Keene vs New York

Category / Metric	Keene	New York
Financial Overview
Median Income	$78,183	$76,577
Unemployment Rate	3%	5.3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$350,000	$875,000
Price per SqFt	$222	$604
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,471	$2,451
Housing Cost Index	125.3	149.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	106.8	109.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.89
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	146.4	364.2
Bachelor's Degree+	43.4%	42.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	40	31

New York vs. Keene: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Let's be real: pitting New York City against Keene, New Hampshire, feels like matching a heavyweight boxer against a quiet librarian. One is the world's financial and cultural epicenter, a city of 8.2 million people that never sleeps. The other is a quaint, historic college town nestled in the scenic Monadnock region, home to just 22,923 souls. It’s not just a choice between two cities; it’s a choice between two entirely different universes.

So, which one is right for you? As your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist, I’ve crunched the numbers, lived the lifestyles (virtually and in person), and I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth. Buckle up.

The Vibe Check: Concrete Jungle vs. Quaint Charm

New York, NY is the definition of high-octane energy. It’s a 24/7 hustle where ambition is the local currency. The vibe is a sensory overload: the smell of street-cart pretzels, the cacophony of sirens and chatter, the visual feast of towering skyscrapers and world-class art. It's for the go-getters, the dreamers, the people who thrive on the sheer density of opportunity. If you need to be in the room where it happens, New York is the room.

Keene, NH is the polar opposite. It’s a postcard-perfect New England town with a historic Main Street, a strong sense of community, and a backdrop of rolling hills. The vibe is laid-back, outdoorsy, and deeply rooted in local pride. It’s home to Keene State College, which injects a youthful energy, but the pace is measured. Keene is for those who value peace, community, and a deep connection to nature over the relentless grind of a megacity.

Who is it for?

• New York is for the career-driven, the culture vultures, the extroverts who feed off crowds, and anyone who sees the world as their oyster.
• Keene is for those seeking work-life balance, nature lovers, families wanting a safe, tight-knit community, and anyone who finds the idea of a "quiet night in" appealing.

The Dollar Power: Where Your Money Goes Further

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. The median incomes look surprisingly close: $76,577 in NYC vs. $78,183 in Keene. But that’s where the similarities end. The cost of living is the great equalizer, and in this arena, Keene is playing a different sport.

Here’s the cold, hard data:

Expense Category	New York	Keene	The Difference
Median Home Price	$875,000	$350,000	$525,000 (150% more in NYC)
Rent (1BR)	$2,451	$1,471	$980 (66% more in NYC)
Housing Index	149.3	125.3	NYC is 19% more expensive
Violent Crime/100k	364.2	146.4	Keene is 60% safer

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in Keene, you have the purchasing power of someone earning roughly $150,000+ in New York City. Your dollars stretch dramatically further. In NYC, a $100k salary after taxes (NYC has high state and city income taxes) and brutal housing costs leaves you with a fraction of disposable income. In Keene, that same $100k means you can comfortably afford a mortgage on a $350k home, save aggressively, and enjoy a high quality of life without constant financial stress.

The Tax Take:
New York City residents face a trifecta: Federal, New York State (up to 10.9%), and New York City (up to 3.876%) income taxes. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no sales tax. This is a massive, often overlooked, advantage for Keene. That $78,183 median income in Keene keeps more of its own money than the $76,577 in NYC. It’s not just about what you earn; it’s about what you get to keep.

Verdict: For pure financial sanity and lifestyle purchasing power, Keene wins this round decisively.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

New York: The Seller's Dream, Renter's Grind
Buying in NYC is a monumental task. With a median home price of $875,000, you're looking at a down payment of $175,000+ for a standard 20%. The market is fiercely competitive, often all-cash, and moves at lightning speed. Renting is the default for most, but it’s a cutthroat game with high demand, broker fees, and the constant threat of rent hikes. It's a renter's market in the sense that you have endless options, but it's a seller's market for anyone trying to buy in. Availability is tight, and competition is fierce.

Keene: Accessible Ownership, Stable Rentals
With a median home price of $350,000, homeownership is a tangible dream for many middle-income earners. A $70,000 down payment is still significant, but infinitely more manageable than NYC's $175k+. The market is more balanced. While inventory can be tight, you're not typically competing against international investors or hedge funds. Renting is stable and generally more tenant-friendly. You get more space for your money, and the path to ownership is clearer.

Verdict: For aspiring homeowners, Keene offers a far more accessible and less stressful market.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• New York: Commutes are legendary. The average public transit commute is 42 minutes. Driving is often slower and more expensive due to tolls and parking. Congestion is a constant, soul-crushing reality.
• Keene: Traffic is a foreign concept. The commute is measured in minutes, not hours. You can get across town in 10 minutes. The stress of a daily grind is virtually eliminated.

Weather:
Both are cold in the winter, but NYC's heat and humidity in the summer (90°F+ and sticky) can be brutal, while Keene enjoys milder summers. New York gets more snow, but Keene's snowfall is significant and can be a logistical challenge for rural residents. NYC's weather is more extreme in both directions, while Keene offers a classic, four-season New England experience.

Crime & Safety:
This is a non-negotiable for many. New York's violent crime rate is 364.2/100k. While this is lower than many other major U.S. cities, it is still a reality of urban life. Petty crime, theft, and occasional violence are part of the landscape. Keene's rate is 146.4/100k, making it statistically 60% safer. It's a town where kids walk to school unattended, and neighbors know each other. For personal safety, Keene is in a different league.

Verdict: For peace of mind, shorter commutes, and overall daily sanity, Keene is the clear winner.

Final Pros & Cons: A Snapshot

New York, NY

Pros:

• Unmatched Career Opportunity: Endless industries, networking, and a global stage.
• World-Class Culture: Broadway, museums, dining, and nightlife that never ends.
• Convenience & Diversity: Everything is at your doorstep, from 24-hour bodegas to every cuisine imaginable.
• Public Transit: No need for a car (and the associated costs).

Cons:

• Eye-Watering Cost of Living: Housing, taxes, and daily expenses are a constant strain.
• High Stress & Noise: The city's energy can be exhausting and overwhelming.
• Space is a Luxury: You'll live smaller, whether renting or buying.
• Safety Concerns: Higher crime rates require constant situational awareness.

Keene, NH

Pros:

• Financial Health: No state income/sales tax, lower housing costs, and higher purchasing power.
• Safety & Community: Extremely low crime, strong neighborly bonds, and a family-friendly environment.
• Outdoor Access: Hiking, skiing, and lakes are minutes away, not hours.
• Quality of Life: Short commutes, less stress, and a slower, more intentional pace.

Cons:

• Limited Career Options: Fewer industries, lower ceiling for high-powered careers.
• Cultural & Social Scene: Far fewer major concerts, sports, and dining options. It's a college town, so nightlife is limited.
• Isolation: You're 90 minutes from Boston, but the world feels farther away.
• Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and snowy winters can be mentally taxing.

The Verdict: Which City Wins for YOU?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final breakdown:

🏆 Winner for Families: Keene
With safety, affordability, excellent schools, and a community-oriented lifestyle, Keene is the obvious choice for raising a family. The ability to own a home and be debt-free is a huge advantage.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: New York
If you're in your 20s or early 30s, career is paramount. The networking, opportunities, and social scene in NYC are unparalleled. You can tolerate the cost and hustle for a decade to build your resume and social capital.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Keene
For retirees on a fixed income, Keene's tax benefits, lower cost of living, and peaceful environment are a dream. The safety and community support are invaluable. NYC's costs and stress are generally incompatible with retirement.

The Bottom Line: This isn't about which city is better, but which city is better for you. Choose New York if you're willing to trade financial comfort and peace of mind for unparalleled career opportunity and cultural richness. Choose Keene if you value financial freedom, safety, community, and a life where nature and quiet are part of your daily routine. The data is clear: your dollar, and your peace of mind, will go infinitely further in Keene.