📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Keene and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Keene vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Keene | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $78,183 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $350,000 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $222 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,471 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 125.3 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 106.8 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 146.4 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 43.4% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 40 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown: San Diego vs. Keene
Welcome to the clash of the coasts—or in this case, the clash of the culture. You’re staring at two cities that are polar opposites. On one side, you have San Diego, the sun-drenched, laid-back metropolis of Southern California. On the other, you have Keene, the quaint, historic "Cathedral of the Pines" nestled in the rolling hills of New Hampshire.
Choosing between them isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about picking a lifestyle. Are you chasing the surf, the taco truck on every corner, and a $930,000 median home price? Or are you looking for a tight-knit community, four distinct seasons, and a quiet life where you can actually hear the birds sing?
Let’s dive in and crunch the numbers, feel the vibes, and find out where your next chapter belongs.
1. The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
San Diego is the person who shows up to the party with a cooler of craft beer and a frisbee. It’s the second-largest city in California, but it somehow feels like a giant, affluent beach town. The culture is defined by the outdoors: surfing in Pacific Beach, hiking in Torrey Pines, or drinking IPAs in North Park. It’s fast-paced but relaxed, diverse, and unapologetically expensive. It’s for the extrovert who loves the energy of a crowd but wants to clock out at 4 PM to catch the sunset.
Keene is the person who brings homemade apple pie and knows everyone’s name at the coffee shop. With a population of just 22,923, it feels more like a large village than a city. The vibe is historic, intellectual (thanks to Keene State College), and deeply rooted in New England tradition. It’s quiet, slow-moving, and surrounded by natural beauty that leans toward forests and mountains rather than beaches. It’s for the introvert, the artist, or the family looking to raise kids in a safe, walkable environment where the biggest traffic jam is a tractor crossing Main Street.
Verdict:
- If you want world-class dining, nightlife, and endless people-watching: San Diego wins.
- If you want a tight-knit community, silence, and four distinct seasons: Keene wins.
2. The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the "sticker shock" sets in. San Diego is in the top tier of U.S. expenses, while Keene offers a much more manageable, though not exactly "cheap," reality.
Let's look at the hard data for a single person (1BR rental):
| Category | San Diego, CA | Keene, NH | Winner (Value) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $1,471 | Keene (-35%) |
| Median Income | $105,780 | $78,183 | San Diego |
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $350,000 | Keene (-62%) |
| Housing Cost Index | 185.8 | 125.3 | Keene |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Here’s the math that matters. If you earn $100,000 in San Diego, your paycheck feels smaller immediately due to California’s high state income tax (ranging from 1% to 12.3%). In New Hampshire, there is 0% state income tax on wages (though they have high property taxes).
However, San Diego’s median income ($105,780) is significantly higher than Keene’s ($78,183). This suggests that while the cost of living in SD is higher, the earning potential is also much greater.
The "Bang for Your Buck" Insight:
- San Diego: You are paying a massive premium for the location. Your dollar buys you sunshine, proximity to the ocean, and access to a robust job market (biotech, military, tourism). You are essentially paying a "sunshine tax." If you can land a job paying $120k+, you can make it work, but you won’t be building wealth quickly.
- Keene: Your dollar stretches significantly further. A $350,000 home is attainable for a dual-income household. Groceries and utilities are lower, and the lack of state income tax helps. However, the earning ceiling is lower unless you commute to larger metros or work remotely for a coastal salary.
Verdict: For pure purchasing power and lower financial stress, Keene wins. For high-earning career potential (if you can cover the rent), San Diego wins.
3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Diego: The Seller’s Fortress
The San Diego housing market is a beast. A median home price of $930,000 puts it out of reach for the average first-time buyer without significant capital. Renting is the default for many, with a 1BR averaging $2,248. Competition is fierce; you’re bidding against tech workers, retirees, and investors. If you’re looking to buy, you need deep pockets and patience. It is firmly a Seller’s Market.
Keene: The Buyer’s Market (With Caveats)
In Keene, a median home price of $350,000 is a breath of fresh air. Ownership is a realistic goal. However, inventory is tight in New England. While it’s not the dog-eat-dog competition of San Diego, finding the right home can take time. Renting is more affordable, but options are limited due to the smaller housing stock. It’s a balanced market leaning toward Buyers if you have financing lined up.
Verdict:
- For Renters: Keene is the clear financial winner.
- For Buyers: Keene offers an entry point; San Diego is a luxury investment.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is heavy. The I-5 and I-15 corridors are notorious. Commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes for a 10-mile distance. Public transit (trolley/bus) exists but is limited compared to SF or NYC.
- Keene: Traffic is non-existent. You can cross town in 10 minutes. The closest thing to a rush hour is when the school buses are out. Commuting by car is a breeze, though you are reliant on it.
Weather
- San Diego: Famous for its mild climate. Average highs are in the 70s°F year-round. It’s dry, sunny, and rarely too hot or cold. The "May Gray" and "June Gloom" (marine layer clouds) are real, but you trade them for perfect winters.
- Keene: True four seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (average high in January is around 35°F, but lows drop well below freezing). Summers are warm and humid, with highs in the 80s°F. You get beautiful autumns and springs, but you must endure the deep freeze of winter.
Crime & Safety
- San Diego: Violent Crime Rate: 378.0 per 100k. While San Diego is safer than many major U.S. cities, it still has higher crime rates than small towns. Property crime is a concern in denser areas.
- Keene: Violent Crime Rate: 146.4 per 100k. Keene is statistically much safer. Violent crime is roughly 60% lower than in San Diego. It’s the kind of place where people leave their doors unlocked (though not recommended).
Verdict:
- Traffic: Keene.
- Weather: Subjective, but San Diego’s consistency is a massive draw.
- Safety: Keene.
5. The Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here is the final breakdown.
Winner for Families: Keene
Why? Safety is paramount, and Keene’s crime stats are stellar. The housing market is accessible, allowing families to buy a home with a yard. The schools are good, and the community is centered around family activities. You trade the beach for hiking trails and snow days. The lower cost of living reduces financial stress, which is huge for parents.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego
Why? The dating pool, networking opportunities, and sheer volume of things to do are unmatched. While the cost is high, the energy of the city fuels career growth and social life. If you can land a job paying $80k+ and don't mind roommates or a long commute, San Diego offers a lifestyle that Keene simply cannot match for this demographic.
Winner for Retirees: Keene
Why? This is a tough call because many retirees flock to San Diego for the weather. However, from a financial standpoint, Keene wins. Retiring on a fixed income in San Diego is incredibly difficult unless you are wealthy. In Keene, your Social Security and savings go much further. The safety, quiet, and slower pace are ideal for retirement. The weather is the only downside, but for many, the financial freedom outweighs the snow.
Final Pros & Cons
San Diego: The Sun-Drenched Metropolis
PROS:
- World-class weather (70s°F year-round).
- Incredible food, craft beer, and cultural scene.
- Proximity to beaches, mountains, and deserts.
- Strong job market in high-paying sectors.
- Diverse and vibrant population.
CONS:
- Sticker shock: Median home price of $930,000.
- High taxes and cost of living.
- Brutal traffic and long commutes.
- Competitive rental and housing market.
- Higher crime rates than small towns.
Keene: The Historic Escape
PROS:
- Massive affordability: Median home price of $350,000.
- Extremely low violent crime (146.4/100k).
- Zero state income tax.
- Walkable downtown and tight-knit community.
- Four beautiful seasons and outdoor access.
CONS:
- Harsh, snowy winters (45°F average in Jan).
- Limited dining/nightlife options.
- Smaller job market (may require remote work).
- Isolation from major metros (2+ hours to Boston).
- Fewer cultural amenities and diversity.
The Bottom Line:
If your priority is lifestyle, career growth, and don’t mind paying a premium, San Diego is the place. If your priority is financial stability, safety, and a quiet, community-focused life, Keene is the clear choice. Choose wisely—your wallet and your happiness depend on it.