Laconia vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Laconia	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$68,427	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$397,250	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$341	$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+	25.3%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	40	39

San Antonio vs. Laconia: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you're trying to decide between San Antonio, Texas, and Laconia, New Hampshire. On the surface, this isn't even a fair fight—it's a clash of titans versus a hidden gem. One is a sprawling, historic metropolis with over 1.4 million people. The other is a quaint lakeside town of 17,000 nestled in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region.

But you're here for the real dirt, not just the brochure descriptions. You want to know where your paycheck goes further, where you'll feel safe, and which place will actually fit your life. Let's break it down.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Lakeside Charm

San Antonio is a city that hums with energy. It’s a cultural powerhouse, a military hub, and a tourist destination all rolled into one. Think the iconic River Walk, the historic Alamo, world-class Tex-Mex, and a thriving arts scene. It’s a city of neighborhoods, from the trendy Pearl District to the classic old-world charm of King William. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and unapologetically Texan. It's for the person who loves trying a new restaurant every weekend, enjoys the buzz of a downtown festival, and doesn't mind a bit of sprawl. The military presence (Joint Base San Antonio) also gives it a unique, disciplined, and diverse community feel.

Laconia offers a completely different lifestyle. This is New England charm at its finest. Life revolves around the lake—boating, fishing, and lakeside serenity. The pace is slower, quieter, and more community-focused. It's a gateway to the White Mountains and a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking and skiing to leaf-peeping. It’s for the person who values peace, natural beauty, and a strong sense of local community over endless entertainment options. The vibe is laid-back, rustic, and deeply connected to nature.

Who is each city for?

• San Antonio is for the extrovert, the foodie, the history buff, the military family, and anyone who craves a dynamic, diverse urban environment with a lower cost of living than most major metros.
• Laconia is for the outdoorsy soul, the retiree seeking tranquility, the remote worker who needs a peaceful backdrop, and the family that prioritizes nature and a tight-knit community over big-city amenities.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Squeeze Through?

This is where the rubber meets the road. We're not just looking at prices; we're looking at purchasing power. A dollar earned in San Antonio stretches differently than a dollar earned in Laconia, largely due to one massive factor: state income tax.

Texas has 0% state income tax. New Hampshire has no tax on earned income, but it does have a 5% tax on interest and dividends, and notably high property taxes.

Let’s look at the raw numbers. We'll use the median income for our baseline.

Metric	San Antonio, TX	Laconia, NH	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$397,250	SA is 33% cheaper to buy a home.
Median Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,471	SA is 19% cheaper to rent.
Housing Index	94.2 (Below Avg.)	125.3 (Above Avg.)	SA is significantly more affordable.
Median Income	$62,322	$68,427	Laconia's higher income is offset by higher costs.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Play
Let’s say you earn the median income in each city: $62,322 in San Antonio and $68,427 in Laconia.

• In San Antonio: With 0% state income tax, your take-home pay is higher. That median home price of $264,900 is roughly 4.25 times the median income. This is considered "affordable" by most standards (a common benchmark is 3-5x income). Your mortgage or rent payment will consume a smaller portion of your monthly budget, leaving more cash for other things—like enjoying those fantastic San Antonio tacos.
• In Laconia: While your gross income is higher, New Hampshire's property taxes are among the highest in the nation. A home valued at $397,250 could easily face annual property taxes of $8,000-$10,000. That's an extra $650-$800 per month on top of your mortgage, a massive hidden cost. The home price is 5.8 times the median income, pushing it into "less affordable" territory. The higher rent also eats into your budget.

Verdict on Affordability: While Laconia has a higher median income, San Antonio offers dramatically better purchasing power. The combination of lower home prices, lower rent, and no state income tax means your dollar simply goes further. You'll feel less "house poor" in San Antonio. The "sticker shock" of Laconia's housing market is real.

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The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?

San Antonio is a balanced market, leaning slightly toward a buyer's market. Inventory is more reasonable than in cities like Austin or Denver. You have room to negotiate and shop around. Renting is a viable, relatively affordable option with a decent supply of apartments and single-family home rentals. The market is active but not frenzied.

Laconia presents a tougher landscape. It's a seller's market, especially for single-family homes. The limited supply of housing in a desirable lakeside town means competition is fierce, particularly for vacation properties and year-round homes. Bidding wars are common, and prices have been driven up by demand from remote workers and second-home buyers. Renting isn't much easier; the rental market is tight, with higher prices and fewer options.

Bottom Line: If you're looking to buy, San Antonio offers a much more accessible entry point with less competition. If you're set on Laconia, be prepared for a competitive, expensive hunt. Renting in San Antonio is the more budget-friendly path, while renting in Laconia is a more expensive, but perhaps more peaceful, proposition.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Under the Microscope

Traffic & Commute

• San Antonio: Like any major metro, traffic is a reality. The I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604 can be congested during rush hour. Commutes can easily be 30-60 minutes if you live in the suburbs. However, the city is designed for cars, and public transit (VIA) exists but isn't comprehensive.
• Laconia: Traffic is minimal. You might hit a slight slowdown during tourist season (summer and foliage), but it's a blip compared to city life. Commutes within town are a breeze. The flip side? You are car-dependent. For any significant shopping, specialized healthcare, or entertainment, you're looking at a drive to Manchester, Concord, or even Boston (an hour+ away).

Weather

• San Antonio: Hot and humid. Summers are long and brutal, with highs often in the 90s°F and a feels-like temperature that can be well over 100°F due to humidity. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. You get used to the heat, but it's a major factor for many.
• Laconia: Four distinct and sometimes intense seasons. It's a paradise for those who love seasonal change. Summers are warm and beautiful on the lakes. Fall is spectacularly colorful. Winters, however, are cold and snowy. You can expect significant snowfall (often 60+ inches annually) and temperatures regularly below freezing, with wind chill making it feel even colder. This is a major lifestyle adjustment and requires preparation (snow tires, winter gear, heating costs).

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast.

• San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national average (~380/100k). While many neighborhoods are safe, crime is a city-wide issue that requires vigilance and research into specific areas.
• Laconia: The violent crime rate is a remarkably low 146.4 per 100,000 residents. This is below the national average and reflects the small-town, low-population nature of the area. It's a place where people often leave their doors unlocked (though not always advisable).

Verdict on Safety: There's no contest. Laconia is statistically far safer. For families, retirees, or anyone prioritizing a low-crime environment, this is a massive point in Laconia's favor.

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The Verdict: Who Wins Where?

Winner for Families: San Antonio
While Laconia is incredibly safe, San Antonio's combination of affordability, diverse and highly-rated school districts (like Northside ISD and Alamo Heights ISD), endless family-friendly activities (parks, museums, zoo, Six Flags), and a larger community of families makes it the more practical choice for most. The cost of living allows for a better standard of living, and the schools offer more variety and resources.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio
The job market is larger and more diverse, the social scene is vibrant, the cost of living is manageable on a starting salary, and the cultural amenities are endless. You can build a life, network, and have fun without needing a car for every outing. Laconia offers a peaceful backdrop but can feel isolating for a young, career-building individual.

Winner for Retirees: Laconia
For retirees on a fixed income, the math is tricky. The lack of state income tax in Texas is a plus, but Laconia's low crime, serene environment, and access to nature (and no state tax on retirement income) are powerful draws. The higher cost of living and property taxes are a concern, but for those who have saved well and prioritize peace and safety over urban buzz, Laconia is the retiree's dream.

Final Pros & Cons

San Antonio, TX

• Pros: Affordable cost of living, 0% state income tax, vibrant culture & food scene, diverse economy, good schools, mild winters.
• Cons: High violent crime rate, hot/humid summers, sprawl & traffic, car-dependent.

Laconia, NH

• Pros: Extremely low crime, beautiful natural setting, four seasons, strong sense of community, no sales tax.
• Cons: High cost of living & property taxes, limited job market, harsh winters, car-dependent, limited amenities.

The Bottom Line: This isn't about which city is "better." It's about which city fits your priorities.

• Choose San Antonio if your priority is affordability, career opportunities, and urban amenities.
• Choose Laconia if your priority is safety, tranquility, and connection to nature.