đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Edmond and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Edmond vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Edmond | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $98,524 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $380,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $175 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $773 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 78.1 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.2 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 189.0 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 58.7% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Head-to-Head: Los Angeles vs. Edmond
The Vibe Check: Where Do You Belong?
Let’s cut to the chase: this isn't just a comparison of two cities; it's a clash of two entirely different American lifestyles. You're not choosing between two similar options; you're picking between a global cultural powerhouse and a quintessential heartland suburb.
Los Angeles is the fast-paced, sun-drenched metropolis where ambition runs on overdrive. It’s a sprawling jungle of 3.8 million people, fueled by the entertainment industry, tech startups, and a relentless hustle. Life here is about networking, chasing dreams, and navigating a world-class (but often chaotic) urban landscape. It’s for the creative, the driven, and those who thrive on the energy of a major global city. If you crave constant stimulation, endless dining options, and the chance to rub shoulders with industry titans, LA is your playground.
Edmond, Oklahoma is the laid-back, family-centric suburb that feels like a step back in time—but in the best way. With just under 100,000 residents, it’s a tight-knit community in the heart of the Great Plains, offering a slower pace, strong sense of local pride, and a focus on family and values. Life here is about front porches, big backyards, and knowing your neighbors. It’s for those seeking stability, safety, and a high quality of life without the chaos of a major city. If you want to raise a family in a quiet, safe environment while still having access to city amenities (just 20 minutes from Oklahoma City), Edmond is your haven.
Who is each city for?
- LA: The aspirational, the extroverted, the career-driven, and those who value cultural diversity over square footage.
- Edmond: The pragmatic, the family-oriented, the budget-conscious, and those who prioritize safety and community over nightlife.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's be real: the "sticker shock" between these two cities is epic. The cost of living isn't just different; it's a different dimension.
Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Puzzle
Let’s do a thought experiment. If you earn a median income of $100,000 in both cities, your financial reality is radically different.
- In Edmond, your $100k is near the top of the local market (median is $98,524). You’re in the 70-80th percentile for earners. You can comfortably afford a mortgage on a median home ($380,000), a nice car, and a lifestyle with room for savings and vacations.
- In Los Angeles, that same $100k feels decidedly middle-class (median is $79,701). You’re only slightly above average. After California’s high income tax (up to 13.3%), your take-home pay is significantly smaller. That $100k in LA feels more like $65,000 in Edmond after accounting for taxes and the massive cost-of-living gap.
The Tax Factor is a Game-Changer:
- California (LA): High state income tax, high sales tax, high property taxes. Your money is working hard for the state.
- Oklahoma (Edmond): No state income tax on Social Security, and relatively low property and sales taxes. Your money goes much further.
Cost of Living Breakdown:
Edmond isn't just cheaper; it's in a different league. The data is staggering.
| Category | Los Angeles | Edmond | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $380,000 | $622,500 (2.6x more in LA) |
| 1BR Rent | $2,006 | $773 | $1,233 (2.6x more in LA) |
| Housing Index | 173.0 | 78.1 | 173 vs. 78 (121% higher in LA) |
The Verdict on Purchasing Power:
Edmond wins this round decisively. The "bang for your buck" in Edmond is off the charts. You get a larger home, lower monthly costs, and a higher standard of living for the same dollar. In LA, a significant portion of your income is immediately funneled into housing, leaving less for everything else. For the average earner, financial stress is a constant companion in LA; in Edmond, it’s a manageable concern.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Los Angeles: The Seller's Marathon
Buying in LA is a brutal, competitive sport. The median home price of $1,002,500 is just the starting line. With a Housing Index of 173, you're paying a 73% premium over the national average. Expect bidding wars, all-cash offers, and waived contingencies. Renting is the norm for most, but even that is a financial burden. The market is a seller's dream and a buyer's nightmare, characterized by severe inventory shortages and sky-high demand. It's a market for those with deep pockets, patience, and a high tolerance for stress.
Edmond: The Balanced, Buyer-Friendly Market
Edmond presents a stark contrast. With a Housing Index of 78.1, it's 22% below the national average. The median home price of $380,000 is within reach for many middle-class professionals. The market is generally balanced, with more inventory and less frantic competition. You can actually tour homes, make a reasonable offer, and not feel like you're in a bidding war for a tear-down. Renting is an affordable stepping stone to ownership. It's a buyer's market where you have time to choose and negotiate.
The Verdict: For anyone without a multi-million-dollar budget, Edmond's housing market is the clear winner. It offers the classic, attainable American dream of homeownership, which is increasingly out of reach for the average person in Los Angeles.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Los Angeles: Legendary. The "freeway system" is a double-edged sword. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45-90 minutes. Public transit exists but is fragmented and often unreliable for daily commuting. Time spent in traffic is a major quality-of-life drain.
- Edmond: Minimal. The commute to downtown Oklahoma City is typically 20-30 minutes via I-35 or I-44. Local traffic is light. The stress of a daily grind is significantly lower.
Weather
- Los Angeles: Mediterranean climate. 54°F average, but with a huge range: blazing 90°F+ summers (especially in the valleys), mild winters (rarely freezing), and a notorious lack of seasons. It's sunny year-round, but can feel monotonous. The "June Gloom" (marine layer) is a thing.
- Edmond: Continental climate. 52°F average, but with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot (90°F+), but with lower humidity than other parts of the South. Winters bring snow and ice (30°F average in January), which can be a dealbreaker for some. Spring and fall are beautiful. The seasonal change is a major plus for many.
Crime & Safety
- Los Angeles: Violent Crime: 732.5/100k. This is 3.87 times higher than Edmond. Crime is a reality of life in a massive metropolis. While many neighborhoods are very safe, the overall rate is a significant concern and requires vigilance.
- Edmond: Violent Crime: 189.0/100k. This is remarkably low, making it one of the safest cities of its size in the U.S. It’s a place where kids play outside freely and neighbors look out for each other. Safety is a foundational element of life here.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?
This isn't about which city is "better"—it's about which one is the right fit for your life stage and priorities.
🏆 Winner for Families: Edmond
For raising kids, Edmond is the undisputed champion. The combination of top-ranked public schools (a major draw), extremely low crime rates, affordable large homes with yards, and a strong, community-focused environment is ideal. The financial pressure is lower, allowing more resources for education, activities, and family travel. The slower pace fosters a childhood centered on safety and community, not traffic and competition.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Los Angeles
If you're under 35, career-driven, and your industry is in entertainment, tech, or the creative arts, LA offers unparalleled opportunities. The networking, the events, the sheer volume of jobs, and the cultural scene are magnetic. The high cost is the price of admission for access to a global stage. It’s a place to build a resume, make connections, and experience a world-class city, even if it means sacrificing space and savings temporarily.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Edmond
For retirees, Edmond offers security and value. The low cost of living allows retirement savings to stretch dramatically further. The safe, walkable neighborhoods, lack of state income tax on retirement income, and access to quality healthcare (Oklahoma City has excellent medical centers) make it a haven. The slower pace and strong community are conducive to a peaceful, fulfilling retirement. LA's high costs and frenetic energy are less appealing for this life stage.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Los Angeles
Pros:
- Global cultural hub: unparalleled food, arts, and entertainment.
- Vast employment opportunities, especially in creative industries.
- Stunning natural beauty: beaches, mountains, and hiking trails.
- Diverse, international population.
- Year-round mild weather.
Cons:
- Extremely high cost of living (housing is the #1 budget killer).
- Horrendous traffic and long commutes.
- High state income and sales taxes.
- Significant income inequality and visible homelessness.
- Competitive and often stressful lifestyle.
Edmond
Pros:
- Exceptional affordability (housing costs are a fraction of LA's).
- Very low violent crime rate and high overall safety.
- Strong, top-rated public school system.
- Tight-knit, family-friendly community feel.
- Short, easy commutes and manageable traffic.
- No state income tax on Social Security.
Cons:
- Limited cultural/diversity compared to a major metropolis.
- Fewer high-profile career opportunities (outside of OKC proximity).
- Extreme weather (hot summers, cold, icy winters).
- Can feel insular or "small-town" if you're used to city life.
- Fewer world-class dining and entertainment options.
The Bottom Line: Choose Edmond for a stable, secure, family-focused life where your dollar stretches and safety is a given. Choose Los Angeles for a high-stakes, high-reward career adventure in a vibrant, demanding global city. The data makes the financial case for Edmond, but only you can decide if the LA dream is worth the premium.