Essex Junction vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Essex Junction	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$94,423	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$472,500	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$304	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,250	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	101.7	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.3	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	50.3%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	39

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between San Antonio and Essex Junction.

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San Antonio vs. Essex Junction: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the massive, sun-baked cultural hub of San Antonio, Texas. On the other, the quaint, quiet village of Essex Junction, Vermont. This isn’t just a choice between two cities; it’s a choice between two entirely different ways of life. One is a booming metropolis with a small-town soul; the other is a tight-knit community nestled in the Green Mountains.

Let’s cut through the noise. I’ve crunched the numbers, looked at the lifestyle data, and I’m going to give it to you straight. Whether you’re a young gun looking to climb the corporate ladder, a family seeking safety and space, or a retiree hunting for peace and quiet, this breakdown will tell you exactly where you belong.

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

San Antonio is a beast of a city, but it wears its size lightly. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S. with nearly 1.5 million residents, yet it retains a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. The culture is a rich gumbo of Tex-Mex flavor, deep military history (home to the Alamo and several major bases), and a surprisingly vibrant arts scene. It’s hot, it’s loud, and it’s always moving. This is a city for people who want big-city amenities—major league sports, world-class dining, endless entertainment—without the crushing pretension or cost of places like Austin or Dallas.

Essex Junction, by contrast, is the definition of a "blink-and-you’ll-miss-it" town. With a population of just over 10,000, it’s technically a village within the larger town of Essex. The vibe here is quintessential New England: quiet, neighborly, and deeply connected to the outdoors. It’s the kind of place where you know your neighbor’s name and the biggest event of the week is the high school football game or a trip to the farmer’s market. Life moves at a slower, more deliberate pace.

Who is each city for?

• San Antonio is for the extrovert who craves variety, the foodie who lives for tacos and BBQ, and the professional who wants to be in the thick of a growing economic engine.
• Essex Junction is for the introvert who values privacy, the outdoor enthusiast who wants immediate access to hiking and skiing, and anyone seeking a retreat from the chaos of major metro areas.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might see a higher salary in Essex Junction, but does it actually buy you more? Let’s break down the cost of living.

First, the raw numbers. We need to look at housing costs, which are typically the biggest chunk of your budget.

Expense Category	San Antonio, TX	Essex Junction, VT	The Insight
Median Home Price	$264,900	$472,500	Sticker shock alert. Essex is nearly 80% more expensive to buy a home.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,250	Surprisingly close, but Essex is still slightly pricier for renters.
Housing Index	94.2	101.7	A score of 100 is the national average. Essex is above average; San Antonio is below.
Median Income	$62,322	$94,423	Essex residents earn about 51% more on paper.

Now, let’s talk about Purchasing Power. This is the real story.

If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, your money stretches significantly further. The median home price is $264,900. With a 20% down payment ($53,000), you’re financing $211,900. At current interest rates, your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,700 - $1,800. That’s about 21-22% of your gross monthly income—a very comfortable ratio.

Now, take that same $100,000 salary to Essex Junction. The median home price is $472,500. A 20% down payment is $94,500, financing $378,000. Your monthly payment jumps to roughly $2,900 - $3,100. That’s 35-37% of your gross monthly income—approaching the upper limit of what lenders consider "affordable."

The Tax Twist:
This is a massive differentiator. Texas has 0% state income tax. Vermont, however, has a progressive income tax system. If you earn $100,000 in Vermont, you’ll pay approximately 3.35% in state income tax, which is about $3,350 per year. That’s cash that immediately disappears from your paycheck, further eroding your purchasing power in an already expensive housing market.

Verdict: San Antonio wins this round decisively. The combination of lower home prices and zero state income tax means your salary goes much, much further. Essex Junction offers higher median incomes, but the cost of living—especially housing and taxes—eats into that advantage.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent Dynamics

San Antonio is a buyer’s market in many respects. With a housing index of 94.2, it’s below the national average. The inventory is vast, and while prices have risen, they haven’t skyrocketed to coastal levels. For renters, there’s a huge variety of options, from downtown lofts to suburban apartment complexes. Competition exists, but it’s not cutthroat.

Essex Junction is a seller’s market, and a fierce one at that. The housing index of 101.7 tells part of the story, but the reality is more intense. Vermont, and the Burlington metro area (which Essex is part of), has a severe housing shortage. Inventory is incredibly low. When a home hits the market, it often gets multiple offers and sells for over asking price. This is not the place to try a low-ball offer.

The Takeaway: If you’re looking to buy a home with relative ease and negotiate a bit, San Antonio is your playground. If you have a large down payment ready and the patience to compete in a bidding war, Essex Junction is possible, but it will be a battle.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• San Antonio: Traffic is real. As a major metro, you’ll deal with congestion on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604, especially during rush hour. Commutes can easily stretch to 30-45 minutes if you live in the suburbs and work downtown. The city is spread out, so a car is non-negotiable.
• Essex Junction: Traffic is a non-issue. You’ll see the occasional tractor or school bus, but gridlock is unheard of. Your commute will likely be under 15 minutes, and many people bike or walk to local shops. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to city life.

Weather: Humidity vs. Snow

• San Antonio: Welcome to Texas heat. Summers are long, brutal, and humid. Expect daily highs in the 90s°F for months on end, with high humidity making it feel even hotter. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing, but the humidity can make cool days feel chilly.
• Essex Junction: Four distinct seasons, with a capital W for Winter. The data point of 45.0°F is an annual average, but reality is more extreme. You get gorgeous autumns, green summers, but winters are long and snowy. Expect temperatures to regularly drop into the 20s°F and teens°F, with significant snowfall. You’ll need a good snow shovel, a reliable AWD vehicle, and a wardrobe for all seasons.

Crime & Safety

• San Antonio: This is a significant consideration. The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000 people. This is substantially higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, crime is a tangible concern that varies greatly by zip code. You must research specific areas.
• Essex Junction: This is one of the safest places in America. A violent crime rate of 173.3 per 100,000 is remarkably low. It’s the kind of place where people don’t lock their doors (though that’s not recommended). For families and anyone prioritizing safety, Essex is in a different league.

The Final Verdict

After weighing the data, lifestyle, and finances, here’s the clear breakdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: Essex Junction

• Why: The safety factor is the ultimate dealbreaker. With a violent crime rate of 173.3 compared to San Antonio’s 798.0, Essex offers unparalleled peace of mind. Combined with excellent school systems and a tight-knit community, it’s a dream environment for raising kids. The higher median income helps offset the housing costs, though budgeting will be tighter.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio

• Why: This isn’t even close. San Antonio offers a vibrant social scene, endless networking opportunities, a booming job market (especially in healthcare, military, and tech), and a cost of living that allows you to build wealth. The zero state income tax and affordable rent mean you can live well on a $60k-$80k salary. Essex Junction’s quiet charm can feel isolating for a young professional seeking energy and variety.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Essex Junction

• Why: If your goal is a peaceful, scenic retirement with four seasons and a safe, walkable community, Essex Junction is hard to beat. The slower pace, lack of traffic, and low crime are perfect for a relaxed lifestyle. However, retirees must be prepared for the harsh winters and the higher cost of living, which could strain a fixed income. A strong contender here is actually San Antonio, which offers milder winters, lower costs, and a huge retiree community—but Essex wins on pure tranquility.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Antonio, TX

Pros:

• Lower Cost of Living: Significantly more affordable housing and 0% state income tax.
• Job Market: Diverse and growing economy with major employers in healthcare, military, and tech.
• Culture & Food: World-class Tex-Mex, BBQ, and a rich cultural heritage.
• Weather: Mild winters (if you can handle the summer heat).

Cons:

• High Crime: Violent crime rate is a serious concern and requires careful neighborhood selection.
• Traffic & Sprawl: Long commutes and heavy traffic are the norm.
• Extreme Heat: Brutal, humid summers can be oppressive for months.
• Car Dependent: Public transit is limited; you need a car for almost everything.

Essex Junction, VT

Pros:

• Extremely Safe: One of the lowest violent crime rates in the country.
• Outdoor Paradise: Immediate access to hiking, skiing, lakes, and stunning natural beauty.
• Community Feel: Tight-knit, neighborly, and family-oriented.
• Low Traffic & Stress: A truly relaxed pace of life.

Cons:

• High Cost of Living: Expensive housing market and high state income taxes.
• Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and snowy season requiring significant preparation.
• Limited Job Market: Fewer professional opportunities; may require a commute to Burlington.
• Small-Town Limitations: Fewer dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Can feel isolating.