📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Enid and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Enid vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Enid | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $63,472 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $170,000 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $104 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $760 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 58.2 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.2 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 458.6 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 22.2% | 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, NY and Enid, OK.
New York vs. Enid: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
If you’re trying to decide between New York City and Enid, Oklahoma, you aren’t just choosing a location. You are choosing a lifestyle, a pace of life, and a financial future. One is a concrete jungle where dreams are forged; the other is a quiet slice of the Great Plains where the sky feels endless.
As a relocation expert, I’ve seen people make this move in both directions. The reality is, there is no "better" city—only the city that is better for you. Let’s cut through the noise, look at the data, and figure out where you actually belong.
The Vibe Check: The Energy vs. The Ease
New York is the definition of high-octane energy. It’s a 24/7 metropolis where silence is rare, convenience is king, and anonymity is a luxury. You don't own a car; you own a MetroCard. The culture is a global melting pot, offering world-class dining, theater, and career opportunities that don’t exist anywhere else. It’s for the ambitious, the social, and those who thrive on chaos.
Enid is the quintessential American heartland town. With a population of just 50,821, it’s a place where neighbors know each other, traffic jams are non-existent, and the cost of living is shockingly low. It’s a community built on agriculture, oil, and military roots. Life moves at a human pace here. It’s for those who want space, quiet, and a strong sense of local community.
Who is this for?
- New York: The hustlers, the creatives, the corporate climbers, and the city-lovers who don't mind sacrificing space for access.
- Enid: Families looking to plant roots, retirees wanting to stretch their savings, and remote workers seeking a peaceful, affordable home base.
The Dollar Power: The Sticker Shock vs. The Bang for Your Buck
This is where the comparison gets dramatic. The financial gap between these two cities is wider than the ocean separating America’s coasts. Let’s look at the raw numbers.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | New York, NY | Enid, OK | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $170,000 | 515% Higher in NY |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $760 | 322% Higher in NY |
| Housing Index | 149.3 | 58.2 | 157% Higher in NY |
| Median Income | $76,577 | $63,472 | 21% Higher in NY |
Salary Wars: Purchasing Power
Let’s play a game. You earn $100,000 a year. Where does it feel like you’re winning?
In New York, that $100k salary is quickly devoured by taxes and living expenses. After federal, state (NY has high income tax), and city taxes, your take-home pay drops significantly. Your $2,451 rent takes a massive bite out of your monthly budget. You are comfortably middle class, but you are likely sharing an apartment or living in a cramped studio. You aren’t saving much.
In Enid, earning $100,000 makes you a financial heavyweight. Oklahoma has a 0% state income tax. Your housing costs are a fraction of New York's. You could rent a nice place for $800 and still bank thousands a month. Or, you could buy a massive 3-4 bedroom home for less than the down payment on a New York condo. In Enid, $100k offers a lifestyle of luxury and savings; in New York, it offers stability.
The Verdict on Dollars: If you want to maximize your purchasing power and build wealth through low expenses, Enid wins by a landslide. If you are willing to pay a premium for proximity to high-paying industries (Finance, Tech, Media) that exist only in NY, the trade-off might be worth it.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
New York:
The housing market here is a beast. It is a perpetual seller's market with intense competition. Buying a median-priced home for $875,000 requires a massive down payment and a six-figure income. Inventory is tight, and bidding wars are common. For most, renting is the only feasible option, but even that is competitive. You aren't buying space; you are buying a location.
Enid:
Enid is a buyer’s paradise. With a median home price of $170,000, homeownership is accessible to average wage earners. The market is stable, inventory is reasonable, and you get significant square footage for your money. You can buy a detached home with a yard and a garage for the price of a parking spot in NYC. Renting is also incredibly affordable, making it easy to save for a down payment.
The Verdict on Housing: For anyone looking to build equity and own property without being house-poor, Enid is the clear winner. New York’s market is reserved for the wealthy or those willing to compromise heavily on space.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- New York: Commutes are legendary. The subway is efficient but crowded, hot, and prone to delays. Average commute times can exceed 45-60 minutes each way. Driving is a nightmare with gridlock and exorbitant parking costs.
- Enid: Traffic is a myth here. The average commute is under 15 minutes. You can get from one side of town to the other in 10 minutes flat. The freedom of hopping in your car and going anywhere instantly is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
Weather
- New York: You get all four seasons, but they come with extremes. Summers are humid and sticky (often hitting 85-90°F+), and winters are icy, snowy, and gray. The transition seasons are beautiful but short.
- Enid: The weather is more volatile but generally milder in terms of extreme cold. Winters average 43°F, but you will see snow and ice. Summers are hot and dry (often 90°F+), which many prefer over humid East Coast summers. Tornadoes are a genuine seasonal risk in Oklahoma.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical data point that often surprises people.
- New York: Despite its gritty reputation, NYC has become statistically safer than many large cities. The violent crime rate is 364.2 per 100k. While petty theft and subway crime make headlines, violent crime is lower than the national average for a city its size.
- Enid: Smaller towns aren't always safer. Enid’s violent crime rate is 458.6 per 100k, which is higher than New York's. However, context matters—crime in Enid is often isolated or related to specific areas, whereas in NYC, it can feel more omnipresent due to population density.
The Verdict on Dealbreakers: If you hate commuting and want predictable weather, Enid wins. If you need four distinct seasons and prefer the safety of a densely populated, well-policed metro area, New York edges out.
The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for You?
There is no universal winner here. The data paints a clear picture of two vastly different worlds. Here is the final breakdown based on who you are.
Winner for Families
Enid, OK
- Why: The math is undeniable. A median home price of $170,000 versus $875,000 is a generational wealth opportunity. You get a backyard, good schools, and a safe, community-focused environment. The cost of raising a family in New York is prohibitive for most unless you have a massive dual income.
Winner for Singles / Young Professionals
New York, NY
- Why: If you are in your 20s or early 30s and looking to accelerate your career, network, and social life, New York is unmatched. The dating pool, the nightlife, and the career opportunities (specifically in high-paying sectors) are superior. Enid is quiet—perhaps too quiet for a young single person seeking constant stimulation.
Winner for Retirees
Enid, OK
- Why: Stretching a fixed income is critical in retirement. With $0 state income tax, low property taxes, and a cost of living that is less than half of New York’s, your retirement savings go much further in Enid. The slower pace and friendly community are also major draws for those exiting the workforce.
Pros & Cons Summary
New York, NY
Pros:
- Unmatched Career Opportunities: Access to global headquarters in finance, media, and tech.
- World-Class Culture: Broadway, museums, Michelin-starred dining, and endless entertainment.
- Public Transportation: No need for a car (and the expenses that come with it).
- Diversity: A true melting pot of cultures, foods, and ideas.
Cons:
- Extremely High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are among the highest in the nation.
- Stressful Pace & Commute: Fast-paced life can lead to burnout; commutes are long and crowded.
- Lack of Space: You sacrifice square footage for location.
- High Taxes: State and city income taxes take a significant chunk of your pay.
Enid, OK
Pros:
- Incredible Affordability: You can own a home and build wealth on an average salary.
- Short Commutes: You’ll spend less time in the car and more time living.
- Community Feel: Friendly neighbors, local events, and a slower, more manageable pace.
- Tax Benefits: 0% state income tax and low property taxes.
Cons:
- Limited Job Market: Fewer high-paying corporate jobs; relies on agriculture, oil, and military.
- Isolation: It’s a 2-hour drive to Oklahoma City and 4 hours to Dallas. Fewer big-city amenities.
- Weather Risks: Tornado season is a reality.
- Cultural Void: Lack of diversity, high-end dining, and major entertainment venues.
Final Advice
If you are driven by ambition, energy, and the need to be where the action is—and you have the income to support it—New York is worth the price of admission.
If you are motivated by financial freedom, space, and a quieter life where your dollar stretches to the horizon, Enid is not just a smart choice; it’s a life-changing one.