Category / Metric	Waukegan	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$72,841	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$248,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$184	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,231	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	110.7	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	103.3	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	425.6	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	20.6%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	39

San Antonio vs. Waukegan: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing a city is like picking a new life. It dictates your daily grind, your wallet’s health, and your weekend plans. So, let’s put two wildly different contenders in the ring: San Antonio, Texas, a sprawling sun-drenched metropolis steeped in history, and Waukegan, Illinois, a gritty, lakefront city on the edge of Chicago’s orbit.

This isn’t just about stats; it’s about which city fits your life. Let’s break it down.

The Vibe Check

First, the sensory experience. You’re trading San Antonio’s 300 days of sunshine and a distinct Latin flavor for Waukegan’s crisp lake breezes and a blue-collar, industrial soul.

San Antonio is a beast. With a population of 1.49 million, it’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S. It’s a cultural cocktail: the historic Alamo, the River Walk’s tourist buzz, massive military bases, and a booming tech and healthcare sector. Life here is car-centric, spread out, and surprisingly affordable for a major metro. It’s for the person who wants city amenities without the Northeast price tag, who values warm weather, and who doesn’t mind a little sprawl.

Waukegan is a different creature entirely. With a population of just 89,000, it’s a compact, lakefront city with a deep industrial past (think Jack Benny, Ray Bradbury, and the old Zenith electronics plant). It’s the "Gateway to the North Shore," offering a gritty, authentic vibe. You’re not getting downtown Chicago, but you’re a Metra train ride away. It’s for the pragmatic commuter, the budget-conscious professional who craves access to a major job market, and those who appreciate a lakefront view without a millionaire’s price tag.

Who is each city for?

San Antonio: Families seeking space, warm weather lovers, military families, and those who want big-city life on a mid-sized budget.
Waukegan: Chicago commuters, budget-minded young professionals, lake lovers, and those who prefer a smaller, tighter-knit community feel.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. The data tells a fascinating story of purchasing power.

Let’s look at the raw cost of living. (Note: The "Housing Index" is a key metric where 100 is the national average; anything below is cheaper, above is more expensive.)

Category	San Antonio, TX	Waukegan, IL	The Takeaway
Median Income	$62,322	$72,841	Waukegan's median is 17% higher.
Median Home Price	$264,900	$248,000	Slight edge to Waukegan, but it's close.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,231	Virtually a tie; San Antonio is $34/month cheaper.
Housing Index	94.2 (Cheaper)	110.7 (More Expensive)	Dealbreaker Alert: San Antonio's housing is 17.5% below the U.S. average. Waukegan's is 10.7% above.
State Income Tax	0% (No state tax)	4.95% (Flat rate)	A massive win for Texas.

The Salary Wars: $100k in San Antonio vs. Waukegan

Let’s do the math. If you earn $100,000:

In San Antonio: You pay $0 state income tax. Your take-home pay is significantly higher. That $264,900 median home feels like a bargain. Your purchasing power is supercharged by the tax savings and lower housing index.
In Waukegan: You pay 4.95% to Illinois. That's $4,950 off the top. Your take-home is closer to $95,050 (ignoring federal taxes). While the median home price is slightly lower, the 110.7 housing index means your dollar buys less house. You’re also paying more in property taxes (Illinois has some of the highest in the nation).

Verdict: San Antonio wins the Dollar Power round decisively. The combination of 0% state income tax and a Housing Index 17.5% below the national average gives your salary more breathing room. In Waukegan, you earn more, but the state tax and pricier housing index (relative to the nation) eat into that advantage. For pure purchasing power, Texas is king.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio’s market is hot but accessible. The median home price is $264,900. The Housing Index of 94.2 confirms it’s a buyer-friendly market compared to the national average. You get more square footage for your money. It’s a Seller’s market with inventory moving, but it hasn’t reached the insane frenzy of Austin. Renting is a viable, affordable option if you’re not ready to commit.

Waukegan tells a different story. The median home price of $248,000 looks great on paper, but that Housing Index of 110.7 is the red flag. It means the cost of housing relative to income is higher than the U.S. average. You’re paying a premium to live in a specific location (near Chicago). The market is competitive, and property taxes are a brutal reality. Renting is a smart move for many here, offering a lower barrier to entry and avoiding the steep tax burden.

Insight: If you’re looking to buy, San Antonio offers more house for the money. If you’re renting, the costs are nearly identical, but San Antonio’s lower tax burden and cheaper utilities (Texas energy is deregulated and often cheaper) tilt the scales south.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

This isn’t a fair fight. Waukegan is a commuter’s dream. It’s a straight shot on the Metra train to downtown Chicago in about an hour. You can read, work, or nap. Living in Waukegan means you can ditch the car for your daily commute, saving on gas, insurance, and stress.

San Antonio is a car city. Period. There’s no subway system. Public transit is limited. You will drive everywhere. The I-35 and I-10 corridors get gridlocked. Commutes can be long, and you’d better like your car, because it’s your lifeline.

Winner: Waukegan (by a mile, or a train track).

Weather: Sun vs. Snow

San Antonio is hot. Summers are brutal, with highs routinely in the 90s°F and high humidity. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. You’ll live in shorts eight months a year.

Waukegan lives on Lake Michigan. Winters are long, gray, and snowy. The 18°F average winter low is just the start; the lake effect snow and biting wind are the real challenges. Summers are gorgeous and mild, but short.

Verdict: This is 100% personal preference. Do you prefer air conditioning bills or snow shovels? For most, San Antonio’s consistent warmth is a bigger draw than Waukegan’s harsh winters.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be honest. This is a critical factor.

San Antonio: Violent Crime Rate: 798.0/100k. This is significantly above the national average. While the city is vast with safe, affluent suburbs (like Alamo Ranch, Stone Oak), the overall rate is a serious concern and a major point of discussion for residents.
Waukegan: Violent Crime Rate: 425.6/100k. This is also above the national average but nearly half that of San Antonio. Waukegan has its challenges, but statistically, it’s a safer environment. As a commuter city with a smaller population, the crime is more concentrated and manageable.

Verdict: Waukegan is safer. The data is stark. If safety is your top priority, Waukegan’s numbers are undeniably better. However, crime in San Antonio is often neighborhood-specific, so research is crucial.

The Final Verdict

This showdown reveals a fundamental trade-off: Space & Sun vs. Access & Safety.

Winner for Families: San Antonio

The space, the affordability, the family-friendly culture (the Zoo, SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta Texas), and the warm weather make it the clear choice. You can afford a larger home with a yard. The caveat is that you must carefully vet neighborhoods for safety and be prepared for the heat.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Waukegan

The access to Chicago’s job market is unbeatable. You get a city wage while paying a smaller city’s rent. You can enjoy world-class dining, culture, and nightlife on the train. The safety stats are better, and the lakefront offers a fantastic natural escape. It’s a pragmatic, smart launchpad.

Winner for Retirees: San Antonio

This is a tough call, but San Antonio wins due to cost of living and climate. The lack of state income tax on retirement income (Social Security, pensions) is a massive financial advantage. The warm climate eliminates the physical strain of harsh winters. While Waukegan’s lake is beautiful, the brutal cold is a dealbreaker for many seniors.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Antonio, TX

PROS:

✅ Cost of Living: A major win. Housing Index of 94.2 and 0% state income tax.
✅ Climate: Endless sunshine and mild winters.
✅ Culture: Rich history, vibrant food scene, and a unique blend of cultures.
✅ Space: More home and land for your money.

CONS:

❌ Safety: Violent crime rate is 798/100k, nearly double the U.S. average.
❌ Commute: Car-dependent with heavy traffic; no robust public transit.
❌ Weather: Oppressive summer heat and humidity.

Waukegan, IL