Bennington CDP vs San Diego

Category / Metric	Bennington CDP	San Diego
Financial Overview
Median Income	$53,839	$105,780
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.9%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$185,100	$930,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$662
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,343	$2,248
Housing Cost Index	123.6	185.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.3	103.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	378.0
Bachelor's Degree+	35.1%	52%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	25

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

You’re standing at a crossroads, and it’s a classic tale of the tape: Sun, Surf, and Sky-High Costs versus Quiet, Cheap, and... Well, Quiet. One is a world-famous coastal metropolis; the other is a census-designated place nestled in the hills of Massachusetts. Deciding between San Diego and Bennington isn't just about picking a zip code—it's about choosing a lifestyle, a budget, and a daily vibe.

Let’s cut through the fluff. If you're looking for a job in biotech or the military, San Diego is your obvious choice. If you want to stretch your dollar to the absolute limit and don't mind a slower pace, Bennington is calling your name. But the devil is in the details. Let's dig in.

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The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

San Diego is the definition of Southern California cool. The culture here revolves around the outdoors: surfing in Pacific Beach, hiking in Torrey Pines, or just enjoying a craft beer in a sunny plaza. It’s a massive, diverse city (population 1.38 million) with a strong military presence, a booming biotech industry, and a food scene that punches way above its weight. The vibe is laid-back but ambitious. You can wear flip-flops to a tech meeting. It’s for the person who wants to be connected to the world but still feel like they’re on vacation half the time.

Bennington CDP is a different universe. With a population of just 8,888, it’s a small, unincorporated community in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. The vibe is quintessential New England: historic, quiet, and deeply seasonal. Think fall foliage that takes your breath away, snowy winters perfect for cozying up, and a tight-knit community feel. It’s for the person who values solitude, nature, and a slower pace of life. If San Diego is a bustling festival, Bennington is a private retreat.

Who is each city for?

• San Diego: The career-driven adventurer, the beach lover, the foodie, and the family seeking endless sunshine and top-tier schools.
• Bennington: The remote worker seeking ultimate privacy, the retiree on a fixed income, the artist in need of inspiration, and the budget-conscious homeowner.

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The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the rubber meets the road, and frankly, it’s not even a fair fight. Sticker shock is real in San Diego. Your paycheck gets stretched dramatically further in Bennington, but you trade that for significantly lower median incomes.

Let's look at the raw numbers.

Category	San Diego	Bennington CDP	Winner (Bang for Buck)
Median Home Price	$930,000	$185,100	Bennington (by a landslide)
Median Rent (1BR)	$2,248	$1,343	Bennington
Housing Index	185.8	123.6	Bennington
Median Income	$105,780	$53,839	San Diego

The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power Explained

On paper, San Diego pays almost double ($105,780 vs. $53,839). But does that extra cash actually buy you a better life? Let’s run a scenario.

Imagine you earn a respectable $100,000 salary.

• In San Diego: You’re making below the median income for the city. After California’s steep state income tax (which can be 9.3%+ on that bracket), take-home pay takes a hit. That $2,248 rent for a 1-bedroom apartment will eat up a huge chunk of your monthly budget. You’ll have money for fun, but saving for a $930,000 home feels like climbing Everest.
• In Bennington: You’re a king. Earning $100k here puts you nearly double the local median. Massachusetts has a progressive income tax, but it’s capped at 5%. Your $1,343 rent leaves a massive amount of disposable income. You could save for the $185k median home in a few years, likely with cash to spare.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: If you can bring a San Diego salary (or a remote job paying near that) to Bennington, you hit the jackpot. If you’re relying on local wages, Bennington’s low costs are a lifeline, but your career ceiling is much lower. For pure financial relief, Bennington wins, but San Diego offers higher earning potential if you can crack its high-cost ceiling.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Diego: The Seller’s Fortress

Buying in San Diego is a brutal, competitive sport. The median price of $930,000 requires a massive down payment and a six-figure income to secure a mortgage. The market is perpetually a seller’s market; bidding wars are common, and contingencies are often tossed out the window. Renting is the default for most under 40. The rental market is tight, with high demand keeping those $2,248 prices sticky. Availability is low, and you’ll need to act fast.

Bennington: The Buyer’s Playground

Bennington is a breath of fresh air. A median home price of $185,100 is almost unheard of in 2024. While the market isn't as hot as major metros, it’s stable. You can actually negotiate. You can find a charming historic home for under $250k. It’s a viable path to homeownership for a middle-class earner. Renting is also easier and more affordable, with more inventory available for longer periods. It’s a balanced to buyer-friendly market.

Insight: In San Diego, you rent for flexibility and access. In Bennington, you buy for stability and equity. If your dream is to own a home without being house-poor, Bennington is the clear choice.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• San Diego: Traffic is a daily reality. The I-5 and I-805 corridors are notorious. The average commute can be 30-45 minutes, but in peak times, it can double. Public transit (trolley/bus) exists but is less comprehensive than in cities like SF or NYC. Car dependency is high.
• Bennington: Traffic is virtually nonexistent. Your commute is likely a short drive on local roads. The biggest delay might be a tractor or a scenic stop. It’s a car-dependent area, but you’ll never sit in gridlock.

Weather & Climate

• San Diego: The weather is its biggest selling point. It’s famously mild year-round. The data shows an average of 57.0°F, but that’s misleading. It’s a dry, Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm (75-85°F) with a cool marine layer, and winters are mild (60-65°F). You can live in shorts and sandals 300 days a year. No snow, low humidity.
• Bennington: This is New England. The data shows 45.0°F average, but it’s a land of extremes. Summers can be hot and humid (80-90°F), and winters are harsh. You’ll deal with significant snowfall (100+ inches annually), icy roads, and gray, cold days from November to March. If you hate winter, this is a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety

• San Diego: Violent Crime rate: 378.0 per 100k. This is higher than the national average but lower than many other major U.S. cities. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Areas like La Jolla and Del Mar are incredibly safe, while parts of the East Village or City Heights have higher crime rates. You must be neighborhood-aware.
• Bennington: Violent Crime rate: 173.3 per 100k. This is significantly lower than San Diego and below the national average. Small-town life generally means lower crime, though property crime (theft) can still occur. The feeling of safety is palpable.

Verdict on Quality of Life: This is a pure trade-off. San Diego wins on weather and career opportunity, but you pay with traffic and higher crime. Bennington wins on safety, commute, and cost, but you pay with a harsh winter and isolation.

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The Final Verdict

After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here’s how we break it down for different life stages.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Winner for Families: San Diego

• Why: The combination of top-tier public schools (especially in districts like Poway and San Dieguito), endless family-friendly activities (zoo, safari park, beaches, parks), and a generally safe suburban feel in places like Scripps Ranch or Carmel Valley is unbeatable. The weather means outdoor play is a year-round option. The higher median income also supports a better quality of life for a family, despite the high costs.

🎓 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Diego

• Why: Career opportunities in tech, biotech, defense, and hospitality are vast. The social scene is vibrant, with networking events, nightlife in the Gaslamp, and a culture of activity. While expensive, the energy and access to a global city are worth it in your 20s and 30s. You can always move to a cheaper spot later.

🍂 Winner for Retirees: Bennington CDP

• Why: This is a no-brainer. The low cost of living preserves retirement savings. The quiet, scenic environment is ideal for a peaceful life. The violent crime rate is low, and the community is tight-knit. While the winter is a factor, many retirees enjoy the seasonal change. For a fixed income, Bennington offers a dignified, comfortable retirement where a home is affordable on Social Security and savings.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Diego

Pros:

• World-class, perfect weather year-round.
• Incredible food scene and craft beer culture.
• Proximity to beaches, mountains, and desert.
• Strong job market in multiple high-paying sectors.
• Excellent, diverse neighborhoods for every lifestyle.

Cons:

• Extremely high cost of living, especially housing.
• Traffic congestion is a daily grind.
• Competitive and stressful housing market.
• Higher state income taxes.
• Can feel crowded and touristy in popular areas.

Bennington CDP

Pros:

• Shockingly affordable housing (buy or rent).
• Very low violent crime rate and a safe, quiet environment.
• Minimal traffic and a stress-free commute.
• Stunning natural beauty, especially in fall.
• Strong sense of community and small-town charm.

Cons:

• Harsh, long winters with heavy snow.
• Limited career opportunities and lower local wages.
• Far from major airports and metropolitan amenities.
• Fewer dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
• Can feel isolated, especially for young singles.

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The Bottom Line

This showdown pits opportunity against affordability. San Diego offers the dream—the sun, the surf, the career—but at a premium price that can make that dream feel out of reach. Bennington offers a reality check—a financially sustainable, peaceful life, but one that requires embracing a slower pace and colder winters.

Your choice boils down to one question: What’s your priority right now? If it’s career growth, social life, and perfect weather, bite the bullet and choose San Diego. If it’s financial freedom, peace, and owning a piece of history, pack your snow boots and choose Bennington. There’s no wrong answer, only the right fit for this chapter of your life.