Keene vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Keene	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$78,183	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	3%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$350,000	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$222	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,471	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	125.3	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	106.8	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	146.4	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	43.4%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	40	52

The Ultimate Head-to-Head: Los Angeles vs. Keene

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one path, the glittering, chaotic, sun-soaked sprawl of Los Angeles. On the other, the quiet, historic, four-season charm of Keene, New Hampshire. This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two vastly different ways of life. One is a global cultural engine; the other is a quintessential New England town.

Let's cut through the noise. As your relocation expert, I'm here to lay out the raw data, the hidden costs, and the intangible vibes. Forget the glossy brochures. This is the real talk over a cup of coffee. By the end, you'll know exactly which city is your perfect match—or which one to run from.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Town

Los Angeles is a beast. It's a sprawling, 500-square-mile mosaic of over 3.8 million people, where you can surf at sunrise and hike in the mountains by noon. The culture is a relentless hustle—entertainment, tech, fashion, art. It’s loud, diverse, and unapologetically ambitious. You’re not just living in a city; you're living in a global icon. This place is for the dreamers, the go-getters, and those who thrive on endless possibility. If you need constant stimulation and a side of celebrity spotting, LA is your playground.

Keene, with a population of just 22,923, is the polar opposite. Think of a classic New England postcard: a charming downtown with brick buildings, a famous covered bridge, and a community that knows your name. Life here moves at a human pace. It's about autumn foliage, winter snowfalls, and summer farmers' markets. The vibe is cozy, historic, and deeply connected to nature. This is for those who value community, quiet, and a sense of place over the constant buzz of a metropolis.

Who is each city for?

• Los Angeles: The career-driven professional, the artist, the foodie, the sun-seeker. Someone who wants endless options and doesn't mind the chaos.
• Keene: The nature lover, the remote worker seeking tranquility, the family wanting a safe, tight-knit community, or the retiree looking for peace and four beautiful seasons.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

Let's get straight to the point: your paycheck has a very different lifespan in these two places. We're talking about sticker shock versus bang for your buck.

First, the raw numbers. The table below compares key costs. Remember, these are medians; your actual expenses will vary.

Cost Category	Los Angeles	Keene	The Difference
Median Income	$79,701	$78,183	LA is ~2% higher
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$350,000	LA is 186% higher
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,471	LA is 36% higher
Housing Index	173.0	125.3	LA is 38% more expensive

The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power
At first glance, the median incomes are nearly identical. But that's the trap. The real story is purchasing power.

If you earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, you're immediately hit with California's high state income tax (up to 13.3% for top earners). In Keene, New Hampshire has no state income tax on wages (though it has a high property tax). That's a massive head start for your take-home pay.

But the real killer is housing. In LA, a median home costs over a million dollars. In Keene, it's $350,000. That means for the price of a modest LA starter home, you could buy a spacious historic property in Keene with cash left over. Your $100,000 salary in Keene feels like you've been given a financial superpower. In LA, it feels like you're just keeping your head above water.

Verdict: Keene wins, and it's not even close. The cost of living in LA is astronomically higher, and the median income doesn't come close to compensating for it. In Keene, your money stretches further, giving you a higher standard of living for the same salary.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Los Angeles: The Perpetual Seller's Market
Buying in LA is a high-stakes game. With a median home price of $1,002,500 and a Housing Index of 173.0, you're entering one of the most competitive markets in the nation. Inventory is chronically low, bidding wars are standard, and all-cash offers are common. For the average person, buying a home here is a monumental financial stretch. Renting is the default for most, but with a median 1BR at $2,006, you're paying a premium for a slice of the LA dream.

Keene: A More Accessible Market
Keene's market is far more approachable. The median home price of $350,000 and a Housing Index of 125.3 are steep for the region but look pedestrian next to LA. While the Keene market is competitive for New England (it's a desirable town), it lacks the cutthroat frenzy of LA. Renting is also more affordable, with a median 1BR at $1,471. You have a fighting chance to buy a home here on a solid middle-class income.

Verdict: Keene is the clear winner for prospective homeowners. It offers a realistic path to ownership. Los Angeles is a renter's market for most, with homeownership being a distant dream for the average earner.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where the cities truly diverge. Data is one thing; daily life is another.

Traffic & Commute:

• Los Angeles: Infamous. The average commute can easily be 45-60 minutes each way. Traffic congestion is a daily reality, costing you time, money, and sanity. It's a major lifestyle factor that can't be ignored.
• Keene: Non-existent. Traffic jams are a rare concept. Your commute might be a 10-minute drive or a pleasant walk. This is a massive, underrated quality-of-life benefit.

Weather:

• Los Angeles: The poster child for mild weather. Averages 54.0°F, but that hides the reality. Summers can be hot (often 85-95°F), with inland areas feeling much hotter. It's dry, sunny, and rarely freezes. The biggest downside is the lack of seasons and the infamous "May Gray" and "June Gloom."
• Keene: True four-season living. The average of 45.0°F is a yearly mean. You get vibrant autumns, snowy winters (often 50-100 inches of snow), blooming springs, and pleasant summers. If you love distinct seasons, Keene is paradise. If you hate snow and cold, it's a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety:

• Los Angeles: Has a violent crime rate of 732.5 per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, crime is a reality of a massive, dense city. You must be vigilant about location and personal safety.
• Keene: Is exceptionally safe, with a violent crime rate of 146.4 per 100,000. This is below the national average and a fraction of LA's rate. The small-town dynamic and community watchfulness contribute to a feeling of security that is hard to find in a major metro.

Verdict: This is a split decision based on personal preference.

• Winner for Weather & No Traffic: Keene (if you embrace seasons).
• Winner for Weather & No Traffic: Los Angeles (if you hate snow and can tolerate traffic).
• Winner for Safety: Keene, hands down. The crime stats are not even in the same league.

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The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After breaking down the data, the lifestyle, and the costs, here is your definitive guide.

🏆 Winner for Families: Keene

• Why: Safety is paramount for families, and Keene's crime rate is drastically lower. The community is tight-knit, schools are well-regarded, and the slower pace is conducive to raising children. The housing affordability means you can get a yard and space for a fraction of LA's cost. The outdoor activities are endless and free.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Los Angeles

• Why: If your career is in entertainment, tech, or a creative field, LA is the epicenter. The networking opportunities, social scene, and sheer number of events are unmatched. The dating pool is massive and diverse. While expensive, the energy and possibilities are what many young professionals crave.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Keene

• Why: Peace, safety, and a lower cost of living are the holy trinity for retirees. Keene offers a beautiful, quiet environment with a strong sense of community. The lack of traffic reduces stress, and the four-season climate is enjoyable for those who don't mind cold winters. Your retirement savings will go much, much further.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Los Angeles

Pros:

• Unmatched career opportunities in key industries.
• Incredible diversity in food, culture, and people.
• Year-round mild weather (no snow, rarely freezes).
• Endless entertainment and social options.
• Proximity to beaches, mountains, and deserts.

Cons:

• Astronomical cost of living, especially housing.
• Brutal traffic and long commutes.
• High state income tax and overall expenses.
• Significant crime rates depending on the neighborhood.
• Can feel impersonal and isolating in a city of millions.

Keene

Pros:

• Extremely low cost of living and affordable housing.
• Exceptionally low crime rate and high safety.
• Tight-knit, friendly community with a strong sense of place.
• Beautiful four-season climate with stunning fall foliage.
• No traffic, easy commutes, and access to outdoor recreation.
• No state income tax on wages.

Cons:

• Limited career opportunities outside of specific sectors (education, healthcare).
• Harsh, snowy winters can be a challenge.
• Far fewer cultural amenities, dining, and nightlife options.
• Can feel too quiet or isolated for those used to city life.
• Limited diversity compared to a major metro.

Final Takeaway:
Choose Los Angeles if you're chasing a dream, have a high tolerance for cost and chaos, and believe the opportunities are worth the price tag. Choose Keene if you value financial freedom, safety, community, and the tranquility of nature over the relentless pulse of a global city. There is no "better" choice—only the one that aligns with your life's current chapter.