📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Edmond and Phoenix
Head-to-Head Analysis
Edmond vs Phoenix
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Edmond | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $98,524 | $79,664 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.1% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $380,000 | $457,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $175 | $278 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $773 | $1,599 |
| Housing Cost Index | 78.1 | 124.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.2 | 98.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 189.0 | 691.8 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 58.7% | 33.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Phoenix vs. Edmond: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
You're at a crossroads. On one side, you have Phoenix, Arizona—a sprawling desert metropolis where the sun shines almost every day, and the city hums with big-city energy. On the other, Edmond, Oklahoma—a charming, mid-sized suburb with a distinct small-town feel, nestled in the heart of the Great Plains.
This isn't just about picking a dot on a map. It's about choosing a lifestyle. One offers the "bang for your buck" of a major city with a surprising cost-of-living advantage. The other delivers a level of safety, community, and affordability that feels almost like a secret.
We've crunched the numbers, analyzed the vibes, and weighed the dealbreakers. Let's settle this. Who wins this head-to-head showdown?
The Vibe Check: Big Sky vs. Big City Energy
Phoenix is a city that sprawls under a vast, cloudless sky. It’s a sprawling desert oasis where the suburbs bleed into one another, connected by a web of freeways. The culture is a unique blend of Southwestern heritage, booming tech, and a relentless "hustle" mentality. Think: world-class golf courses, a vibrant (and scorching) arts scene, and a nightlife that heats up after the sun goes down. It’s for the ambitious professional, the outdoor adventurer who loves dry heat, and anyone who wants city amenities without the coastal price tag.
Edmond feels like the quintessential American suburb that actually works. It’s not a sprawling metro; it’s a concentrated community with a strong sense of identity. Life revolves around excellent public schools, well-maintained parks, and a walkable downtown core. The vibe is family-centric, safe, and deeply rooted in Midwestern values. It’s for the family seeking stability, the retiree wanting peace without isolation, and the young professional who prefers a quiet home base over a constant party.
Verdict: Phoenix wins for big-city energy and diversity. Edmond wins for cohesive, family-friendly community.
The Dollar Power: Where Your Salary Goes Further
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn less in Edmond, but your money stretches significantly further. Let's break down the cold, hard numbers.
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Edmond, OK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $79,664 | $98,524 | Edmond |
| Median Home Price | $457,000 | $380,000 | Edmond |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,599 | $773 | Edmond |
| Housing Index | 124.3 (Above Avg) | 78.1 (Below Avg) | Edmond |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 691.8 | 189.0 | Edmond |
| Avg. Temp (°F) | 55.0 | 52.0 | Edmond |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Let’s play with a scenario. You’re a household earning $100,000.
- In Edmond: Your income is $1,476 above the median. You’re in the top tier of earners. The median home price is $380,000, which is about 3.8x your annual income—a very comfortable ratio. Your rent is under $800 for a one-bedroom. Your purchasing power is elite.
- In Phoenix: Your income is $20,336 above the median. You’re still a high earner, but the market is tougher. The median home price is $457,000, which is 4.6x your income—pushing the limits of affordability. Your rent is nearly double Edmond’s at $1,599.
The Tax Twist: This is a huge factor. Arizona has a progressive income tax ranging from 2.5% to 4.5%. Oklahoma has a similar progressive structure but starts at a lower 0.25% and tops out at 4.75%. For a $100k income, you’d pay roughly $2,500-$3,000 in Arizona state income tax and about $2,000-$2,500 in Oklahoma. The difference isn't massive, but it’s a point for Edmond.
Insight: While Phoenix has a higher median home price, it’s still wildly affordable compared to coastal cities. However, Edmond isn’t just affordable—it’s cheap by national standards, which means your savings and investment potential are exponentially higher.
Verdict: Edmond wins in a landslide. The combination of a higher median income, lower housing costs, and lower taxes gives you dramatically more purchasing power.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Phoenix: The Competitive Seller's Market
Phoenix has been a red-hot market for years. With a Housing Index of 124.3, it’s 24% above the national average. The median home price of $457,000 is a serious investment. Renting is the more accessible entry point, but with a $1,599 price tag for a 1-bedroom, it’s not cheap. Availability is tight, and bidding wars are common, especially for homes under $500k. It’s a great place to build equity if you can get in, but it’s a tough market for first-time buyers.
Edmond: The Stable Buyer's Market
Edmond is the definition of a stable, buyer-friendly market. With a Housing Index of 78.1, it’s 22% below the national average. The median home price of $380,000 is attainable for a wide swath of the population. Rent is a bargain at $773. The market isn’t flooded with investors, and competition is mild. You’ll have more time to decide and less pressure to waive contingencies. For renters, it’s a financial freedom dream.
Verdict: Edmond wins decisively. It offers a path to homeownership without the financial stress and bidding wars of a hot market like Phoenix.
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
Traffic & Commute
- Phoenix: This is a car-dependent city, period. The freeways (I-10, Loop 101, etc.) are massive but often congested. The average commute time is around 25-30 minutes, but it can easily double during rush hour. Public transit exists but is limited. You will spend time in your car.
- Edmond: Traffic is a non-issue here. Commutes are short, typically under 20 minutes. The city is designed for cars, but congestion is minimal. It’s a stress-free driving experience compared to any major metro.
Weather: The Brutal Truth
- Phoenix: The data says an average of 55°F, which is misleading. It’s a city of extremes. You get glorious winters (70s) and brutally hot summers (110°F+ for months). Humidity is near zero, which some love, but the heat is relentless. It’s a dealbreaker for many.
- Edmond: You get four distinct seasons. Summers are hot but manageable (90s), with higher humidity. Winters are cold with occasional snow and ice storms, but nothing extreme. Springs and falls are beautiful. The 52°F average is a true average of weather, not an extreme.
Crime & Safety
- Phoenix: With a violent crime rate of 691.8 per 100k, Phoenix is significantly above the national average (~380 per 100k). While many suburbs are safe, the city as a whole has notable safety concerns. You must be vigilant about neighborhoods.
- Edmond: This is one of Edmond’s strongest suits. A violent crime rate of 189.0 per 100k is remarkably low—about half the national average. It’s consistently ranked one of the safest cities in Oklahoma. The peace of mind here is a tangible commodity.
Verdict: Edmond wins on traffic and safety. Phoenix wins for those who prioritize dry heat over seasonal variety.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
After weighing all the factors, the data points to a clear overall winner, but the best choice depends entirely on your life stage and priorities.
Winner for Families: Edmond
It’s not even close. With top-tier public schools, extremely low crime, unbeatable affordability, and a tight-knit community, Edmond is a dream for raising kids. You can buy a spacious home in a great neighborhood for under $400k, and your kids can play outside safely. The financial stress is minimal, allowing you to focus on family.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Phoenix
If you’re career-driven and crave city energy, Phoenix is your arena. The job market is larger and more diverse, especially in tech, healthcare, and finance. The nightlife, dining, and cultural scenes are on a different level. Yes, it’s more expensive and less safe, but for a young professional seeking growth and excitement, it’s the better playground. Edmond would likely feel too sleepy.
Winner for Retirees: Edmond
For retirees, Edmond offers the perfect blend of peace, safety, and affordability. The cost of living allows retirement savings to stretch much further. The low crime rate provides immense peace of mind. While Phoenix has active retirement communities, the brutal summers and higher costs make Edmond the smarter, more comfortable choice for a stress-free golden age.
Pros & Cons: A Final Snapshot
Phoenix, AZ
Pros:
- Massive job market and diverse economy.
- World-class amenities (dining, arts, sports).
- Stunning natural beauty (desert mountains, hiking).
- No state capital gains tax on retirement income.
- Vibrant, diverse population.
Cons:
- Brutal, dangerous summer heat.
- High cost of living relative to national average.
- Significant traffic and urban sprawl.
- Higher violent crime rates.
- Car-dependent lifestyle.
Edmond, OK
Pros:
- Exceptional safety and low crime.
- Very affordable cost of living (especially housing).
- Top-rated public schools.
- Strong sense of community and family-friendly.
- Short commutes and minimal traffic stress.
Cons:
- Limited economic diversity (smaller job market).
- Fewer big-city amenities and nightlife.
- Can feel insular or "slow" for young singles.
- Subject to severe weather (tornadoes, ice storms).
- Less geographic and cultural diversity.
The Bottom Line: Choose Edmond for a stable, affordable, and safe life centered around family. Choose Phoenix for an ambitious, sun-drenched career path in a dynamic, if challenging, urban environment. Your wallet, and your lifestyle, will thank you for making the right call.