📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Keene and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Keene vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Keene | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $78,183 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $350,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $222 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,471 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 125.3 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 106.8 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 146.4 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 43.4% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 40 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Antonio vs. Keene: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing between San Antonio and Keene isn't just a real estate decision; it's a lifestyle identity crisis. You're not comparing two cities—you're choosing between two completely different universes. One is a sprawling, sun-baked cultural powerhouse with a population bigger than some states. The other is a tight-knit, four-season New England gem where the population is measured in thousands, not millions.
Let's cut through the noise. Whether you're a young professional chasing opportunity, a family seeking roots, or a retiree looking for peace, this showdown will give you the unvarnished truth. We'll crunch the numbers, weigh the vibes, and leave you with a clear winner for your specific life stage.
The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Small-Town Soul
San Antonio is a city that never stops moving. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., a cultural melting pot where Tex-Mex flavors, military history, and Hispanic heritage collide. The vibe here is warm, energetic, and unapologetically proud. Think riverwalks, the Alamo, Fiesta celebrations, and a skyline that’s constantly evolving. It’s for the person who thrives on options—the restaurant scene, the job market, the sheer volume of things to do on any given weekend.
Keene, on the other hand, is the definition of a classic New England town. With a population of just 22,923, it’s walkable, historic, and deeply connected to nature. The vibe is laid-back, community-oriented, and seasonally dramatic. It’s for the person who values knowing their neighbors, easy access to hiking trails, and a slower, more intentional pace of life. If San Antonio is a bustling highway, Keene is a quiet country road.
Who’s it for?
- San Antonio: Extroverts, culture enthusiasts, families who want diversity, and career-driven professionals.
- Keene: Introverts, nature lovers, artists, and anyone seeking a respite from urban chaos.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?
This is where the rubber meets the road. The data tells a fascinating story about purchasing power, and it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
First, let’s look at the baseline costs.
| Category | San Antonio | Keene | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $62,322 | $78,183 | Keene’s median household earns 25% more. |
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $350,000 | San Antonio homes are 32% cheaper on average. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $1,471 | San Antonio rent is 19% lower. |
| Housing Index | 94.2 | 125.3 | Keene’s housing is 33% more expensive than the national average. |
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s do a quick thought experiment. If you earn $100,000 in both cities, where does it feel like more?
- In San Antonio: Your $100k feels like a king’s ransom. The median home price is $264,900, meaning you could comfortably afford a home on a single income. Rent is manageable, leaving more cash for dining out, entertainment, and saving. The absence of state income tax in Texas is a massive financial advantage. Your take-home pay is higher right off the bat.
- In Keene: Your $100k is also strong, but the math gets tighter. The median home price is $350,000, and 1BR rent averages $1,471. While the income is higher, a larger chunk of it goes toward shelter. New Hampshire has no state income tax (a huge plus), but property taxes can be higher to compensate. Your purchasing power for goods and services is solid, but the housing market is less forgiving.
The Verdict on Dollar Power: While Keene boasts a higher median income, San Antonio wins on pure purchasing power. The combination of lower housing costs and zero state income tax means your money stretches significantly further. For a budget-conscious mover, San Antonio offers more bang for your buck.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Dynamics
San Antonio:
The market is accessible but heating up. With a Housing Index of 94.2, it’s slightly below the national average, making it one of the more affordable major metros in the U.S. It’s primarily a buyer’s market in many neighborhoods, with decent inventory. Renting is a viable, relatively low-stress option with plenty of stock. The big draw is the ability to buy a home without breaking the bank, which is increasingly rare in America.
Keene:
This is a seller’s market, hands down. A Housing Index of 125.3 screams "expensive." Inventory is low, competition is fierce, and prices are steep for a small town. The combination of limited land, historic preservation, and its appeal as a rural escape for remote workers has driven prices up. Renting is also competitive and pricey. You’re not just paying for a house; you’re paying for the privilege of living in a coveted New England town.
The Deal:
If you’re looking to buy a home without a bidding war, San Antonio is your clear winner. Keene’s market is challenging for first-time buyers and even seasoned pros.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors
Traffic & Commute
- San Antonio: Traffic is a fact of life. The city is spread out, and while it doesn’t have the legendary jams of Houston or Austin, rush hour on I-10 and Loop 1604 can be brutal. Commutes often stretch to 30-45 minutes or more. Public transit exists (VIA) but is limited; a car is a necessity.
- Keene: Traffic is almost a non-issue. You can cross town in 10 minutes, even during peak times. The commute is measured in minutes, not miles. This is a massive quality-of-life win for stress reduction.
Weather
- San Antonio: Brutal summers are the headline. Expect 90°F+ highs for months on end, with high humidity that makes it feel even hotter. Winters are mild and short-lived. If you hate the cold, this is your paradise. If you hate extreme heat, it’s a dealbreaker.
- Keene: Four distinct seasons. Summers are warm but not oppressive (typically low 80s°F), falls are spectacular, and winters are cold and snowy (expect 45°F average in Jan/Feb, but snowfall is significant). You need to be prepared for winter driving and shoveling.
Crime & Safety
This is the most stark contrast in our data.
- San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000 people. This is more than 5x higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, the city-wide statistic is sobering and a major consideration for families and individuals alike.
- Keene: The violent crime rate is 146.4 per 100,000. This is lower than the national average and exceptionally low for any town. Safety here is a tangible, daily reality.
The Safety Verdict: There’s no sugarcoating it. Keene is vastly safer than San Antonio by every statistical measure. If low crime is your top priority, Keene wins in a landslide.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart (and Wallet)?
Winner for Families
San Antonio
Why: The combination of affordability, a strong job market, and cultural diversity is unbeatable for raising a family. You can buy a spacious home for under $300k, access excellent schools (especially in the suburbs), and expose your kids to a world of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. The safety concerns are real, but they can be mitigated by choosing the right neighborhood.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals
Keene
Why: This might surprise you, but hear us out. While San Antonio has more jobs, Keene offers an incredible work-life balance for remote workers or those in specific fields (education, healthcare, arts). The low crime, tight-knit community, and easy access to nature and outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking) provide a quality of life that’s hard to match. The higher median income and lack of state income tax are the cherries on top.
Winner for Retirees
Keene
Why: For retirees, safety, walkability, and a slower pace are paramount. Keene delivers on all fronts. The low crime rate means peace of mind. The compact downtown is easy to navigate without a car. The four-season beauty provides a stunning backdrop for a relaxed retirement. While San Antonio’s warm winters are tempting, the safety and community feel of Keene are more aligned with a retiree’s priorities.
Pros & Cons: At a Glance
San Antonio, TX
Pros:
- Massive affordability in housing and cost of living.
- Zero state income tax boosts your take-home pay.
- Incredible cultural and culinary scene (Tex-Mex, history, festivals).
- Large, diverse job market across industries.
- Mild winters and year-round sunshine.
Cons:
- High violent crime rate (national concern).
- Brutal, humid summers that can be oppressive.
- Traffic congestion and urban sprawl.
- Car-dependent lifestyle.
Keene, NH
Pros:
- Extremely low crime rate and high safety.
- Walkable, historic downtown with a strong community feel.
- Stunning natural beauty and four-season outdoor activities.
- No state income tax (and no sales tax).
- Low traffic and easy commutes.
Cons:
- Very high housing costs relative to size and income.
- Competitive real estate market (seller’s market).
- Harsh, snowy winters requiring preparation.
- Limited job market outside of specific sectors.
- Higher property taxes to offset no income/sales tax.
The Bottom Line:
Your choice boils down to a fundamental trade-off: affordability and opportunity vs. safety and serenity. San Antonio offers more house for your money and a dynamic, growing environment, but you must accept higher crime and extreme weather. Keene offers a safer, more peaceful, and community-oriented life in a beautiful setting, but you'll pay a premium for it and face a competitive housing market.
Choose the city that aligns not just with your budget, but with the life you want to live every single day.