📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Bennington CDP and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Bennington CDP vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
Candidate A
Bennington CDP
VT
Cost Index 107.5
Median Income $54k
Rent (1BR) $1343
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Bennington CDP | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $53,839 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $185,100 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $null | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,343 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 123.6 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 105.3 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 173.3 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 35.1% | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
New York vs. Bennington CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing a place to live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. It’s not just about square footage or a zip code—it’s about your daily life, your commute, your community, and your wallet. Today, we’re pitting two vastly different American locales against each other: the concrete jungle of New York, NY and the quaint, unincorporated community of Bennington CDP in Nebraska.
This isn't a fair fight on the surface. One is a global megacity; the other is a rural blip on the map. But for the right person, each offers a unique version of the American dream. Let's break down the data, the lifestyle, and the real-world implications to help you decide where to hang your hat.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Rural Life
New York is the archetype of the fast-paced, high-energy metropolis. It’s a city that never sleeps, fueled by ambition, culture, and an unrelenting pace. Life here is lived in public—in the subway, on crowded sidewalks, in world-class museums, and at 3 a.m. food carts. It’s a city for the young, the hungry, and those who crave anonymity and endless opportunity. If you get energy from the buzz of millions of people around you, and you’re willing to trade personal space for unparalleled access to career and culture, New York is calling your name.
Bennington CDP, on the other hand, is a complete 180. Located in Douglas County, Nebraska, it’s a unincorporated community with a population of just 8,888. The vibe here is quintessential small-town America. Think quiet streets, strong community ties, and a slower, more deliberate pace of life. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, the night sky is dark, and the biggest event of the week might be a high school football game. Bennington is for those who prioritize peace, quiet, and a tight-knit community over the constant stimulation of a big city.
Who is each city for?
- New York: Ambitious professionals, artists, foodies, and extroverts who thrive on energy and diversity.
- Bennington CDP: Families seeking a safe, suburban/rural environment, retirees looking for a quiet community, and anyone who wants a slower pace of life with more space.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s be blunt: New York is expensive. Bennington CDP is, by comparison, a bargain. But it’s not just about the sticker price—it’s about what your salary actually buys you in terms of lifestyle and comfort.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | New York, NY | Bennington CDP, NE | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $185,100 | 78.8% cheaper |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $1,343 | 45.2% cheaper |
| Housing Index | 149.3 | 123.6 | 17.2% cheaper |
| Median Income | $76,577 | $53,839 | 30.5% lower |
The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power
Let's imagine you earn $100,000 a year. Where does it feel like more?
- In New York: Your $100k salary is actually below the median for a household. After federal, state (NY has a progressive income tax), and city taxes, your take-home pay is significantly reduced. That $2,451 for a one-bedroom rent could easily eat up 40-50% of your post-tax income. You’ll have less disposable income for dining out, entertainment, or saving. The "purchasing power" of your dollar is low. You're paying a premium for location, convenience, and access.
- In Bennington CDP: That same $100k salary makes you a top earner. Nebraska has a progressive income tax, but it's generally lower than New York's. Your housing costs are a fraction. A $1,343 rent is a manageable ~20-25% of your post-tax income. You have immense disposable income for savings, travel, or hobbies. The "purchasing power" of your dollar is high. You’re trading the energy of the city for financial breathing room.
Verdict on Affordability: Bennington CDP wins overwhelmingly on pure cost. The financial relief is life-changing. New York demands a high income just for basic comfort.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
New York City: This is a seller's and landlord's market, period. The housing index of 149.3 (where 100 is the national average) shows extreme demand. Buying a home for $875,000 is the entry-level for many, and you’ll be competing with cash offers. Renting is competitive, with listings moving fast. You sacrifice space and ownership for location. The dream here is often to rent long-term or buy a small condo in an outer borough.
Bennington CDP: The market here is far more accessible. With a median home price of $185,100, homeownership is within reach for many. The housing index of 123.6 is high for Nebraska but still 17% lower than NYC. You get significantly more land and square footage for your money. The market is likely a more balanced buyer's market, giving you room to negotiate. Renting is also easier and more affordable, but the real draw is the opportunity to own a home without being house-poor.
Verdict on Housing: Bennington CDP is the clear winner for anyone looking to build equity and own a home without a massive mortgage burden. New York is for those who prioritize location over space and ownership.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- New York: Legendary. The subway is the backbone, but it’s crowded, hot, and delays are common. Commutes can easily be 45-60 minutes each way. Driving is a nightmare with congestion and exorbitant parking costs. The "commute" is a defining part of daily life.
- Bennington CDP: Non-existent. You’re likely driving everywhere (cars are a necessity here), but traffic jams are unheard of. A commute to downtown Omaha is about 20-30 minutes. The freedom from gridlock is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
Weather
- New York: Experiences four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (expect temps in the 30s-40s°F), with occasional nor'easters. Summers are hot and humid, often feeling like the 90s°F. The weather is active and can be a major factor in daily plans.
- Bennington CDP: Has a continental climate. Winters are cold and snowy (average winter temp ~25-35°F), and summers are hot and humid (often 90s°F). The weather is harsh, with potential for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. It's a true test of resilience, lacking the moderating effect of a large ocean.
Crime & Safety
- New York: Despite its reputation, NYC is safer than many large cities, but it's not Mayberry. The violent crime rate is 364.2 per 100k people. You need to be aware of your surroundings, especially on public transit and in certain neighborhoods at night. The sheer volume of people means more opportunities for petty crime.
- Bennington CDP: Much safer. The violent crime rate is 173.3 per 100k, less than half of New York's. Small towns generally have lower crime rates, and the close-knit community adds an extra layer of safety. For families, this is a massive factor.
Verdict on Quality of Life: This is a trade-off. New York offers unparalleled convenience and access but at the cost of a stressful commute and higher crime. Bennington CDP wins on safety and a stress-free commute but demands a car and tolerance for harsh weather.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Where?
This isn't about one city being "better." It's about which city is better for you.
| Winner For: | The City | The Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Bennington CDP | Safety, affordability, and space. You can own a home, your kids can play outside, and the community is strong. The financial freedom allows for a better quality of life. |
| Singles/Young Pros | New York | Career opportunities and social life. The networking, cultural events, and dating pool are unmatched. You pay a premium for the experience, but for some, it's worth every penny. |
| Retirees | Bennington CDP | Peace, safety, and low cost of living. A fixed income goes much further here. The quiet, community-focused lifestyle is ideal for a relaxed retirement. |
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
New York, NY
Pros:
- Unmatched Career Opportunities: Global hub for finance, tech, arts, and media.
- World-Class Culture: Museums, theaters, concerts, and food from every corner of the globe.
- Walkability & Public Transit: You don’t need a car (and don’t want one).
- Diversity & Energy: A melting pot of cultures and an unbeatable city pulse.
Cons:
- Extremely High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are astronomical.
- High Taxes: State and city taxes take a significant bite.
- Crowding & Stress: Constant noise, people, and fast pace can be overwhelming.
- Competitive Housing Market: Hard to buy, expensive to rent.
Bennington CDP, NE
Pros:
- Extreme Affordability: Median home price is $185,100 vs. NYC's $875,000.
- High Safety: Violent crime rate is less than half of NYC's.
- Strong Community: Close-knit, family-friendly environment.
- More Space: Get a house with a yard for a fraction of the cost.
Cons:
- Limited Amenities: Fewer restaurants, shopping, and cultural options.
- Car Dependency: No public transit; you must drive everywhere.
- Isolation: Far from major coastal hubs and international airports.
- Harsh Winters & Weather: Cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers.
Final Takeaway
The choice between New York and Bennington CDP is a choice between two fundamentally different versions of the American dream. New York is the dream of ambition, access, and being at the center of the action. You trade financial comfort and personal space for the opportunity to exist in one of the world's most dynamic environments.
Bennington CDP is the dream of stability, community, and financial freedom. You trade the energy and amenities of a global city for the peace, safety, and affordability of a small town where your dollar stretches further and your neighbor still knows your name.
There’s no wrong answer—only what’s right for your chapter of life. If you’re chasing the top of your field and crave the buzz, New York is your arena. If you’re building a family, saving for the future, or seeking a quieter life, Bennington CDP offers a compelling, cost-effective alternative. Choose wisely.