Quincy vs New York

Category / Metric	Quincy	New York
Financial Overview
Median Income	$92,085	$76,577
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	5.3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$687,500	$875,000
Price per SqFt	$416	$604
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,377	$2,451
Housing Cost Index	148.2	149.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	109.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.83	$2.89
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	364.2
Bachelor's Degree+	52.6%	42.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	31

New York vs. Quincy: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You're standing at a crossroads. On one side, the glittering, relentless beast of New York City—the city that never sleeps, the cultural capital of the world, the place where dreams are made and bank accounts are thoroughly tested. On the other, the quiet, coastal charm of Quincy, Massachusetts—a historic town with a deep pedigree, nestled in the shadow of Boston, offering a blend of suburban comfort and city access.

It’s not just a choice between a city and a town; it’s a choice between two entirely different ways of life. Do you crave the electric buzz of a global metropolis, or the settled, family-friendly rhythm of a New England community? Let’s break it down, dollar by dollar, street by street, to help you make one of the biggest decisions of your life.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Historic Coastal Town

New York City is a character in its own right. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way—a place where you can grab a world-class bagel at 3 AM, catch a Broadway show after work, and feel the collective energy of millions of hustlers pushing forward. The culture is diverse, in-your-face, and constantly evolving. It’s for the ambitious, the social butterflies, the artists, and anyone who thrives on possibilities. The trade-off? It’s expensive, crowded, and the sheer pace can be exhausting.

Quincy is the opposite. Known as the "Birthplace of Two Presidents" (John Adams and John Quincy Adams), it wears its history with quiet pride. It’s a coastal town with beaches, parks, and a strong sense of community. Life here is more measured. You’re close enough to Boston for big-city amenities (sports, museums, dining) without the non-stop chaos. Quincy is for families, professionals who want a calmer home base, and retirees who appreciate history and accessibility. It’s not sleepy, but it won’t keep you up all night unless you want it to.

Who’s it for?

• New York: The go-getter, the culture vulture, the single professional who wants the world at their doorstep.
• Quincy: The family-oriented, the history buff, the commuter who values space and a quieter home life.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the "sticker shock" really hits. Both locations are expensive, but they hit your wallet in different ways. Let's look at the raw data.

Expense Category	New York City, NY	Quincy, MA	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$875,000	$687,500	Quincy is ~21% cheaper to buy a home. A major win for Quincy.
Rent (1-BR)	$2,451	$2,377	Surprisingly close. Quincy isn't a cheap rental alternative; it's nearly as pricey.
Housing Index	149.3	148.2	Both are ~49% above the national average. This is a high-cost region.
Median Income	$76,577	$92,085	Quincy's median income is a whopping 20% higher. This changes the math entirely.
Violent Crime (per 100k)	364.2	234.0	Quincy is statistically safer, with 36% fewer violent crimes per capita.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Here’s the critical insight: A $100,000 salary goes much further in Quincy than in New York.

In New York, with a median income of $76,577, the $875,000 median home price is a staggering 11.4x the median income. This is a classic sign of a hyper-competitive, supply-constrained market. Your purchasing power is diluted by the sheer cost of entry.

In Quincy, the median income is $92,085, and the median home price is $687,500. That’s about 7.5x the median income. While still high (a healthy ratio is closer to 3-5x), it’s significantly more manageable. You’re earning more and housing costs are lower. That’s a powerful combination for building wealth.

Tax Talk: New York has a steep state income tax (top rate of 10.9%). Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax. For a six-figure earner, that’s a difference of thousands of dollars annually, further tipping the scales toward Quincy.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition

New York City is a seller’s market on steroids. The vacancy rate for rentals is often below 1.5%, meaning competition is fierce. Buying is even harder. You’re not just bidding against other humans; you’re up against investors, corporations, and an endless stream of high-net-worth individuals. The process is fast, aggressive, and emotionally draining. You pay a premium for space, and you often get very little of it.

Quincy is also a seller’s market, but with a different flavor. The competition is real, especially for single-family homes in good school districts. However, the pool of buyers is more localized (Boston commuters, families). You get more square footage for your money. The housing stock is a mix of historic New England colonials, mid-century ranches, and newer condos. Renting is an option, but with prices nearly matching NYC, buying becomes a more attractive long-term strategy if you plan to stay for 5+ years.

The Verdict: If you want to own a home, Quincy gives you a fighting chance. In NYC, home ownership is often a dream reserved for the wealthy or the exceptionally frugal (and lucky).

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

New York: The commute is legendary—and not in a good way. The subway is efficient but crowded, hot, and prone to delays. A 30-minute commute can easily become an hour. Driving is a nightmare with traffic, tolls, and exorbitant parking costs. Car ownership is more of a liability than an asset.

Quincy: You have options. The MBTA Red Line subway connects you directly to Boston in about 20-30 minutes. Driving is more feasible, though rush hour traffic on I-93 can be brutal. The biggest advantage? Proximity to nature. You’re minutes from beaches, parks, and hiking trails, a stark contrast to NYC’s concrete jungle.

Weather

Both cities experience four distinct seasons, but with a twist.

• New York has humid summers (often hitting 90°F+) with occasional heatwaves, cold and snowy winters, and beautiful springs and falls. The humidity can be a shock for some.
• Quincy is a coastal New England town. Winters are cold and snowy (often more than NYC), with nor'easters bringing heavy snow and wind. Summers are warm but generally less humid than NYC, thanks to the ocean breeze. The coastal location moderates temperatures slightly but brings the risk of hurricanes and nor'easters.

Crime & Safety

The data is clear: Quincy is safer. With a violent crime rate of 234.0/100k vs. NYC's 364.2/100k, you are statistically less likely to be a victim of violent crime in Quincy. While NYC's overall crime rate is often lower than many other major U.S. cities, the sheer volume of people and incidents can make it feel less safe. Quincy's smaller population and community-oriented feel contribute to a greater sense of security, especially for families.

The Final Verdict

After crunching the numbers and living the hypotheticals, here’s how the cities stack up for different lifestyles.

Winner for Families: Quincy

It’s not even close. The combination of higher median income ($92k), lower median home price ($687k), safer communities (234 violent crimes/100k), and access to good schools and outdoor spaces makes Quincy the clear choice. You get a yard, a car, and a community feel that’s nearly impossible to find in NYC without a fortune.

Winner for Singles & Young Pros: New York

If you’re in your 20s or early 30s, prioritizing career networking, social life, and cultural access, New York is the unparalleled playground. The energy, the opportunities, and the sheer number of people your age create a unique ecosystem for growth. The higher cost is the price of admission to the world’s most dynamic city.

Winner for Retirees: Quincy

For retirees, stability, safety, and cost matter most. Quincy offers a lower cost of living, a safer environment, and a calmer pace of life. You’re close to top-tier healthcare in Boston, but without the NYC chaos. The historic charm and coastal access provide a quality of life that’s hard to beat in retirement.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

New York City

Pros:

• Unmatched Cultural Access: Broadway, museums, global cuisine, world-class events.
• Career Opportunities: Unparalleled in industries like finance, media, tech, and arts.
• Walkability & Public Transit: You don’t need a car.
• Constant Energy: The city buzzes with a palpable, motivating force.

Cons:

• Extreme Cost of Living: From rent to groceries, everything is premium.
• Space is a Luxury: You pay a lot for very little square footage.
• Commuting Hell: Subways are crowded, driving is expensive and slow.
• High Stress & Competition: The "hustle" culture can be draining.

Quincy

Pros:

• Better Purchasing Power: Higher income relative to housing costs.
• Safer & More Family-Friendly: Lower crime rates, strong community.
• Access to Nature: Beaches, parks, and trails are minutes away.
• Proximity to Boston: Big-city amenities without the NYC price tag or intensity.

Cons:

• Smaller Scale: Fewer cultural events, restaurants, and nightlife options.
• Winters are Harsh: Nor'easters and heavy snow are a reality.
• Less Diverse: While diverse, it can't match NYC's global scale.
• Car Dependency: More so than NYC, though public transit exists.

The Bottom Line:
Choose New York if you’re chasing a dream that requires the city’s unique energy, and you’re willing to pay the premium for a front-row seat to the world.
Choose Quincy if you’re building a life—raising a family, planting roots, and prioritizing financial stability and safety over constant stimulation.

It’s not about which city is "better," but which one is the better fit for you.