Category / Metric	Kearney	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$69,790	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$322,400	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$146	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$678	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	104.1	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	88.7	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	312.5	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	36.9%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	39

San Antonio vs. Kearney: A Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown

So, you're staring down the barrel of a big move. On one side, you've got San Antonio, Texas—a sprawling, sun-baked metropolis where history, culture, and a booming economy collide. On the other, there's Kearney, Nebraska—the quintessential Midwestern heartland town, where community, affordability, and open skies define life. It's a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, but the real question is: which one is your Goliath? Let's break it down, dollar by dollar, degree by degree, to help you decide where to hang your hat.

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., a place where the Alamo stands as a monument to the past, while a skyline of glass and steel points to a tech-driven future. The vibe is lively, diverse, and unapologetically Texan. Think world-class riverwalks, a legendary food scene (puffy tacos, anyone?), and a culture that blends Mexican heritage with modern American energy. It’s a city for the restless, the ambitious, and anyone who craves endless options—from nightlife to neighborhoods. If you’re a young professional, a foodie, or a family seeking big-city amenities with a slightly slower pace than, say, Houston or Dallas, San Antonio is calling your name.

Kearney is the polar opposite. It’s a small, tight-knit community of about 34,000 people where you know your neighbors, the pace of life is deliberate, and the sky feels impossibly vast. This is the heart of the American Great Plains, a place built on agriculture, education (thanks to the University of Nebraska at Kearney), and a genuine sense of community. The vibe is laid-back, family-oriented, and deeply rooted in tradition. It’s for those who value quiet over clamor, where a Friday night might mean a high school football game or a local diner rather than a trendy cocktail bar. If you’re looking to escape the hustle, raise a family in a safe environment, or simply want to feel a sense of belonging, Kearney offers a powerful antidote to big-city stress.

The Takeaway: Choose San Antonio for energy, diversity, and endless urban exploration. Choose Kearney for peace, community, and a simpler, more grounded lifestyle.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like a Million Bucks?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. We're not just comparing costs; we're comparing what your hard-earned money can actually buy in each place.

First, a look at the raw numbers:

Category	San Antonio, TX	Kearney, NE	Winner
Median Home Price	$264,900	$322,400	San Antonio
Median Income	$62,322	$69,790	Kearney
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$678	Kearney
Housing Index	94.2	104.1	San Antonio
Violent Crime (per 100k)	798.0	312.5	Kearney

The Salary Wars & The Tax Factor

At first glance, Kearney’s higher median income ($69,790 vs. $62,322) looks like a win. But hold on. The real story is in the purchasing power.

San Antonio: Texas has no state income tax. That’s a massive boost. On a $100,000 salary, you keep more of every paycheck compared to most states. While property taxes in Texas are high, the lack of a state income tax is a huge financial advantage, especially for higher earners.
Kearney: Nebraska does have a state income tax, with a progressive system that can range from 2.46% to 6.84%. On a $100,000 salary, that’s an extra $2,500-$6,800 out the door annually before you even see it. Nebraska has some of the highest property taxes in the nation, which is a consideration for homeowners.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power: If you earn a comfortable salary (say, $80k+), San Antonio’s lack of income tax can make your money go further, especially if you’re renting. However, Kearney’s lower cost of living (especially in housing) can be a game-changer for mid-range incomes. A $60,000 salary in Kearney feels significantly more robust than the same salary in San Antonio, thanks to the drastic rent and home price differences.

Insight: Kearney offers incredible bang for your buck for renters and those in the mid-to-upper income brackets. San Antonio becomes more advantageous for higher earners who can leverage the tax savings.

The Housing Market: To Buy or to Rent?

This is where the two cities diverge dramatically.

San Antonio's Market: It’s a strong Seller’s market in most neighborhoods. The median home price of $264,900 is relatively affordable for a major metro, but demand is fierce. Inventory is often low, leading to bidding wars, especially for well-priced homes. Renting is a popular and often necessary option, with a 1BR averaging $1,197. The Housing Index of 94.2 suggests it’s slightly below the national average, but that’s skewed by the sheer scale of the city; trendy areas like Alamo Heights or the Pearl District command much higher prices.

Kearney's Market: It’s more of a balanced market, leaning slightly to a Buyer’s market. The median home price of $322,400 is higher than San Antonio’s, which might seem shocking. This is driven by low inventory in a small town, new construction costs, and the desirability of a stable, family-friendly community. Renting is a steal at $678 for a 1BR—less than half the San Antonio price. The Housing Index of 104.1 indicates it’s slightly above the national average, reflecting the competitive buying environment for a town of its size.

The Bottom Line: If you’re a renter, Kearney is an undeniable financial winner. If you’re a buyer, the equation is trickier. San Antonio offers more home for the money if you can find it. Kearney offers a stable, safe community, but you might pay a premium for a home in a competitive small-town market.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life, Weather, and Safety

These are the intangibles that make or break daily life.

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: As a major city, traffic is a reality. Commutes can easily hit 30-60 minutes during rush hour, especially on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604. It’s not as bad as Los Angeles, but it’s far from a breeze.
Kearney: Traffic is virtually non-existent. A commute across town is typically under 10 minutes. This is one of Kearney’s biggest selling points—more time for family, hobbies, and life.

Weather

San Antonio: Brutal, dry heat. Summers are long, often seeing 100+ °F for months. Winters are mild, but humidity and occasional storms can be an issue. It’s a climate for sun-lovers who can handle the heat.
Kearney: True four-season climate. Winters are cold and snowy (average low of 37°F is misleading; winter temps regularly drop well below freezing with significant snowfall). Summers are warm and often humid. You need to be prepared for all four seasons, especially winter.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark difference. The data is clear.

San Antonio: Violent crime rate of 798.0 per 100,000. This is significantly above the U.S. national average (~380-400/100k). While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, crime is a city-wide concern that requires vigilance and research into specific areas.
Kearney: Violent crime rate of 312.5 per 100,000. This is well below the national average. Kearney is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Nebraska. It’s a place where you can feel secure letting your kids play outside.

🚨 VERDICT ON SAFETY: Kearney wins decisively. If low crime is a top priority, Kearney is the clear choice. San Antonio requires more due diligence on neighborhood safety.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins the Showdown?

There’s no single "better" city—it’s about which one better fits your life stage, values, and goals.

Winner for Families: Kearney, NE

Why: The trifecta of exceptional safety (312.5 violent crime rate), excellent public schools (a point of pride in Nebraska), and an unbeatable sense of community. The lower cost of living, especially for renters ($678), allows for financial breathing room for raising kids. The slower pace and abundant outdoor space are ideal for family life.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio, TX

Why: The sheer scale of opportunity. A larger job market (especially in healthcare, military, and tech), a vibrant social and dating scene, endless dining and entertainment options, and more cultural diversity. The no-income-tax perk is a huge boost for your early-career salary. The trade-off is higher costs, traffic, and crime, but for many, the energy is worth it.

Winner for Retirees: Kearney, NE

Why: Stability and safety are paramount in retirement. Kearney’s low crime rate, tight-knit community, and manageable size make it easy to stay engaged and secure. While the winters are harsh, the cost of living allows retirement savings to stretch further. San Antonio’s heat can be brutal for older residents, and the city’s scale can be overwhelming.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Antonio, Texas

Pros:

No State Income Tax: A major financial advantage.
Cultural Richness: Deep history, vibrant arts, and world-class food.
Economic Opportunity: Large, diverse job market.
Affordable for a Major Metro: Relatively low home prices for its size.

Cons:

High Crime Rate: Significantly above national average.
Extreme Summer Heat: Can be oppressive for months.
Traffic & Commute: A daily reality for most residents.
Competitive Housing Market: Buyer and renter competition is fierce.

Kearney, Nebraska