📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Pawtucket and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Pawtucket vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Pawtucket | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $63,499 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $407,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $237 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,362 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 98.9 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 97.0 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 159.5 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.2% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 30 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Antonio vs. Pawtucket: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing between cities is like picking a new best friend. It’s about matching vibes, budgets, and life stages. On one side, you’ve got the sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis of San Antonio, Texas. On the other, the historic, compact mill town of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. This isn't just a comparison of data; it's a clash of cultures, climates, and costs.
Let’s cut through the noise and figure out which one deserves your next chapter.
The Vibe Check
San Antonio is the quintessential Texas city—big, bold, and unapologetic. It’s a cultural melting pot where the Alamo meets modern art, and the River Walk buzzes with tourists and locals alike. The vibe is laid-back but energetic, fueled by a massive military presence, a booming tech scene, and a legendary food culture (hello, breakfast tacos). It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, from the historic Pearl District to the family-friendly suburbs. This is a city for extroverts, foodies, and anyone who wants big-city amenities without the brutal price tag of Austin or Dallas.
Pawtucket is the underdog. Nestled on the Blackstone River, it’s a post-industrial city with a gritty, creative soul. Think historic mill buildings turned into lofts and breweries, a tight-knit community, and the quiet dignity of New England. It’s a city for introverts, artists, and those who crave authenticity over gloss. You’re not here for the nightlife; you’re here for the history, the access to nature in nearby Lincoln Woods, and the easy commute to Providence or Boston. It’s small-town living with a city’s edge.
Who is each city for?
- San Antonio: Families seeking space and sun, young professionals wanting a low cost of living, and retirees who hate the cold.
- Pawtucket: Young creatives, remote workers, and small families who value community, history, and proximity to the Northeast corridor.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Farther?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. We’ll assume a $100,000 salary for a fair comparison.
The Tax Factor is HUGE. Your paycheck in San Antonio goes much further because Texas has no state income tax. Rhode Island has a progressive state income tax bracket that tops out at 5.99%. On a $100,000 salary, that’s roughly $5,990 more in your pocket each year in Texas. That’s a game-changer.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | San Antonio, TX | Pawtucket, RI | Winner (For Your Wallet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $407,000 | San Antonio |
| Rent (1BR Apt) | $1,197 | $1,362 | San Antonio |
| Housing Index (US Avg = 100) | 94.2 | 98.9 | San Antonio |
| Median Income | $62,322 | $63,499 | Pawtucket (by a hair) |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 5.99% (top bracket) | San Antonio (by a landslide) |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s do the math. If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, you take home roughly $80,000 (after federal taxes and FICA). In Pawtucket, you’d take home about $74,000 after state and federal taxes. That’s a $6,000 annual difference.
Now, let’s apply that to housing.
- In San Antonio, the median home price is $264,900. With a 20% down payment ($52,980), your monthly mortgage (at 6.5%) would be around $1,320.
- In Pawtucket, the median home price is $407,000. With a 20% down payment ($81,400), your monthly mortgage would be around $2,035.
The Verdict: Not only is San Antonio's housing $142,100 cheaper to buy, but you also have an extra $6,000 per year in your pocket from tax savings. In San Antonio, your $100k salary feels like $115k. In Pawtucket, it feels like $94k. That’s a massive win for Texas.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Antonio: The market is a buyer's market with decent inventory. You can find a 3-bedroom home for under $300k. The challenge isn't finding a house; it's finding one in a desirable school district that won't require a 45-minute commute. Renting is easy and affordable, making it a great entry point for newcomers.
Pawtucket: The market is a seller's market. Inventory is tight, and prices are inflated by its proximity to Providence and Boston. The $407,000 median price tag gets you a fixer-upper or a small bungalow, not a spacious family home. Renting is competitive, and you’ll pay a premium for a modern unit in a mill building. If you’re not ready to commit to a long-term purchase, Pawtucket can be financially frustrating.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Antonio: Car-dependent. The city is spread out, and public transit (VIA) is limited. Average commute is 25-30 minutes. Traffic is manageable compared to Houston or Austin, but rush hour on I-10 or Loop 1604 can test your patience.
- Pawtucket: Walkable & connected. You can walk/bike in the core, and the city is a commuter’s dream. It’s 10 minutes to downtown Providence, 45 minutes to Boston (by train/car). You have real, viable public transit options (MBTA Commuter Rail). Winner: Pawtucket.
Weather: The Ultimate Divide
- San Antonio: Hot, hot, hot. Summers are brutal, with highs regularly hitting 95-100°F for months. Winters are mild (rarely freezing). Humidity is a factor. You need to love the sun and have a high tolerance for heat.
- Pawtucket: Four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (average 52°F is misleading; that’s an annual average). You’ll deal with nor'easters, shoveling, and gray skies from December to March. Summers are gorgeous and mild. Winner: Pawtucket for variety, San Antonio for winter sun lovers.
Crime & Safety
This is where the data tells a stark story. We compare violent crime per 100,000 people.
- San Antonio: 798.0/100k. This is significantly above the national average. Crime is not uniform—it’s highly concentrated in specific neighborhoods. You must do your homework. Southtown and Alamo Heights are safe; other areas are not.
- Pawtucket: 159.5/100k. This is near the national average and vastly safer than San Antonio. It’s a small city where community ties are strong. Winner: Pawtucket, by a landslide.
The Verdict: Which City Wins for YOU?
After breaking down the data and the vibes, here’s the final call.
Winner for Families: San Antonio
Why: The math is undeniable. For the price of a small home in Pawtucket, you can own a spacious house with a yard in a good school district in San Antonio. The tax savings provide a financial buffer for activities, sports, and college funds. The weather allows for year-round outdoor play. The trade-off is higher crime, which requires careful neighborhood selection, but the financial freedom and space are transformative for a growing family.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Pawtucket
Why: If you’re starting your career and value access, community, and culture, Pawtucket is the smarter play. The commute to Boston/Providence opens up a world of job opportunities. The creative, historic vibe is inspiring for artists and entrepreneurs. You trade space and sunshine for walkability, safety, and being at the heart of the Northeast corridor. It’s a launchpad.
Winner for Retirees: San Antonio
Why: The combination of no state income tax (stretching retirement savings), mild winters (no snow to shovel), and affordable healthcare (major medical systems like Methodist and Baptist) is a powerful trifecta. The cost of living, especially for homeowners, allows a $100,000 retirement income to go much further. The main caveat is the summer heat, but with air conditioning and a pool, it’s manageable.
Final Pros & Cons
San Antonio, TX
Pros:
- Massive cost-of-living advantage (lower home prices, no state income tax).
- No state income tax boosts purchasing power.
- Warm weather year-round, ideal for retirees and sun-seekers.
- Vibrant culture with world-class food, festivals, and history.
- Growing job market in tech, healthcare, and military.
Cons:
- High violent crime rate—neighborhood research is critical.
- Extreme summer heat can be oppressive for months.
- Car-dependent with limited public transit.
- Sprawling geography can lead to long commutes if you work downtown.
Pawtucket, RI
Pros:
- Significantly safer with crime rates near the national average.
- 4-season climate with beautiful summers and autumns.
- Excellent access to Providence, Boston, and the wider Northeast.
- Walkable, historic core with a creative, community feel.
- Great for commuters with viable public transit.
Cons:
- High cost of living for housing relative to the region.
- Cold, snowy winters and a long gray season.
- State income tax reduces your take-home pay.
- Limited space & inventory—you get less house for your money.
- Smaller city—fewer big-city amenities and job opportunities.
The Bottom Line: Your choice boils down to a simple trade-off: San Antonio offers more house and more cash in your pocket, but demands you navigate higher crime and brutal heat. Pawtucket offers safety, community, and Northeast access, but at a steep financial premium. Choose the trade-off you can live with.