Lebanon vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Lebanon	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$92,288	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$512,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$244	$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+	56.4%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	39

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

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have San Antonio, Texas—a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis steeped in history and culture. On the other, you have Lebanon, New Hampshire—a quintessential New England town nestled in the scenic Upper Valley. The choice isn't just about geography; it’s about two entirely different ways of life.

Choosing between these two is like picking between a sizzling fajita platter and a hearty bowl of New England clam chowder. Both are satisfying, but they hit the spot in completely different ways. As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers and lived the vibes to help you decide which fork in the road to take. Let’s dive in.

The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Small-Town Charm

San Antonio is a city that lives and breathes. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., a bustling hub where the echoes of the Alamo sit alongside the tech boom. The vibe here is warm, welcoming, and unapologetically Texan. Think vibrant paseos (riverwalk strolls), world-class BBQ, and a cultural tapestry woven with Mexican heritage and military grit. It’s a city for those who crave amenities—diverse food scenes, major league sports, endless shopping, and a calendar packed with festivals. You’re never bored in San Antonio, but you’re also rarely alone. It’s a place for extroverts, families who want space to grow, and professionals who thrive in a dynamic, growing economy.

Lebanon, on the other hand, is the definition of "slow living" done right. With a population just shy of 15,000, it’s a tight-knit community where you know your neighbors and the barista knows your order. The vibe is quiet, intellectual, and deeply connected to nature. It’s the gateway to the White Mountains and Lake Sunapee, offering four distinct seasons of breathtaking beauty. Life here revolves around the outdoors, local farmers' markets, and a strong sense of community. This is a haven for those who prioritize peace, safety, and a work-life balance that actually includes life. It’s perfect for retirees, remote workers, and families who want a slower pace and a closer connection to nature.

Who is each city for?

• San Antonio: Families seeking affordability and culture, young professionals looking for opportunity, and anyone who can't live without sunshine and city buzz.
• Lebanon: Remote workers seeking tranquility, outdoor enthusiasts, retirees valuing safety and four seasons, and those who prefer a village-like atmosphere.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. The key difference here is the Texas vs. New Hampshire tax dynamic. Texas has no state income tax, while New Hampshire has no tax on wages (though it does have a 5% tax on interest and dividends). For most working folks, this is a massive win for Texas.

Let’s break down the daily costs.

Expense Category	San Antonio, TX	Lebanon, NH	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$512,000	Lebanon's home prices are nearly double San Antonio's. A massive dealbreaker for buyers.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,471	San Antonio offers a 19% discount on rent, making it far easier to save or live comfortably.
Utilities	~$150/month	~$200/month	New Hampshire's brutal winters significantly hike heating bills.
Groceries	7% below national avg.	4% above national avg.	San Antonio's logistics hub status keeps food costs lower.
Median Income	$62,322	$92,288	At first glance, Lebanon wins. But wait...

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Imagine you earn $100,000 a year. In Lebanon, you’d take home about $78,000 after federal taxes (and no state wage tax). In San Antonio, you’d take home roughly $78,500 after federal taxes (and no state income tax). The take-home pay is nearly identical.

Now, let’s see where that money gets you:

• In San Antonio: Your $100k salary feels like a king’s ransom. You can comfortably afford a $264,900 home (a 20% down payment is ~$53k, leaving you with a manageable mortgage). Rent is a breeze, and your discretionary income for dining out and entertainment is high.
• In Lebanon: Your $100k salary feels... tight. To buy the median home ($512,000), you’d need a $102,400 down payment, and your monthly mortgage (with taxes and insurance) could easily top $2,500. That’s a huge chunk of your paycheck. Rent is also $274 more per month than in San Antonio.

Verdict: While Lebanon boasts a higher median income, the cost of living—especially housing—eats up that advantage. San Antonio offers vastly superior bang for your buck. For the same salary, your quality of life in terms of housing and disposable income is significantly higher in Texas.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio:

• Buyer’s Market? It’s leaning that way. With a Housing Index of 94.2 (below 100 indicates a buyer's market), inventory is increasing. You have more negotiating power, and prices are stabilizing. This is a golden opportunity for first-time homebuyers.
• Renting: A smart, flexible option. The rental market is robust, with plenty of new developments. It’s a great way to explore neighborhoods before committing.

Lebanon:

• Buyer’s Market? Absolutely not. A Housing Index of 125.3 screams a seller’s market. Demand far outpaces supply, especially for single-family homes. Bidding wars are common, and you need to be prepared to move fast—and pay over asking.
• Renting: Also a tight market. With high home prices, many are forced to rent, driving up demand and prices. Finding a place can be competitive.

The Bottom Line: If you have a down payment and want to build equity, San Antonio is your playing field. If you need to rent, San Antonio is also more accessible. Lebanon’s housing market is a significant hurdle for anyone not coming in with substantial capital or equity from a previous sale.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• San Antonio: Traffic is real. As a major city, rush hour on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604 can be a grind. The average commute is 25 minutes. Public transit (VIA) exists but isn't as comprehensive as in other major metros. You’ll likely need a car.
• Lebanon: Traffic is virtually nonexistent. You can get across town in 5-10 minutes. The commute is a breeze, and many residents work remotely or locally. A car is still needed for errands, but the driving stress is minimal.

Weather

• San Antonio: Hot. And sunny. Summers regularly hit 100°F+ with high humidity, making outdoor activity a morning or evening affair. Winters are mild (average lows in the 40s), and spring/fall are glorious. You trade snow for relentless summer heat.
• Lebanon: Four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (average temp 48°F is annual; winter lows are in the teens). Summers are warm and beautiful. If you love snow sports and fall foliage, this is paradise. If you hate shoveling and icy roads, it’s a nightmare.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast.

• San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100k people. This is significantly higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, you must be diligent about researching areas. Safety varies block by block.
• Lebanon: The violent crime rate is 146.4 per 100k people. This is exceptionally low, well below the national average. It’s one of the safest communities in the region. You can leave your doors unlocked (though it’s not recommended) and feel safe walking at night.

Verdict: For safety and low-stress commutes, Lebanon wins in a landslide. For weather tolerance, it’s a personal choice: dry heat vs. snowy winters.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle, here’s how it breaks down.

🏆 Winner for Families: San Antonio
Why? The math is undeniable. A median family income can afford a median home in San Antonio. You get excellent schools (in many districts), endless family-friendly activities (zoos, theme parks, museums), and a warm climate for year-round play. The trade-off is higher crime and traffic, but the financial freedom and space make it the smarter choice for most families.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: San Antonio
Why? Unless you’re a remote worker who craves absolute solitude, San Antonio offers the job market, social scene, and affordability that young professionals need to build a career and a life. The zero income tax is a huge boost for saving and investing. Lebanon can be isolating for a single person not already embedded in the community.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Lebanon
Why? For retirees with a solid nest egg (likely from selling a home in a high-cost area), Lebanon offers the trifecta: safety, peace, and community. The low crime rate is priceless. The seasons are beautiful. While the cost of living is high, many retirees are financially prepared for it and value the quality of life over saving a few dollars. (Note: If budget is the top concern, San Antonio’s lower costs and warm winters are also a strong retiree contender.)

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The Final Scorecard: Pros & Cons

San Antonio, TX

PROS:

• ✅ Massive Affordability: Low home prices and no state income tax.
• ✅ Cultural Vibrancy: World-class food, history, and festivals.
• ✅ Job Growth: A booming economy in tech, healthcare, and military.
• ✅ Warm Weather: Mild winters and over 300 days of sunshine.
• ✅ Ample Space: More house and land for your money.

CONS:

• ❌ High Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood research.
• ❌ Summer Heat: Intense and humid; can be oppressive for months.
• ❌ Traffic: Congested highways during peak times.
• ❌ Large City Feel: Can feel impersonal and sprawling.

Lebanon, NH

PROS:

• ✅ Exceptional Safety: One of the safest communities in the U.S.
• ✅ Low Traffic & Stress: Easy commutes and a peaceful pace of life.
• ✅ Natural Beauty: Gateway to mountains, lakes, and forests.
• ✅ Four Seasons: Enjoy distinct seasons, especially fall foliage.
• ✅ Strong Community: Tight-knit, friendly, and engaged.

CONS:

• ❌ Extremely High Housing Costs: Median home price is double San Antonio's.
• ❌ Brutal Winters: Long, cold, and snowy; requires seasonal prep.
• ❌ Limited Urban Amenities: Fewer dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
• ❌ Can Feel Isolating: Especially for singles or those used to city life.
• ❌ High Property Taxes: A significant annual cost for homeowners.

The Bottom Line: Choose San Antonio if your priority is financial flexibility, career opportunity, and a vibrant, sunny lifestyle. Choose Lebanon if your priority is safety, peace, nature, and you have the financial cushion to afford it.

The right choice isn't about which city is "better"—it's about which city is better for you. Now, go get some coffee and think it over. You’ve got the data.