📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Edmond and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Edmond vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Edmond | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $98,524 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $380,000 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $175 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $773 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 78.1 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.2 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 189.0 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 58.7% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. Edmond: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—a gritty, historic powerhouse of a city where the cheesesteak is king and the skyline is a testament to American resilience. On the other, Edmond, Oklahoma—a picture-perfect suburb that’s growing faster than a weed in spring, offering a slice of small-town charm with big-city amenities.
This isn’t just about picking a place to live; it’s about picking a lifestyle. Are you a city slicker who thrives on energy, or a suburbanite who values a manicured lawn and a short commute? Let’s cut through the noise and dig into the data to help you decide.
The Vibe Check: Where Do You Belong?
Philadelphia is a city of stark contrasts. It’s the underdog that invented America, a place where you can walk the cobblestone streets of Old Town in the morning and catch a world-class art exhibit in the afternoon. The vibe is unapologetically urban. It’s loud, it’s diverse, and it’s packed with character. You’ll find a thriving food scene, legendary sports fans, and a culture that’s as tough as it is welcoming. This is for the person who wants history at their doorstep, a 24/7 buzz, and doesn’t mind a little grit with their glamour.
Edmond is the quintessential American suburb, but with a twist. Nestled just north of Oklahoma City, it’s a community built on family values, top-tier schools, and a slower pace of life. The vibe is clean, safe, and community-oriented. Think weekend farmers' markets, sprawling parks, and a skyline dotted with church steeples, not skyscrapers. It’s for the person who craves predictability, space, and a strong sense of belonging. You’re not moving here for the nightlife; you’re moving here to put down roots.
Who It’s For:
- Philadelphia: The culture vulture, the young professional, the history buff, and the urban adventurer.
- Edmond: The growing family, the safety-conscious retiree, and the professional seeking a quiet home base.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about purchasing power. You might earn more in one city, but if your expenses eat it all up, what’s the point?
Salary Wars:
- Philadelphia has a lower median income ($60,302), but the cost of living is also higher. The key here is opportunity. Philly is a major metro with diverse industries (healthcare, education, finance), offering a higher ceiling for career growth.
- Edmond boasts a significantly higher median income ($98,524). This is a classic suburban advantage: often, higher earners choose suburbs for the space and schools, driving the median up. Combined with a lower cost of living, your paycheck goes much, much further here.
Let's break it down with the numbers.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | Philadelphia | Edmond | The Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $380,000 | Sticker shock in Edmond. Philly wins on entry-level housing. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $773 | Edmond is the clear rent winner. Nearly 50% cheaper. |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 78.1 | Philly is 51% more expensive for housing. This is a massive gap. |
| Utilities | ~$175/mo (avg) | ~$250/mo (avg) | Edmond pays more here. Higher AC costs in summer. |
| Groceries | ~12% above nat'l avg | ~5% above nat'l avg | Philly is more expensive for food. |
The Verdict on Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in Edmond, your money creates a comfortable, middle-to-upper-class lifestyle with room to save and invest. In Philadelphia, that same $100,000 puts you in a solidly middle-class bracket, but you’re paying a premium for the urban experience. Edmond offers far better bang for your buck. The lack of state income tax in Oklahoma (vs. Pennsylvania's 3.07%) is the cherry on top, adding thousands back into your pocket annually.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?
Philadelphia is a buyer's market for entry-level homes, but a seller's market for desirable neighborhoods. The median home price of $270,375 is deceptively low; that buys you a rowhouse in a gentrifying area or a condo in the city. Competition is fierce for renovated homes in Center City or Fishtown. Renting is expensive, but offers flexibility if you’re not ready to commit to a specific neighborhood.
Edmond is a seller's market, hands down. The median home price of $380,000 reflects high demand and limited inventory for single-family homes, which is the primary housing type. New construction is booming on the outskirts, but established neighborhoods are highly competitive. Renting is a steal, but the rental market is smaller, geared mostly toward apartments and a few townhomes.
The Bottom Line:
- For Renters: Edmond is the undeniable champion. Your dollar goes twice as far.
- For Buyers: Philadelphia wins on initial entry price, but be prepared for a competitive hunt. Edmond offers more space and newer builds for a higher price tag.
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
Traffic & Commute
- Philadelphia: Brutal. The Schuylkill Expressway and I-95 are infamous for gridlock. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive and a viable option for commuters, but it’s not always clean or reliable. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes.
- Edmond: A dream by comparison. Commutes are short—most residents work within the metro area, and traffic is minimal. The drive to Oklahoma City is straightforward. You’ll spend less time in your car and more time at home.
Weather
Both cities have a 52.0°F average annual temperature, but that’s where the similarities end.
- Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons with a vengeance. Winters are cold with 30+ inches of snow and icy conditions. Summers are hot and humid, often feeling oppressive. Spring and fall are beautiful but brief.
- Edmond: Has a continental climate with extreme swings. Summers are scorching, regularly hitting 95-100°F with high humidity. Winters are milder but can bring ice storms and occasional snow. Tornado season is a real concern (April-June). The weather is generally sunnier but more volatile.
Crime & Safety
This is the most significant differentiator.
- Philadelphia: Violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k residents. This is a major concern. While certain neighborhoods are very safe (e.g., Chestnut Hill, Society Hill), crime is a city-wide issue that requires vigilance and research.
- Edmond: Violent crime rate is 189.0 per 100k residents. This is 61% lower than the national average and drastically safer than Philadelphia. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Oklahoma.
Safety is a non-negotiable for many. Edmond wins this category decisively.
The Verdict: Who Wins?
After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the final verdict.
| Category | Winner | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Edmond | Lower rent, utilities, and groceries. Your salary simply goes further. |
| Housing Value | Tie | Philly for entry price, Edmond for space and quality. |
| Safety | Edmond | Violent crime is dramatically lower. A clear, data-driven win. |
| Career Opportunity | Philadelphia | Larger, more diverse economy with higher growth potential. |
| Commute & Traffic | Edmond | Minimal traffic versus Philly's notorious gridlock. |
| Culture & Entertainment | Philadelphia | World-class museums, dining, sports, and history. |
| Family-Friendliness | Edmond | Top schools, safe parks, and community focus. |
Winner for Families: Edmond
With superior schools, unparalleled safety, affordable homes (in the burbs), and a community built around family activities, Edmond is the clear choice for raising kids. The space, the predictability, and the low crime rate are dealmakers.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Philadelphia
The energy, the nightlife, the networking opportunities, and the cultural scene are unmatched. You can find an affordable apartment in a vibrant neighborhood, build your career, and never run out of things to do. Edmond would feel isolating for most young singles.
Winner for Retirees: Edmond
This is a split decision, but Edmond takes it. For retirees on a fixed income, the lower overall cost of living, especially property taxes and no state income tax, is a huge advantage. The safety and walkability of its mature neighborhoods are perfect for a peaceful retirement. Philadelphia is better for retirees who crave constant stimulation and have the budget for it.
Final Pros & Cons
Philadelphia
Pros:
- World-class culture: Museums, history, food, sports.
- Strong job market: Diverse industries and career opportunities.
- Walkable & Transit-Friendly: Less car-dependent than most U.S. cities.
- Rich History: Living in the cradle of American democracy.
- Entry-Level Housing: Median home price is relatively low for a major metro.
Cons:
- High Crime: A serious issue that affects quality of life.
- Traffic & Commutes: Notorious congestion and stressful driving.
- High Cost of Living: Especially for renters and urban buyers.
- Harsh Winters & Humid Summers: Weather is a challenge.
Edmond
Pros:
- Extreme Safety: Crime rates are exceptionally low.
- Affordability: Lower rent, utilities, and groceries.
- Excellent Schools: Public education is a major draw.
- Short Commutes: Easy drives and minimal traffic stress.
- Family-Oriented: Parks, events, and a strong community vibe.
Cons:
- Limited Cultural Scene: Fewer museums, concerts, and diverse dining.
- Car Dependency: You will need a car for almost everything.
- Higher Home Prices (for what you get): More expensive than Philly for a suburban home.
- Isolation: Can feel boring or isolating for young professionals and singles.
- Extreme Weather: Blistering summers and tornado risk.
The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia for the experience—the city life, the career hustle, and the cultural feast. Choose Edmond for the lifestyle—safety, space, and a stress-free environment for your family.