%
0.8%
0.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
1.4%
1.0%
1.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.5%
1.6%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.5%
2.2%
1.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.6%
0.3%
3.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.3%
1.3%
SALVATION ARMY
0.0%
0.4%
0.3%
0.4%
Weather
Weather-wise, San Antonio offers a hotter, more humid climate with mild winters and hot summers. In contrast, Wichita experiences clearly divided seasons, with hot summers but also cold, sometimes snowy winters. Those who prefer a warmer climate year-round may find San Antonio more appealing, while Wichita would suit those who enjoy a more traditional four-season climate.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Wichita
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
56.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
73.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
30.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
30 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
21.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
70.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
76%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
56%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Wichita, Kansas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Wichita
San Antonio
Wichita
San Antonio
Wichita
San Antonio
Wichita
San Antonio
Wichita
San Antonio
Wichita
San Antonio
Wichita
2018
83
67
N/A
N/A
4.9
7.8
25.6
28.1
N/A
25.8
8.0
6.2
0.2
1.1
2017
85
66
N/A
N/A
5.1
6.8
26.9
29.1
N/A
22.1
8.4
6.9
1.7
1.2
2016
79
65
N/A
N/A
5.2
6.8
25.7
27.6
N/A
21.5
8.2
N/A
0.8
0.6
2015
76
61
N/A
N/A
4.7
7.2
25.4
28.4
N/A
21.1
9.2
N/A
0.7
1.0
2014
84
70
N/A
N/A
5.5
7.7
27.3
30.0
N/A
23.4
9.5
N/A
0.6
1.4
2013
79
66
N/A
0.25
4.1
8.9
28.2
30.1
N/A
20.8
9.0
N/A
0.7
0.6
2012
77
91
N/A
0.26
4.5
9.9
27.5
32.2
18.1
24.1
9.2
N/A
N/A
1.2
2011
85
89
N/A
0.22
4.6
12.2
29.2
33.5
18.9
22.6
9.9
N/A
N/A
1.5
2010
75
73
0.21
0.45
7.2
8.3
25.8
32.0
17.1
20.2
9.2
N/A
N/A
0.7
2009
74
69
0.23
0.31
8.3
8.2
25.7
29.3
19.5
19.9
9.8
N/A
0.4
0.8
2008
84
66
0.26
0.36
9.3
8.9
26.8
24.0
19.8
20.9
10.1
N/A
0.5
1.7
2007
83
70
0.49
0.47
9.3
9.5
26.3
21.7
23.4
21.2
10.3
N/A
N/A
1.4
2006
86
82
0.51
0.46
9.7
10.0
32.7
29.7
24.8
22.3
9.8
N/A
N/A
0.4
2005
86
80
0.53
0.55
10.7
11.4
30.8
27.8
22.3
21.5
10.1
N/A
N/A
0.3
2004
76
60
0.48
0.37
10.4
9.3
29.6
27.8
22.4
20.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
2003
77
74
0.57
0.30
10.3
10.0
28.5
29.2
26.7
21.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
2002
88
79
0.52
0.54
11.2
8.1
30.3
31.7
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
2001
78
86
0.57
0.40
11.9
5.2
29.3
34.2
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.2
2000
82
84
0.52
0.55
11.7
5.0
29.6
30.6
N/A
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.3
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Wichita
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
202.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
922.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
16%
Transportation
In terms of transport and commuting, Wichita is known for being driver-friendly due to its street grid system while San Antonio has a comprehensive public transit system operated by VIA Metropolitan Transit, which includes regular bus service and a paratransit service. However, a car would still be necessary if living in suburb areas.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Wichita
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
987
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
69
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Wichita
Bicycle
0.2%
0.3%
Bus
1.6%
0.5%
Carpooled
12.9%
9.1%
Car alone
81.9%
87%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Wichita
Average
27 min
21.6 min
Other means
23.4 min
18.7 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Wichita
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
84.6%
89.1%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
8.3%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Antonio’s real estate market is more expensive than Wichita's, which boasts affordable housing options. However, both cities offer a diverse range of housing styles, making them suitable for various tastes and budget ranges.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast unique and diverse neighborhoods. San Antonio is known for its historic and downtown neighborhoods like Alamo Heights and The Pearl, while Wichita offers neighborhoods ranging from the historic College Hill to the vibrant Old Town.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Wichita
Houses
603,670
176,357
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1974
Median year house/condo built
1981
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
156,668 (88.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
91,527 (58.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
65,141 (41.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,022
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$884
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$269,752
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$165,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
7
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$217,536
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$140,687
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$121,965
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$117,517
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$87,984
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$20,297
$100,474
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$146,455
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$210,445
Median house age
37
47
Renting percentage
43.5%
38.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
1,299.1
House value disparities
33.6%
37.5%
Household income disparities
44.7%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$82,935
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$60,554
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
1,747 (3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
4,222 (7.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
56,370 (97%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
321 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
5,142 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
3.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
2.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Wichita
One, detached
60.4%
65.1%
One, attached
2.7%
5.6%
Two
2.2%
4.6%
3 or 4
4.9%
4.7%
5 to 9
7.8%
3.6%
10 to 19
8.5%
5.3%
20 to 49
5.4%
4.3%
50 or more
6.6%
4.6%
Mobile homes
1.5%
2.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
8,733
State government workers
29,486
7,037
Unpaid family workers
657
256
Industries and Occupations
The major industries in San Antonio are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services. Wichita's top industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and educational services. High-demand occupations in these cities reflect their major industries, including engineering roles in Wichita’s aircraft industry and medical roles in San Antonio’s healthcare sector.
Both cities have exceptional health care services. San Antonio has numerous medical research facilities, specialized hospitals, and clinics. Wichita hosts multiple hospitals, some specialized, and many of them have been recognized for their excellent care and innovation.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Wichita
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Antonio's infrastructure is generally well-developed, especially in the downtown area. Wichita excels in terms of easy navigation, with a logical street grid system and less traffic congestion than many other US cities, making journeys quicker and less stressful.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Wichita
Hospitals
130
24
TV stations
30
13
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
333
138
Bank institutions located here
41
34
Main business address for public companies
23
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Wichita
1999
6,847
2,785
2000
2,930
2,308
2001
2,383
1,808
2002
2,313
1,227
2003
3,759
1,260
2004
5,180
1,320
2005
6,554
1,401
2006
6,983
1,272
2007
4,562
1,037
2008
1,781
569
2009
847
324
Culture and Food
San Antonio boasts a rich blend of Tex-Mex culture, resulting in a vibrant city with exciting food and entertainment options. It's famous for its River Walk, Alamo, and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. Wichita, although smaller, offers a thriving arts scene, with Old Town being a hub of cultural activity. It's known for its unique Kansas-style barbecue, along with an array of other diverse cuisine.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find plenty to cheer for in both cities. San Antonio is home to the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, while Wichita cheers on the Wichita Thunder ice hockey team and the Wichita Wind Surge minor league baseball team. In addition, Wichita State University has strong basketball and baseball programs.
San Antonio, TX
Wichita, KS
San Antonio, TX and 
Wichita, KS : 573.1 miles
