đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Kenosha and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Kenosha vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Kenosha | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $68,885 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $250,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $185 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,071 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 107.5 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.6 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 323.9 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.1% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Antonio vs. Kenosha: The Ultimate Texas vs. Wisconsin Showdown
You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the sun-drenched, fiesta-living giant of South Texas. On the other, a charming, lakeside Midwestern gem perched on the edge of Lake Michigan. Choosing between San Antonio and Kenosha isn’t just about picking a city; it’s about choosing a lifestyle.
One offers the hustle and bustle of a major metro area with a distinct cultural flavor. The other promises a quieter, smaller-town feel with easy access to Chicago and Milwaukee. So, which one deserves your ticket? Let’s settle this in the ring.
The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Lakeside Charm
San Antonio is a sprawling, vibrant metropolis. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., and it wears its history on its sleeve. You get the iconic River Walk, the Alamo, and a world-class culinary scene that blends Tex-Mex with Southern comfort. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and unapologetically Texan. It’s a city for people who want big-city amenities—major sports teams, a booming tech scene, and endless entertainment—without the astronomical price tags of Austin or Dallas.
Kenosha, by contrast, is a breath of fresh, crisp air. With a population under 100,000, it feels intimate and navigable. The city is defined by its stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, historic downtown, and a strong sense of community. It’s a place where you can enjoy a quiet evening by the lake, then take a 45-minute train ride into the heart of Chicago for a night out. Kenosha is for those who crave a slower pace, four distinct seasons, and the feeling of a tight-knit community.
The Verdict:
- San Antonio is for the extrovert who loves culture, food, and the energy of a large city.
- Kenosha is for the introvert who values tranquility, nature, and a strategic location near bigger metros.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Furthest?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s crunch the numbers. We’ll assume a baseline salary of $100,000 to see the real "purchasing power" in each city.
The Financial Face-Off (San Antonio vs. Kenosha)
| Category | San Antonio | Kenosha | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $62,322 | $68,885 | Kenosha |
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $250,000 | Kenosha |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $1,071 | Kenosha |
| Housing Index | 94.2 | 107.5 | San Antonio |
| Sales Tax | 8.25% | 5.5% | Kenosha |
| Income Tax | 0% | Varies (3.5% - 7.65%) | San Antonio |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
At first glance, Kenosha’s higher median income and slightly lower home prices look appealing. If you earn $100,000 in Kenosha, your money goes slightly further on housing upfront. However, the real story is in the tax structure.
- San Antonio’s Superpower: Zero State Income Tax. This is a massive deal. On a $100,000 salary, you could save $6,000 - $7,000 per year compared to many states. This effectively boosts your take-home pay, giving you more flexibility for savings, investments, or fun.
- Kenosha’s Reality: Wisconsin has a progressive income tax. On $100,000, you’d pay roughly $5,000 - $6,000 in state income tax annually. However, Wisconsin’s sales tax is lower (5.5% vs. Texas’s 8.25%), which can help offset daily expenses.
Insight: While Kenosha’s housing index is higher (meaning housing is less affordable relative to local incomes), the 0% income tax in Texas is a game-changer for higher earners. For someone earning $100,000, the annual tax savings in San Antonio could cover the difference in rent or mortgage payments.
The Verdict: San Antonio wins on pure purchasing power for mid-to-high income earners thanks to no state income tax. Kenosha is better for those on a tighter budget who prioritize lower sales tax on daily goods.
The Housing Market: Buy or Rent?
San Antonio:
The market is competitive but not as cutthroat as Austin. The median home price of $264,900 is relatively affordable for a major metro. Renting a 1BR for $1,197 is reasonable. It’s generally a balanced market, with enough inventory to give buyers options without the frenzy of a pure seller’s market. New construction is booming on the outskirts, offering modern homes at a good price.
Kenosha:
The median home price of $250,000 is attractive, especially for a city with lakefront property. Rent is even cheaper at $1,071. However, the Housing Index of 107.5 (higher than SA’s 94.2) indicates that housing is less affordable for the local population. The market can be a seller’s market in desirable neighborhoods, especially those near the lake or with historic charm. Inventory is tighter due to the city’s smaller size.
The Verdict: San Antonio offers more room to grow and a slightly easier path to homeownership for newcomers. Kenosha offers charming older homes and potential lakefront living, but you might face more competition for the best spots.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Antonio: As a major city, traffic is real. Commute times average 25-30 minutes, but I-35 and Loop 1604 can be parking lots during rush hour. The city is spread out, so a car is non-negotiable.
- Kenosha: This is a massive win for Kenosha. Traffic is minimal. The average commute is under 20 minutes. Plus, the Metra train line offers a direct, stress-free 50-minute ride into downtown Chicago, making it a true commuter haven.
Weather
- San Antonio: Brutal summers. Think highs regularly hitting 95°F+ with high humidity from May to September. Winters are mild (rarely freezing). It’s a year-round outdoor city if you can handle the heat.
- Kenosha: Welcome to the Midwest. You get four true seasons: beautiful falls, snowy winters (averaging 18°F in January), pleasant springs, and warm summers. Snow can be a dealbreaker, but the lake moderates temperatures slightly. If you love autumn foliage and winter sports, this is your spot.
Crime & Safety
Let’s be direct. The data is stark.
- San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, crime is a city-wide concern you must research block-by-block.
- Kenosha: The violent crime rate is 323.9 per 100k. This is much closer to the national average and notably lower than San Antonio’s. It’s a safer bet statistically, though no city is crime-free.
The Verdict:
- Traffic/Commute: Kenosha (by a landslide).
- Weather: It’s a toss-up. San Antonio for sun-lovers, Kenosha for season-lovers.
- Safety: Kenosha is the clear winner based on the data.
The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?
After laying out all the cards, the choice becomes clear based on who you are.
🏆 Winner for Families: San Antonio
- Why: More space, better schools in many suburbs (like Alamo Heights), endless family activities (zoos, theme parks, museums), and a lower cost of living relative to other major metros. The high crime rate requires careful neighborhood selection, but the upside for families is huge.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: San Antonio
- Why: The job market is robust (tech, military, healthcare), the social scene is vibrant, and the zero income tax means more money for fun and savings. You get big-city energy without the New York or San Francisco price tag. Kenosha’s social scene is quieter and may feel limiting for a young professional.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Kenosha
- Why: Lower crime, a peaceful pace of life, walkable downtown, and access to healthcare in nearby Chicago and Milwaukee. The seasonal beauty is a reward for a lifetime of work. While San Antonio’s warmth is appealing, its higher crime and faster pace can be less relaxing for retirees.
Pros & Cons: At a Glance
San Antonio
Pros:
- Zero State Income Tax – A huge financial boost.
- Rich Culture & Food – Unbeatable Tex-Mex and history.
- Affordable for a Major Metro – Great bang for your buck.
- Robust Job Market – Diverse and growing.
- Year-Round Warmth – No shoveling snow.
Cons:
- High Crime Rate – Requires diligent research.
- Brutal Summer Heat & Humidity – Can be oppressive.
- Heavy Traffic – Commutes can be long.
- Sprawling – Car-dependent.
Kenosha
Pros:
- Strategic Location – Easy access to Chicago & Milwaukee.
- Low Crime – Statistically much safer.
- Minimal Traffic – Easy commutes.
- Lake Michigan Beauty – Scenic and recreational.
- Affordable Housing – Charming homes at good prices.
Cons:
- State Income Tax – Takes a bite out of your paycheck.
- Harsh Winters – Snow and cold are a reality.
- Smaller Job Market – May require commuting for specialized roles.
- Fewer Big-City Amenities – Limited nightlife and cultural events compared to a major metro.
The Bottom Line: Choose San Antonio for tax savings, big-city culture, and warm weather. Choose Kenosha for safety, a peaceful lifestyle, and the best of the Midwest. Your perfect city is waiting.