Bennington CDP vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Bennington CDP	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$53,839	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$185,100	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$null	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,343	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	123.6	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.3	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	35.1%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	39

San Antonio vs. Bennington CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Alright, let's cut to the chase. You're staring at two wildly different options for a potential move: San Antonio, Texas—a sprawling, sun-baked metropolis with a population of 1.45 million—and Bennington CDP, Vermont—a quaint, tight-knit community of 8,888 souls tucked away in the Green Mountains. This isn't just a choice between a big city and a small town; it's a choice between two entirely different lifeways. One is a bustling hub of culture, military bases, and rapid growth; the other is a picture-perfect slice of New England charm, defined by seasons and quiet streets.

So, which one is your perfect fit? Grab your coffee, and let's break it down. We'll hit the vibe, crunch the numbers, and leave you with a clear winner for your specific situation.

The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Small-Town Soul

San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the U.S., and it feels every bit of it. This is a city with layers. You've got the historic heart of the Alamo City, a vibrant River Walk lined with restaurants, and a thriving arts and culture scene. The vibe is warm, diverse, and fast-paced. It's a city of transplants and locals, military families, and young professionals. The city's growth is palpable—new developments, a booming tech sector (thanks to the "Alamo City Tech Hub" initiative), and a relentless energy. Life here is about options: dozens of neighborhoods, endless dining choices, and major league sports. It's for the person who craves activity, diversity, and the convenience of a major metro area without the astronomical price tags of coastal cities.

Bennington CDP, on the other hand, is the definition of a "laid-back" lifestyle. Life here moves at the pace of the seasons. It's a community where you know your neighbors, the local diner is a landmark, and weekend plans might involve hiking, antiquing, or catching a show at the historic Bennington Theatre. The vibe is quiet, scenic, and deeply connected to nature. It’s the quintessential New England town, with a historic white-steepled church and a town green. This is for the person seeking a retreat from urban chaos, someone who values a strong sense of community, safety, and the beauty of the natural world over the buzz of nightlife. It’s ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families looking for a slower, more grounded upbringing.

The Bottom Line: If you're energized by the buzz of a city, San Antonio is your stage. If you recharge in peace and quiet, Bennington CDP is your sanctuary.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

Let's talk purchasing power. The raw income numbers tell a story, but the real story is in the cost of living. This is where the data gets interesting.

Expense Category	San Antonio, TX	Bennington CDP, VT	Winner
Median Income	$62,322	$53,839	San Antonio
Median Home Price	$264,900	$185,100	Bennington CDP
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,343	San Antonio
Housing Index	94.2 (Below Nat'l Avg)	123.6 (24% Above Nat'l Avg)	San Antonio
Groceries	~5-10% below national average	~10-15% above national average	San Antonio
Utilities	Moderate (A/C costs in summer)	High (Heating costs in winter)	Tie (Varies by season)

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Imagine you earn a comfortable $100,000 a year. Where does it feel like more?

• In San Antonio: You're well above the median income. With no state income tax and below-average housing costs, your $100k goes remarkably far. You could comfortably rent a nice 2BR apartment or save aggressively for a down payment on a median-priced home. The lack of a state income tax is a massive boost to your take-home pay.
• In Bennington CDP: You'd be a high earner in this small community. However, the Housing Index of 123.6 and higher grocery costs mean your dollar stretches less. While the median home price is lower, the cost of living overall is higher than the national average, and heating costs in winter can be a significant budget item. Your $100k would afford a great life, but you'd feel the "sticker shock" more on everyday expenses compared to San Antonio.

Insight on Taxes: This is a game-changer. Texas has 0% state income tax, which directly increases your take-home pay. Vermont has a progressive income tax, with rates ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%. On a $100k salary, that's a difference of several thousand dollars per year—money that could go toward savings, travel, or your mortgage.

The Verdict: For pure purchasing power and financial flexibility, San Antonio takes a clear win. Your salary simply buys more there.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?

San Antonio:
The market here is competitive but accessible. Median home prices at $264,900 are below the national average, making homeownership a realistic goal for many. However, with a population of nearly 1.5 million, inventory moves. It's a seller's market in many desirable neighborhoods, with homes often receiving multiple offers. Renting is a strong, relatively affordable option, especially for newcomers. The Housing Index of 94.2 confirms it's a relatively affordable major metro.

Bennington CDP:
The housing market here is a different beast entirely. The median home price of $185,100 looks deceptively low. The catch? Inventory is extremely limited. With a tiny population of under 9,000, you're not competing with millions of people, but you are competing with a very small pool of buyers. It's a classic "low inventory" market. The Housing Index of 123.6 is a major red flag, indicating that housing costs are 24% higher than the national average relative to incomes. Renting is also surprisingly expensive ($1,343 for a 1BR) due to the supply-demand imbalance. For a remote worker with a high salary, it's manageable. For a local earning the median income, it's a significant burden.

The Verdict: San Antonio offers more bang for your buck and a clearer path to ownership. Bennington CDP is a tough market for buyers and renters unless you're bringing a high remote salary from a HCOL area.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• San Antonio: Traffic is real. While not as legendary as Houston or Austin, the sprawling city layout means you'll likely drive. Commutes can range from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on your job and home location. Public transit (VIA Metropolitan Transit) exists but is not as comprehensive as in older cities.
• Bennington CDP: Traffic is essentially non-existent. You can get anywhere in town in minutes. Commutes are a breeze. The trade-off? You'll likely drive 30-60 minutes to access a wider range of shopping (Burlington) or specialized healthcare.

Weather:

• San Antonio: Hot and humid. Summers are brutal, with months of 95°F+ temperatures and high humidity. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. You're trading four distinct seasons for long, hot summers and mild winters.
• Bennington CDP: Four true seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (expect snowfall totals over 50 inches annually). Springs and falls are beautiful but brief. Summer highs are typically in the 80s, a relief from Texas heat. Weather is a major lifestyle factor here; you must be prepared for snow removal and winter driving.

Crime & Safety:

• San Antonio: This is a significant consideration. The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000 people—well above the national average (~380 per 100k). While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, the city-wide statistic is a stark reality. Your safety is highly dependent on your choice of neighborhood.
• Bennington CDP: Exceptionally safe. The violent crime rate is 173.3 per 100,000 people, nearly 70% below the national average. This is one of the safest communities in the country. You can leave doors unlocked, and kids can roam freely. For families and retirees, this is a massive, non-negotiable advantage.

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The Final Verdict

Winner for Families: Bennington CDP
For families prioritizing safety, a tight-knit community, and excellent schools in a quiet environment, Bennington CDP is the winner. The trade-off is a higher cost of living relative to income and limited activity options for teens. The safety stats alone are a dealbreaker for many parents.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio
If you're under 40, career-focused, and want a mix of culture, nightlife, and affordability, San Antonio is the clear choice. The job market is larger and more diverse, the social scene is vibrant, and your salary will go much further. The higher crime rate means you'll need to be a savvy urban navigator.

Winner for Retirees: Bennington CDP
For retirees seeking peace, safety, and stunning natural beauty, Bennington CDP is idyllic. The slower pace, low crime, and strong sense of community are ideal. The caveat is the need to manage winter weather and potentially higher healthcare travel if specialized care is needed. The lack of state income tax in Texas is tempting for retirees on fixed incomes, but the safety and quality-of-life factors of Vermont often win out.

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Pros & Cons at a Glance

San Antonio, TX

• Pros: No state income tax, strong purchasing power, diverse economy, vibrant culture & food scene, large population (more social options), relatively affordable housing for a major city.
• Cons: High violent crime rate (varies by neighborhood), brutal summer heat, sprawling commute, traffic, less distinct seasons.

Bennington CDP, VT

• Pros: Extremely safe, stunning natural beauty, four distinct seasons, tight-knit community, low traffic, quiet and peaceful.
• Cons: High cost of living relative to local incomes (Housing Index 123.6), limited job market (requires remote work), expensive and limited housing inventory, challenging winters, higher grocery/utility costs.

The Bottom Line: This is a choice between opportunity and safety, between scale and community. San Antonio is about the hustle and the future. Bennington CDP is about the pace and the present. Your heart will know which one it wants.