📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Edmond and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Edmond vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Edmond | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $98,524 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $380,000 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $175 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $773 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 78.1 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.2 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 189.0 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 58.7% | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between New York and Edmond.
New York vs. Edmond: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the concrete jungle where dreams are made (and rent is due). On the other, a quiet slice of Americana where your paycheck stretches further than a rubber band. We’re pitting New York City against Edmond, Oklahoma.
This isn't just about geography; it's a clash of lifestyles. One is a relentless, 24/7 energy drink. The other is a steady cup of coffee. Let’s break down the data, the vibes, and the reality to help you decide where to plant your roots.
The Vibe Check: Hustle vs. Hush
New York is the ultimate "main character" city. It’s loud, fast, and unapologetically intense. The culture revolves around ambition, diversity, and being in the center of the universe. If you crave anonymity, world-class museums, food from every corner of the globe, and the feeling that something is always happening, this is your playground. It’s for the career-driven, the creatives, and those who thrive on chaos.
Edmond is the definition of suburban comfort. It’s part of the Oklahoma City metro area, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with excellent schools, manicured neighborhoods, and a slower pace. Life revolves around community events, high school football, and weekend trips to the lake. It’s for those seeking stability, safety, and a backyard without needing a six-figure salary just to afford the down payment.
The Bottom Line: If you want to feel the pulse of the world, choose New York. If you want to hear yourself think, choose Edmond.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?
This is where the "sticker shock" sets in. We need to talk about Purchasing Power. Let’s assume you earn a comfortable $100,000 salary. How far does it actually go?
In New York, you’re dealing with a cost of living index that is nearly double the national average. In Edmond, you’re actually slightly below the national average. The difference is staggering.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | New York | Edmond | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $76,577 | $98,524 | Edmond |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $773 | Edmond |
| Utilities (Monthly) | ~$180 | ~$160 | Edmond |
| Groceries | ~125% of national avg | ~95% of national avg | Edmond |
| Housing Index | 149.3 | 78.1 | Edmond |
The Salary Wars & Taxes:
Let’s do the math. If you earn $100,000 in New York, after federal, state (NY has a progressive income tax), and city taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $68,000. If you earn $100,000 in Edmond, Oklahoma, you pay $0 state income tax. Your take-home is closer to $77,000.
But the real killer is rent. In New York, a $2,451 monthly rent eats up 43% of your monthly take-home pay. In Edmond, a $773 rent is only 12% of your monthly take-home.
Verdict: In New York, you need a much higher salary just to maintain a middle-class lifestyle. In Edmond, a standard salary affords you a life of comfort and savings. For raw purchasing power, Edmond wins by a landslide.
Callout Box: The Purchasing Power Verdict
Winner: Edmond. This isn't even close. While NYC salaries are higher on paper, the cost of living swallows them whole. In Edmond, your money actually works for you, allowing for savings, investments, and a lower financial stress level.
The Housing Market: Buying vs. Renting
New York: The Rent Trap
In NYC, the housing market is defined by scarcity and insane prices. The median home price is $875,000. To buy a median-priced home, you’d need a $175,000 down payment (20%) and an annual income of over $250,000 to comfortably afford the mortgage. The market is a relentless seller's market, with bidding wars common even for rentals. Most residents are stuck in the rental cycle, facing annual rent increases and the constant threat of lease non-renewal.
Edmond: The Ownership Dream
In Edmond, the median home price is $380,000. A 20% down payment is $76,000—a daunting but achievable number for many professionals. With a median income of $98,524, homeownership is a realistic goal, not a fantasy. The market is more balanced, leaning toward a buyer's market with more inventory available. You can realistically expect to find a 3-4 bedroom home with a yard in a good school district.
Verdict: If your dream is to own property and build equity, Edmond offers a clear path. New York is a city of renters, where buying is a luxury reserved for the wealthy.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- New York: The subway is efficient but crowded and often delayed. Driving is a nightmare; traffic is dense, parking is impossible, and tolls are expensive. Commutes can easily be 60-90 minutes each way.
- Edmond: A car is essential. Traffic is minimal compared to a major metro. The average commute is 20-25 minutes. You can get across town in 15 minutes during rush hour.
Weather
- New York: Four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers (often 90°F+ with high humidity) and cold, snowy winters (average 30-40°F in winter, with significant snow). You need a full wardrobe and patience for snow days.
- Edmond: Experiences a continental climate with hot summers (90-100°F common) and mild winters. Snowfall is light and infrequent. The main drawback is the risk of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in spring.
Crime & Safety
- New York: While famously gritty, NYC is actually safer than many assume. The violent crime rate is 364.2 per 100,000 people. It varies wildly by neighborhood—some areas are incredibly safe, while others have higher rates of property crime.
- Edmond: Significantly safer. The violent crime rate is 189.0 per 100,000—less than half that of NYC. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Oklahoma, with low property crime rates. You’ll feel comfortable letting kids play outside.
Verdict: Edmond wins on safety and commute. New York offers true four seasons but at the cost of congestion and higher crime rates in certain areas.
Pros & Cons Breakdown
New York: The Empire State of Mind
Pros:
- Unmatched Career Opportunities: Access to top-tier jobs in finance, tech, media, and arts.
- Cultural Mecca: World-class museums, Broadway, concerts, and dining.
- Public Transit: No need for a car (and the associated costs).
- Diversity: A melting pot of cultures, languages, and ideas.
- 24/7 Lifestyle: Something is always open, always happening.
Cons:
- Extreme Cost of Living: Rent, taxes, and daily expenses are astronomical.
- Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home is nearly impossible for the average earner.
- Stress & Pace: The city can be draining and overwhelming.
- Weather Extremes: Harsh winters and humid summers.
- Crowding: Constant noise, people, and lack of personal space.
Edmond: The Heartland Haven
Pros:
- Affordability: Low cost of living, cheap housing, and no state income tax.
- Safety & Community: Low crime rates and a strong sense of community.
- Excellent Schools: Highly rated public school systems.
- Family-Friendly: Parks, community events, and a slower pace of life.
- Homeownership: Achievable goal for the middle class.
Cons:
- Limited Career Options: Job market is smaller and less diverse outside of OKC.
- Car Dependent: No viable public transit; you must drive everywhere.
- Cultural Amenities: Fewer museums, concerts, and high-end dining options.
- Weather: Risk of severe storms and hot summers.
- Less "Excitement": Can feel quiet or boring for those used to big-city energy.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?
This isn't about which city is objectively "better"—it's about which city fits your life stage and priorities.
Winner for Families: Edmond
If you have kids or are planning to, Edmond is the clear choice. The combination of top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable single-family homes with yards, and a community-centric lifestyle is unbeatable. The stress of city life evaporates, replaced by Little League games and weekend barbecues.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: New York
If you’re in your 20s or early 30s, career-focused, and crave an electric social scene, New York is your arena. The networking opportunities, nightlife, and sheer volume of experiences are unparalleled. You’ll sacrifice savings and space for the chance to be in the center of it all. Just be prepared for the grind.
Winner for Retirees: Edmond
For retirees, financial security and peace of mind are paramount. Edmond offers a lower cost of living, allowing retirement savings to go further. The safer environment, milder winters (compared to the Northeast), and calm pace of life make it an ideal place to enjoy your golden years without the noise and stress of a major metropolis.
The Bottom Line: Choose New York if your career and experiences are your top priority and you’re willing to pay the price (literally). Choose Edmond if you value financial flexibility, safety, and a balanced, family-oriented lifestyle.