San Antonio, TX vs Wichita, KS

Cost of Living Comparison — 2026

Renters in Wichita, KS spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Home prices in San Antonio, TX run 18% higher.

$62,917
Income in San Antonio
$63,072
Income in Wichita
$1,258
Rent in San Antonio
$960
Rent in Wichita

Detailed Comparison

Metric
San Antonio, TX
Wichita, KS
Difference
Median Household Income
$62,917
$63,072
0% higher
Median Home Value
$219,700
$179,500
18% less
Median Monthly Rent
$1,258
$960
24% less
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,235
$994
20% less
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
5.6%
2% less
Population
1,458,954
396,488

Housing Costs and Affordability

A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In San Antonio, TX, renters allocate roughly 24.0% of median household income to rent (within that threshold). In Wichita, KS, the figure is 18.3% , making Wichita, KS the easier city for renters on a budget.

For prospective homebuyers, the price-to-income ratio tells you how many years of gross income it takes to match the median home price. In San Antonio, TX, that ratio is 3.5x. Homes cost 3.5 times the median annual income. In Wichita, KS, it's 2.8x. Homeownership is relatively more accessible in Wichita, KS.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,235 in San Antonio and $994 in Wichita. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in San Antonio, TX is $62,917; in Wichita, KS it is $63,072.

Unemployment stands at 5.7% in San Antonio and 5.6% in Wichita. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 52.0% in San Antonio versus 51.6% in Wichita.

Population

San Antonio, TX has a population of 1,458,954, making it the larger of the two cities. Wichita, KS has 396,488 residents. City size affects everything from transit options and job market depth to cost pressures. Larger metros typically see higher housing demand.

Data Sources

All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Income, housing, and employment figures represent the most recent available estimates. Data is refreshed as new Census releases become available.

Verify this data at data.census.gov