Performance
Score Breakdown
San José de Gracia
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
San José de Gracia is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
36% lower compared to Aiken.
Housing costs are a major driver: San José de Gracia's average rent is
62% lower than Aiken's.
| Metric | San José de Gracia | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $532 | $1,400 | -62% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $236 | -24% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,532 | $2,406 | -36% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Aiken offers 99% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Aiken delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in San José de Gracia is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | San José de Gracia | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $390 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 411 idx | 74,027 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $76,746 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | San José de Gracia | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Aiken has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to San José de Gracia.
San José de Gracia scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, San José de Gracia leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | San José de Gracia | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 35.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Aiken is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of San José de Gracia.
From a growth perspective, San José de Gracia is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Aiken has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | San José de Gracia | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,552 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 31.0 | 46.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
San José de Gracia
Advantages
Recognized as a "Pueblo Mágico" (Magical Town), offering unique cultural and natural attractions.
Lower cost of living and housing compared to major Mexican cities, making it attractive for retirees and remote workers.
Generally safe environment, consistent with Aguascalientes' reputation as a secure state.
Rich history and cultural heritage, including local artisans and traditional cuisine.
Access to natural attractions such as the Sierra Fría and the Presa Plutarco Elías Calles (though water levels can vary).
Drawbacks
Economic impact from drought affecting tourism and water levels at the Presa Plutarco Elías Calles.
Limited public transportation options, likely requiring personal vehicle ownership or reliance on taxis.
Specialized healthcare services may require travel to the state capital, Aguascalientes.
Limited availability of specific economic and demographic data for the municipality itself.
The town's small size and limited job market may not suit those seeking diverse employment opportunities.
Aiken
Advantages
The cost of living in Aiken is approximately 11% lower than the national average.
Aiken boasts a higher homeownership rate of 68.1% as of 2024.
The city offers a mild climate with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Aiken County's unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2026 is lower than the national average.
The average commute time of 24 minutes is considered manageable.
Drawbacks
Aiken's transportation system is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The city's safety index of 30 suggests a higher crime rate compared to national benchmarks.
Aiken County's poverty rate of 14.3% is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
While the downtown is walkable, the city overall has a lower walkability score due to car dependency.
Some utility costs are reported to be slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
San José de Gracia
#3Aguascalientes, Mexico
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$532
Avg Salary
$390
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Aiken
#68South Carolina, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
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