Category / Metric	Jamestown	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$54,809	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$132,500	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$84	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$837	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	106.9	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	91.1	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	315.5	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	22.1%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	29	39

San Antonio vs. Jamestown: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one path, you’re looking at a bustling Texas metropolis with a rich history and a sun-drenched skyline. On the other, a quiet, small-town escape in the heart of the North Country. San Antonio and Jamestown couldn't be more different, but they both have a magnetic pull. Which one is for you?

As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the vibes, and sifted through the data to give you the unfiltered truth. Let’s settle this right here, right now.

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

San Antonio is a city of contrasts. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S. with a population of 1.5 million, yet it feels more intimate than many of its peers. The vibe is a rich blend of Tejano culture, military grit, and modern growth. Think historic Missions, the iconic River Walk, and a thriving food scene that’s arguably the best in Texas. It’s a city for those who want big-city amenities—major league sports, world-class healthcare, and endless entertainment—without the relentless pace of New York or the astronomical prices of San Francisco. It’s for the young professional, the growing family, and the retiree who wants culture and sunshine.

Jamestown, on the other hand, is the definition of "small-town America." With a population of just 15,774, it’s a tight-knit community in western New York. The vibe is quiet, historic, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of the region—near Chautauqua Lake and the Allegany State Park. It’s not about nightlife; it’s about community events, local diners, and a slower, more deliberate pace of life. This is the place for someone looking to escape the rat race, embrace the seasons (all four of them), and find a sense of place where neighbors know each other’s names.

Who is each city for?

San Antonio: The extrovert, the career-chaser, the foodie, the family that needs space and options.
Jamestown: The introvert, the nature lover, the retiree on a fixed income, the remote worker seeking tranquility and a low cost of living.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk cold, hard cash. The key metric here isn’t just cost—it’s purchasing power. How far does your paycheck go after rent, groceries, and taxes?

First, the crucial tax context: Texas has no state income tax, while New York has a progressive income tax that can take a significant bite (ranging from 4% to over 10% for high earners). This is a massive, often overlooked, financial advantage for San Antonio.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	San Antonio	Jamestown	Winner
Median Home Price	$264,900	$132,500	Jamestown
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$837	Jamestown
Housing Index	94.2 (100 is national avg)	106.9	San Antonio
Median Income	$62,322	$54,809	San Antonio
Violent Crime (per 100k)	798.0	315.5	Jamestown
Weather (Avg. Summer High)	~95°F	~80°F	Subjective
Weather (Avg. Winter Low)	~39°F	~18°F	San Antonio

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s run a scenario. If you earn the median income in each city, how does it feel?

In San Antonio, with a median income of $62,322 and no state income tax, your take-home pay is healthier. However, you’re paying about $1,197 for rent. After housing, utilities, and groceries, you have substantial disposable income, but the cost of living is creeping up. The Housing Index of 94.2 means it’s slightly below the national average, which is great for a major metro.
In Jamestown, with a median income of $54,809 and a state income tax, your take-home is less. But your rent is only $837. The Housing Index of 106.9 is surprisingly high—meaning housing costs are above the national average for the area, but that’s relative to a very low baseline. Your money goes incredibly far on everyday expenses, but the earning ceiling is much lower.

Verdict: Jamestown wins on pure, raw purchasing power for basics. Your rent and home prices are shockingly low. However, San Antonio wins on overall financial opportunity. The lack of state income tax and higher median income mean there’s more room for career growth and wealth accumulation. If you’re remote and earn a San Antonio salary while living in Jamestown, you’ve hit the jackpot.

The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

San Antonio: A Competitive Seller’s Market

The San Antonio housing market is hot. With a population of nearly 1.5 million, demand is high. The median home price of $264,900 is considered affordable for a major city, but bidding wars are common, especially for homes under $300k. Rent has been rising steadily. It’s a great time to buy if you can lock in a rate, but be prepared for competition. Availability is better than in Austin or Dallas, but it’s still a seller’s market.

Jamestown: A Stable Buyer’s Market

Jamestown is a different world. With a median home price of $132,500, you’re looking at a price point that’s nearly impossible to find in most of the U.S. The market is stable, with less frenzy. You can often buy a historic home for the price of a down payment elsewhere. Rent is also incredibly affordable. The catch? Inventory is low because it’s a small town, but there’s little competition. It’s a prime market for first-time homebuyers and those looking to maximize their square footage.

Verdict: For buying a home, Jamestown is the clear winner if affordability is your #1 goal. For renting flexibility and access to a larger housing stock, San Antonio offers more options.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is real. The I-35, I-10, and Loop 1604 can be brutal during rush hour. Commutes can easily stretch to 30-45 minutes for those living in suburbs like Stone Oak or Alamo Ranch. It’s a car-dependent city with a sprawling layout.
Jamestown: Traffic is a non-issue. You can cross town in under 10 minutes. Commutes are short, and the biggest delay might be a tractor on the road. This is a massive quality-of-life win for Jamestown.

Weather: Sun vs. Snow

San Antonio: Welcome to the Texas heat. Summers are long, brutal, and humid, with highs regularly in the mid-90s to 100s from May to September. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. If you hate winter, San Antonio is your haven.
Jamestown: This is true four-season living. Summers are pleasant (~80°F), but winters are harsh. Expect significant snowfall and lows in the teens (the data shows an average winter low of 18°F). If you love fall foliage and snow days, it’s paradise. If you hate shoveling, it’s a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety

We have to be honest here. The data is stark.

San Antonio’s violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000 residents. This is above the national average and reflects the challenges of a large, dense urban area. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood.
Jamestown’s violent crime rate is 315.5 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly lower than San Antonio’s and closer to the national average. In a small, tight-knit community, crime is often lower, though not absent.

Verdict: For traffic and commute, Jamestown wins easily. For weather, it’s a personal preference (Sun vs. Snow). For safety, the data points to Jamestown as the statistically safer option.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart (and Wallet)?

This isn't about declaring one city objectively "better." It's about which one is the right fit for you.

🏆 Winner for Families: Jamestown

Why? The combination of extremely low housing costs, a safer environment (statistically), and a tight-knit community is hard to beat for raising kids. You can afford a larger home with a yard, and the slower pace is often ideal for family life. The trade-off is fewer entertainment options and a smaller school district.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio

Why? The career opportunities are in a different league. You’ll find a much broader job market, higher salaries, and a vibrant social scene. The lack of state income tax boosts your take-home pay, and the city’s energy, food, and culture provide endless things to do. The higher cost and crime rate are the price of admission for urban living.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Jamestown

Why? For retirees on a fixed income, Jamestown’s affordability is a game-changer. You can sell a home elsewhere and buy a property outright here, often with money left over. The low property taxes (compared to many states) and secure, quiet community are ideal for retirement. The major caveat is the harsh winter; if you can’t handle the snow, San Antonio’s mild winters are a better bet.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Antonio Pros & Cons

PROS:

No State Income Tax: More money in your pocket.
Robust Job Market: Opportunities in healthcare, military, tech, and tourism.
Vibrant Culture & Food: Unmatched Tex-Mex and a lively arts scene.
Major City Amenities: Pro sports, top-tier hospitals, international airport.
Mild Winters: Escape the northern freeze.

CONS:

High Summer Heat & Humidity: Can be oppressive for 4-5 months.
Traffic & Sprawl: Car-centric, long commutes in peak hours.
Higher Crime Rate: Requires research on safe neighborhoods.
Rising Cost of Living: No longer the "cheap" Texas secret.

Jamestown Pros & Cons