đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Fall River and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Fall River vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Fall River | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $52,978 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $482,500 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $246 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,398 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 98.9 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 97.0 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.83 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 19.7% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 31 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Antonio vs. Fall River: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you’ve got San Antonio—a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis in the heart of Texas, famous for the Alamo, the River Walk, and a culture that blends rich history with a booming modern economy. On the other, you’ve got Fall River, Massachusetts—a historic New England mill city with a gritty, resilient character, perched on the water with a deep connection to the past and a vibe that’s distinctly East Coast.
Choosing between them isn’t just about picking a city; it’s about choosing a lifestyle, a climate, and a financial future. Are you chasing the low-tax, high-growth energy of the Sun Belt, or are you drawn to the compact, four-season charm of a New England coastal town?
Let’s break it down, head-to-head, to see which city truly has the edge.
The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
San Antonio is a city of contrasts. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., but it feels surprisingly manageable. The vibe is laid-back, family-friendly, and deeply influenced by its majority-Hispanic population. It’s a city where you can grab world-class Tex-Mex for lunch, explore a 300-year-old Spanish mission in the afternoon, and catch a Spurs game in the evening. The economy is robust, anchored by the military, healthcare, and tech, and the city is growing fast. It’s a "live and let live" kind of place where the pace is slower than in Austin or Dallas, but the energy is undeniable.
Fall River, by contrast, is a capsule of New England. With a population of just ~94,000, it’s a fraction of San Antonio’s size. The vibe is more insular, historic, and blue-collar. It’s the former textile mill capital of America, and that history is etched into its brick-lined streets and waterfront. Life here is quieter, more seasonal, and defined by its proximity to the ocean and its tight-knit neighborhoods. It’s less about sprawling growth and more about community roots. Think cozy diners, Portuguese bakeries (a nod to the city’s significant Portuguese heritage), and a slower, more deliberate pace of life.
Who is each city for?
- San Antonio is for the growth-seeker. If you want a big-city feel with small-town charm, a diverse job market, and a culture that’s always evolving, this is your spot.
- Fall River is for the history buff and the minimalist. If you crave a strong sense of place, don’t mind the cold, and prefer a compact, walkable city with deep roots, you’ll fit right in.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road. The biggest financial advantage in San Antonio is simple: Texas has no state income tax. Fall River is in Massachusetts, which has a progressive income tax that can take a significant bite out of your paycheck. Let’s look at the numbers.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | San Antonio, TX | Fall River, MA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $482,500 | San Antonio 🏆 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $1,398 | San Antonio 🏆 |
| Housing Index | 94.2 (Below Avg) | 98.9 (Below Avg) | San Antonio 🏆 |
| Median Income | $62,322 | $52,978 | San Antonio 🏆 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 5.0% (Progressive) | San Antonio 🏆 |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s say you earn $100,000. In San Antonio, you keep the full $100k (minus federal taxes). In Massachusetts, you’d lose roughly $5,000 just in state taxes, leaving you with $95,000. But the real kicker is housing. A median home in San Antonio costs $264,900—that’s $44,800 less than the U.S. median. In Fall River, it’s $482,500, which is $172,400 above the national median.
The Verdict: Your money goes much, much further in San Antonio. The combination of no state income tax and dramatically lower housing costs creates a powerhouse of purchasing power. You could afford a much nicer home in San Antonio for the same (or less) monthly payment than in Fall River. Fall River’s housing market is shockingly expensive for a city of its size and income level, likely driven by its proximity to Boston and the broader New England coastal premium.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Antonio is a buyer’s market with a healthy dose of competition. A median home price of $264,900 is attainable for many, and the market is relatively balanced. You can find newer suburban homes, historic bungalows, and everything in between. Renting is also affordable, with options across the city. The sheer size of the metro area means there’s a wide variety of neighborhoods and price points.
Fall River presents a tougher landscape. The median home price of $482,500 is incredibly high for the local median income of $52,978. This suggests a market driven by external factors (like Boston commuters or coastal demand) rather than local salaries. The market is more competitive, and inventory may be tighter, especially for single-family homes. Renting isn’t a cheap escape either, with a 1BR averaging $1,398. For many locals, homeownership in Fall River is becoming a significant challenge.
The Verdict: San Antonio offers far more accessibility and less financial stress for both buyers and renters. Fall River’s housing market is a potential sticker shock for anyone coming from outside Massachusetts.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute:
- San Antonio: Traffic is real. As a major city, rush hour on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604 can be congested. The city’s sprawl means a car is a necessity, and commutes can stretch from 20 to 45+ minutes depending on where you live and work.
- Fall River: Traffic is lighter in absolute terms, but the city’s infrastructure is older. Commutes within the city are generally short (10-20 minutes). However, if you commute to Boston or Providence, you’re looking at a 1+ hour drive via I-195 or a 1.5-hour train ride. This is a major consideration.
Weather:
- San Antonio: Hot. It’s not just hot; it’s a brutal, humid heat for much of the year. Summers regularly see temperatures in the mid-to-high 90s°F, with heat indices soaring even higher. Winters are mild, with occasional freezes. Hurricane season is a distant but real threat.
- Fall River: Four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant (highs in the 70s-80s°F). Fall is gorgeous. Winter is cold, with regular snowfall and temperatures often dipping below freezing. Spring brings rain. You get the full seasonal cycle, which many prefer, but you must be prepared for snow and cold.
Crime & Safety:
This is a critical area where the data is stark.
- San Antonio: Violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the U.S. average (~398/100k). While some neighborhoods are very safe, crime is a city-wide concern and a major point of discussion for residents. It’s a dealbreaker for many.
- Fall River: Violent crime rate is 567.0 per 100,000. This is also above the national average but notably lower than San Antonio’s. Like any city, it has safer and less safe areas, but the overall rate is less severe.
Safety Verdict: Fall River is the safer city based on the data. This is a significant factor, especially for families or those prioritizing personal security.
The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for You?
After weighing the data, the culture, and the lifestyle, here’s the final breakdown.
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living & Value | San Antonio | No state income tax + lower housing costs = unbeatable purchasing power. |
| Housing Market | San Antonio | More affordable, more options, less competitive for your income. |
| Safety | Fall River | Lower violent crime rate per capita. |
| Weather | Tie (Preference) | San Antonio for sun, Fall River for seasons. |
| Walkability & Scale | Fall River | Smaller, more compact, easier to navigate without a car. |
| Job Market & Growth | San Antonio | Larger, more diverse, and faster-growing economy. |
🏆 Winner for Families: San Antonio
- Why: The housing affordability is the single biggest factor. A $264,900 home is a realistic dream for a growing family, whereas a $482,500 home in Fall River is a massive stretch on a median income. The schools, while variable, are part of a larger, well-funded system. The family-friendly attractions (SeaWorld, Six Flags, Zoo) and generally milder winters are a plus. The Crime Caveat: This is a major concern. Families must be hyper-vigilant about neighborhood choice in San Antonio.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio
- Why: The vibrant, growing economy offers more career opportunities and a faster pace. The social scene is larger and more diverse. The zero state income tax means more money in your pocket for fun and savings. The cost of living, especially for renting, allows for a better lifestyle than in Fall River. The bigger city simply provides more energy and options for a young person on the move.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Fall River
- Why: While San Antonio’s cost of living is tempting, the weather is a major drawback for many seniors. The brutal summer heat can be unbearable and dangerous. Fall River offers four mild seasons (with manageable summers), a slower pace, and a strong sense of community. Proximity to Boston’s world-class healthcare is a huge advantage. The lower violent crime rate also provides peace of mind. For retirees on a fixed income, the high home prices are a hurdle, but the overall quality of life and climate often outweigh it.
Final Pros & Cons
San Antonio, TX
Pros:
- Massive value on housing and no state income tax.
- Diverse, robust, and growing job market.
- Rich, unique culture and endless family activities.
- Mild winters.
Cons:
- High violent crime rate (a serious consideration).
- Intense summer heat and humidity.
- Car-dependent sprawl with significant traffic.
- Limited seasonal change.
Fall River, MA
Pros:
- Lower crime rate than San Antonio.
- Four distinct, beautiful seasons.
- Compact, walkable, historic New England charm.
- Proximity to Boston, Providence, and the coast.
Cons:
- Extremely high housing costs relative to local incomes.
- State income tax (5%+).
- Harsh, snowy winters.
- Smaller job market with limited growth sectors.
The Bottom Line: This is a choice between financial power and growth (San Antonio) versus safety and seasonal charm (Fall River). If you can manage the crime and heat, San Antonio’s economic benefits are transformative. If safety and a classic New England lifestyle are your top priorities, Fall River is compelling—just be prepared for the housing price tag. Choose wisely.