Quincy vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Quincy	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$92,085	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$687,500	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$416	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,377	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	148.2	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.83	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	52.6%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	39

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

Choosing where to plant your roots is a massive decision. It’s not just about a house; it’s about a lifestyle, a community, and where your paycheck actually gets you. In one corner, we have the sun-drenched, historic sprawl of San Antonio, Texas. In the other, the crisp, coastal charm of Quincy, Massachusetts (just outside Boston).

This isn't just a data dump. It's a real talk guide to help you figure out which city is your perfect match. Let's get into it.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Historic Charm

San Antonio is a powerhouse. With a population of 1.5 million, it’s a massive, diverse city that feels like a collection of distinct neighborhoods. It’s the home of the Alamo, the River Walk, and a thriving culinary scene that blends Tex-Mex with every global cuisine you can imagine. The vibe is laid-back, family-oriented, and unapologetically Texan. Think: warm nights on a patio, massive military presence (joint base San Antonio), and a city that’s growing at a breakneck pace. It’s for the person who wants big-city amenities, diverse job opportunities, and doesn’t mind a little humidity.

Quincy is a different beast entirely. With a population of just over 101,000, it’s a classic New England city with deep historical roots (it’s the birthplace of two U.S. presidents). The vibe is more compact, walkable, and deeply connected to the Boston metro area. It’s for the commuter who craves the energy of a major metropolis (Boston) but wants to live in a quieter, more manageable community with a strong local identity. It’s for the person who appreciates seasons, history, and a tight-knit feel, even if it comes with a higher price tag.

Who is each city for?

• San Antonio is for families seeking space and affordability, young professionals in tech or military fields, and anyone who wants a sun-soaked, culturally rich lifestyle without the crippling costs of Austin or Dallas.
• Quincy is for young professionals and families who work in Boston and want a strategic home base, history buffs, and those who prioritize safety and access to world-class education and culture over square footage.

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

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. We’ll assume a hypothetical household income of $100,000 to see the real-world impact.

The Big Picture:
Texas’ state income tax is 0%. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax of 5%. For a $100,000 earner, that’s an immediate $5,000 difference in your annual take-home pay before we even get to cost of living. This is a massive starting advantage for San Antonio.

Cost of Living Breakdown:

Category	San Antonio	Quincy	Winner
Median Home Price	$264,900	$687,500	San Antonio
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$2,377	San Antonio
Housing Index (Nat'l Avg = 100)	94.2 (Below Avg)	148.2 (Above Avg)	San Antonio
Utilities	$150-$250 (High AC costs in summer)	$200-$350 (High heat costs in winter)	It's a Tie
Groceries	5-10% below national average	15-20% above national average	San Antonio
Transportation	Car is a MUST. Gas/Insurance: ~$300/month	Car optional. MBTA Commuter Rail: ~$400/month (to Boston)	Depends on Commute

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
In San Antonio, earning $100,000 feels substantial. Your housing costs are low, and the lack of state income tax means your money goes further. You could comfortably afford a $2,000/month mortgage on a nice 3-4 bedroom home in a good suburb. You’re living large—owning a home, saving, and enjoying the city’s amenities with financial breathing room.

In Quincy, earning $100,000 puts you in a very different bracket. After state and federal taxes, your take-home is closer to $75,000. A $2,377/month rent for a 1-bedroom eats up a huge chunk of that. Buying a median $687,500 home would require a $135,000+ down payment and a mortgage payment that would be a severe stretch on $100k. Your purchasing power is dramatically lower. You’re likely renting longer, living in a smaller space, and feeling the financial pinch.

Insight: San Antonio offers bang for your buck. Quincy offers prestige and proximity at a steep cost. If pure financial comfort is a priority, San Antonio wins this round decisively.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?

San Antonio:
The market is competitive but accessible. With a median home price under $270k, homeownership is a realistic goal for many. The market is hot, driven by population growth and military relocation, but there’s a steady supply of homes at various price points. You can find a move-in ready 3-bedroom house for under $350k in many suburbs. It’s a seller’s market, but one where buyers still have options.

Quincy:
The market is brutal and out of reach for many. A median home price of $687,500 puts it in a different league. This is driven by its proximity to Boston, where salaries are higher but competition is fiercer. Expect bidding wars, cash offers, and a scarcity of inventory. For the average earner, buying is a distant dream. Renting is the primary mode of living, and even that is expensive. It’s a hyper-competitive seller’s market with limited inventory.

Verdict: For aspiring homeowners, San Antonio is the clear winner. Quincy’s market is for high-earning dual-income families or those with significant capital.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• San Antonio: As a car-centric city, traffic is a given. The I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604 are notoriously congested during rush hour. Commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes for a 20-mile distance. Public transit (VIA) exists but is limited.
• Quincy: The commute is a defining feature. Driving into Boston can be a nightmare, but the MBTA Commuter Rail is a game-changer. From Quincy Center, you can be in South Station in 20-30 minutes. It’s a far more predictable and less stressful commute for downtown workers, though you pay a premium for that convenience.

Winner for Commuters: Quincy, if you work in Boston. San Antonio, if you work locally and prefer driving.

Weather

• San Antonio: Hot and humid. Summers regularly hit 95°F+ with brutal humidity. Winters are mild (rarely freezing), but you get rain and occasional cold snaps. It’s a sun-lover’s paradise but can be oppressive for those who hate the heat.
• Quincy: Classic New England. Four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (expect 40-50°F averages in winter, with plenty of snowfall). Summers are pleasant and warm. If you crave fall foliage and snowy holidays, Quincy delivers. If you want to wear shorts in December, San Antonio is your spot.

Winner for Weather: It’s a total lifestyle choice. There’s no objective winner.

Crime & Safety

This is where the data speaks loudly.

• San Antonio: Violent Crime Rate: 798.0 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average. Like any major city, crime varies drastically by neighborhood. Some areas are very safe; others require caution. The high number is a serious consideration for families and individuals.
• Quincy: Violent Crime Rate: 234.0 per 100,000. This is well below the national average and one of the lowest in the Greater Boston area. Safety is a major draw for Quincy, contributing to its family-friendly reputation.

Safety Winner: Quincy, by a landslide. The statistical difference is stark and should be a primary factor in your decision.

The Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After weighing the data, the culture, and the costs, here’s our final breakdown.

Winner for Families: San Antonio

Why: The affordability is a game-changer. You can own a spacious home, have a yard, and access a variety of school districts (with research). The low cost of living reduces financial stress, which is huge for raising kids. The major drawback is the higher crime rate, which requires diligent neighborhood selection.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: It Depends on Your Field

• If you’re in Tech, Military, or Healthcare: San Antonio offers growing opportunities, a lower cost of living, and a vibrant social scene without the price tag of a coastal city.
• If you’re in Finance, Biotech, or Academia: Quincy gives you direct access to the powerhouse Boston job market. The higher salary potential there can offset the higher cost of living, but you’ll need roommates or a high income to get ahead financially.

Winner for Retirees: San Antonio

Why: The math is undeniable. On a fixed income, your nest egg goes much, much further in San Antonio. No state income tax, lower property taxes, and a warm climate are a retiree’s trifecta. Quincy’s harsh winters and high costs can be a significant burden.

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Final Pros & Cons

San Antonio, TX

PROS:

• Extremely affordable housing and cost of living.
• 0% state income tax boosts your purchasing power.
• Diverse, growing economy with strong job markets.
• Rich culture, food, and history.
• Warm weather year-round.
• Family-friendly with lots of space.

CONS:

• High violent crime rate (requires careful neighborhood research).
• Brutal summer heat and humidity.
• Car-dependent with significant traffic.
• Limited public transportation.

Quincy, MA

PROS:

• Very low violent crime rate and high safety.
• Exceptional access to Boston’s job market and culture via commuter rail.
• Walkable, historic New England charm.
• Excellent public schools and higher education nearby.
• Four distinct, beautiful seasons.

CONS:

• Extremely high cost of living (especially housing).
• High state income tax (5%).
• Winters are cold, snowy, and long.
• Homeownership is a steep challenge for most.
• Competitive and expensive rental market.

The Bottom Line: Choose San Antonio if your priority is financial comfort, homeownership, and a warm, spacious lifestyle. Choose Quincy if your priority is safety, access to Boston’s opportunities, and you’re willing to pay a premium for it.