Westerly CDP vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Westerly CDP	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$82,333	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.3%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$400,200	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$null	$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+	38%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	39

Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're trying to decide between San Antonio, Texas and Westerly CDP, Rhode Island. This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two completely different worlds. One is a sprawling, historic metropolis with a population over 1.4 million. The other is a tiny coastal census-designated place (think "town") with just 18,528 people.

You didn't ask for a dry data dump. You asked for a head-to-head showdown. I'm here to be your unbiased guide, armed with the numbers and a healthy dose of real-talk. We're going to break this down by what actually matters: your wallet, your lifestyle, and your peace of mind.

Let's get into it.

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The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Coastal Charm

First, let's paint the picture.

San Antonio is the quintessential Texas city. It’s a massive, vibrant cultural hub where history (the Alamo, the River Walk) collides with modern growth. Think a booming culinary scene, a thriving tech sector, and a legendary Fiesta festival that shuts down the city for days. The vibe is energetic, diverse, and unapologetically big. It's a "keep Austin weird" neighbor but with its own distinct, military-influenced, family-friendly flavor. You can find anything you want here—world-class museums, pro sports, endless suburbs, and a cost of living that, for a major city, is surprisingly manageable.

Westerly CDP, on the other hand, is your classic New England coastal town. It's the kind of place that feels like it's straight off a postcard. We're talking rocky beaches, historic colonial architecture, and a sleepy, seasonal rhythm. The primary draw is the ocean—Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic are your backyard. Life moves at a slower pace. It's quiet, scenic, and incredibly tight-knit. This isn't a city; it's a community where you know your neighbors and the biggest event of the week might be the farmers' market. It's for those who prioritize nature, tranquility, and a strong sense of place over the hustle of urban life.

Who is this for?

• San Antonio is for the family looking for space, amenities, and a dynamic environment without the jaw-dropping price tag of Austin or Dallas. It's for the young professional who wants a city job but also a backyard. It's for the retiree who wants mild winters and a vibrant cultural calendar.
• Westerly CDP is for the remote worker who has traded a cubicle for a home office with an ocean view. It's for the retiree who wants peaceful walks on the beach and a tight community. It's for the vacationer who wants to own a slice of coastal New England, even if it means dealing with seasonal crowds and harsh winters.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power.

Table 1: Cost of Living Snapshot

Category	San Antonio, TX	Westerly CDP, RI	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$400,200	San Antonio is 34% cheaper to buy a home.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,362	Rent is about 14% higher in Westerly.
Housing Index	94.2 (4.2% below U.S. avg)	98.9 (1.1% below U.S. avg)	Both are below average, but San Antonio offers more bang for your buck.
Median Income	$62,322	$82,333	Westerly's median income is 32% higher.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Puzzle

At first glance, Westerly looks more affluent. Its median income is $82,333 vs. San Antonio's $62,322. But here’s the kicker: that higher income is being spent on a significantly more expensive housing market.

Let's run the numbers. If you earn $100,000 in both places, your housing cost is the biggest variable.

• In San Antonio: A median home costs $264,900. With a 20% down payment, your monthly mortgage (at ~7%) would be roughly $1,400. That's about 17% of your gross monthly income. You have plenty of room for savings, travel, and fun.
• In Westerly CDP: A median home costs $400,200. That same down payment leads to a monthly mortgage of about $2,130. That's now 26% of your gross monthly income. It's a much heavier burden.

Taxes: The Texas Advantage
This is a massive, often overlooked factor. Texas has 0% state income tax. Rhode Island has a graduated income tax ranging from 3.75% to 5.99%.

On a $100,000 salary:

• Texas (San Antonio): You keep the full $100k (minus federal taxes).
• Rhode Island (Westerly): You'd pay roughly $4,500 in state income tax. That's real money gone.

The Verdict on Your Wallet:

WINNER: SAN ANTONIO

Even with a lower median income, the combination of significantly cheaper housing and zero state income tax gives you far more purchasing power in San Antonio. Your dollar stretches further. Westerly’s higher salaries are largely eaten up by its pricier real estate and state taxes. For most people, San Antonio is the financially smarter choice.

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The Housing Market: To Buy or Rent?

San Antonio:

• Buyer's Market: With a median home price under $265k, homeownership is in reach for many. The market is competitive but not frenzied. You get more space for your money—think sprawling single-family homes with yards in the suburbs.
• Renting: A healthy rental market with plenty of options. $1,197 for a 1BR is reasonable for a major metro. It's a great entry point if you're not ready to commit to a purchase.

Westerly CDP:

• Seller's Market: The $400k median price is just the tip of the iceberg. Weren't CDP is a desirable coastal location with limited inventory. Expect competition, especially for homes near the water. You're paying a premium for location.
• Renting: Similar to buying, renting is more expensive. The $1,362 for a 1BR reflects high demand, especially during the summer tourist season. Long-term rentals can be scarce.

The Verdict on Housing:

WINNER: SAN ANTONIO

For the sheer volume of options and affordability, San Antonio wins. Whether you want to buy a starter home or rent an apartment, the barrier to entry is lower. Westerly's market is niche, competitive, and priced for a premium coastal lifestyle.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• San Antonio: As a car-dependent city of 1.5 million, traffic is a reality. I-35, I-10, and Loop 1604 can be brutal during rush hour. Average commutes are 25-35 minutes. Public transit (VIA) exists but is limited.
• Westerly CDP: Traffic is virtually non-existent. You can get across town in minutes. The catch? You're 30+ minutes from a major city (Stonington, CT) and over an hour from Providence. Everything is a drive, but the drive is scenic and congestion-free.

Weather:

• San Antonio: Hot. Very hot. Summers regularly hit 95-100°F+ with high humidity. Winters are mild (average highs in the 60s). You'll use your A/C a lot. The weather allows for year-round outdoor activities.
• Westerly CDP: Four distinct seasons. Summers are glorious (avg high 80°F). Winters are cold and snowy (avg high 38°F in Jan, with 46°F being an annual average). You'll deal with nor'easters, ice, and seasonal affective disorder. But the fall foliage and crisp autumns are unbeatable.

Crime & Safety:

• San Antonio: This is a tough one for the city. The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average (~380/100k). Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. The suburbs are generally very safe, while some inner-city areas have challenges.
• Westerly CDP: A vastly different picture. The violent crime rate is 159.5 per 100k, which is lower than the national average. This is a safe, community-oriented town where violent crime is rare. Property crime (theft) can occur, as in any tourist area, but personal safety is not a major concern.

The Verdict on Dealbreakers:

WINNER: WESTERLY CDP (for Safety & Peace), SAN ANTONIO (for Weather)

This category splits. If safety and low-stress traffic are your top priorities, Westerly is the clear winner. If you hate winter and cold, San Antonio's climate is a huge advantage. You have to pick your poison: brutal summers or harsh winters.

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The Final Verdict

Choosing between these two is about choosing your life's setting.

Category	Winner	Why
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power	San Antonio	Lower housing costs + 0% state income tax = more money in your pocket.
Housing Market (Options & Affordability)	San Antonio	Vastly more inventory at a much lower median price point.
Safety & Low-Traffic Living	Westerly CDP	Significantly lower violent crime rate and no traffic congestion.
Weather (Year-Round Activity)	San Antonio	Mild winters allow for consistent outdoor life, despite hot summers.
Unique Lifestyle (Coastal/Small-Town)	Westerly CDP	Unbeatable access to ocean, beaches, and classic New England charm.

Winner for Families: San Antonio

For the average family, San Antonio offers the total package: affordable homeownership, abundant parks and schools (with some top-rated districts in the suburbs), family-friendly attractions (SeaWorld, Six Flags, the Zoo), and a community feel in its many suburbs. The lower financial stress and more space are game-changers.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio

Unless you are a remote worker who specifically craves isolation, San Antonio wins. The job market is diverse and growing, the social and nightlife scene is vibrant, and the lower cost of living allows you to build savings and a social life. Westerly’s quiet pace can feel isolating for a young person seeking connection and opportunity.

Winner for Retirees: It Depends.

• For the Active, Social Retiree: San Antonio offers cultural events, mild winters, and a lower cost of living that makes a fixed income go further. The lack of state income tax is a massive benefit on retirement income.
• For the Peace-Seeking, Coastal Retiree: Westerly CDP is perfect if you have a solid nest egg, prioritize tranquility and nature over city amenities, and don't mind hunkering down for winter. The safety and community are unparalleled.

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Pros & Cons: The Bottom Line

San Antonio, TX

• Pros:
  • Massive bang for your buck in housing.
  • 0% state income tax boosts your take-home pay.
  • Vibrant, big-city culture with endless things to do.
  • Mild winters (if you can handle the summer heat).
  • Diverse economy and job opportunities.
• Cons:
  • High violent crime rate (do your neighborhood research).
  • Brutal summer heat and humidity.
  • Car-dependent with significant traffic.
  • Can feel sprawling and impersonal.

Westerly CDP, RI

• Pros:
  • Extremely safe with a low crime rate.
  • Stunning natural beauty and direct ocean access.
  • Quaint, tight-knit community with low stress.
  • No traffic and a peaceful, seasonal rhythm.
  • Beautiful four-season weather (if you love fall and don't mind winter).
• Cons:
  • High cost of living relative to size and amenities.
  • Expensive housing market with limited inventory.
  • State income tax reduces your purchasing power.
  • Isolated from major urban centers.
  • Harsh, snowy winters can be a dealbreaker.

The Final Word: If you're looking for a place to put down roots, build a career, and raise a family without going broke, San Antonio is the logical, data-driven choice. If you've already made your money, crave coastal serenity, and value safety and community above all else, Westerly CDP could be your slice of paradise—just be prepared for the premium price tag and the winter chill.