Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
San Antonio is 15% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $63,679 in San Antonio.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Madison scores 101 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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