Enid vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Enid	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$63,472	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$170,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$104	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$760	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	58.2	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.2	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	458.6	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	22.2%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

The Ultimate Showdown: Philadelphia vs. Enid

Which American City Deserves Your Next Chapter?

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, the gritty, iconic, and undeniably electric energy of a major East Coast metropolis. On the other, the quiet, affordable, and wide-open plains of Midwest life. This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it's a choice between two fundamentally different versions of the American dream.

Let’s cut through the noise. As your relocation expert, I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth, backed by hard data and a seasoned eye for what makes a place tick. We’re diving deep into the wallets, the commutes, the weather, and the soul of these two cities. Grab your coffee, and let’s find out where you truly belong.

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1. The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Plains

Philadelphia is a city of layers. It’s the birthplace of America, packed with history you can touch, but it’s also a modern, diverse, and hungry city. The vibe is gritty, intellectual, and unapologetically real. Think world-class museums, legendary cheesesteaks, passionate sports fans, and neighborhoods that each have their own distinct personality. It’s a city that rewards exploration and has a pulse you can feel. This is for the person who craves culture, diversity, and the energy of a major metro area without the Manhattan price tag.

Enid, Oklahoma, is the definition of a breath of fresh air. Nestled in the heart of the Great Plains, it’s a community built on neighborliness, simplicity, and a slower pace of life. The vibe is friendly, straightforward, and deeply rooted. Think wide-open skies, community festivals, and a cost of living that feels like a throwback. This is for the person seeking a reset—a place to plant roots, enjoy space, and prioritize family or personal peace over the hustle.

Who is each city for?

• Philadelphia is for the urbanist, the culture seeker, the young professional, and the family that wants big-city amenities (museums, universities, hospitals) within reach.
• Enid is for the minimalist, the budget-conscious family, the remote worker craving quiet, and anyone who finds peace in simplicity and community.

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2. The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like a Million Bucks?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about purchasing power—the real-world value of your paycheck.

The Cost of Living Table

Category	Philadelphia	Enid	The Difference
Median Home Price	$270,375	$170,000	Enid is 37% cheaper
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$760	Enid is 48% cheaper
Housing Index (Nat'l Avg: 100)	117.8	58.2	Enid is half the cost
Median Income	$60,302	$63,472	Enid has a slightly higher median

The Salary Wars & The Tax Twist:
Here’s the kicker. Enid’s median income is $63,472, beating Philadelphia’s $60,302. But that’s only half the story. The real magic happens with the taxes.

• Philadelphia (Pennsylvania): You’ll pay a 3.07% flat state income tax. However, Philadelphia has its own 3.7854% wage tax for residents, plus a 1% city services tax. Combined, that’s a significant chunk of your paycheck before you even see it.
• Enid (Oklahoma): Oklahoma has a progressive income tax, but it’s relatively low, with a top rate of 4.75% on income over $12,200 (single filer). Crucially, Enid does not have a city wage tax.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000:

• In Philadelphia, after state and city taxes, your take-home is roughly $77,000. Your rent alone eats nearly 23% of that.
• In Enid, after state taxes, your take-home is roughly $85,000. Your rent consumes just 10% of that.

Winner for Dollar Power: Enid, by a landslide. The combination of lower housing costs and no city wage tax means your salary stretches further. In Enid, $100k feels like $130k in Philadelphia. The "sticker shock" in Philly is real.

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3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition

Philadelphia: The market is competitive and shifting. The median home price of $270,375 is still below the national average, but the city is a patchwork of markets. Neighborhoods like Fishtown or Graduate Hospital command premiums well above this. You’re often buying into historic row homes that may need work. It’s a seller’s market in desirable areas, with homes selling fast and often above asking price. Renting is the default for many young professionals, but the rental market is tight and expensive.

Enid: This is a buyer’s paradise. With a median home price of $170,000 and a Housing Index of 58.2 (less than half the national average), you can get a lot of house for your money. The market is far less frenetic. You can realistically find a 3-4 bedroom family home for under $200,000. While inventory can be limited, the competition is nothing like in a major metro. It’s a much more balanced market, favoring patient buyers. Renting is incredibly affordable, making it a great option for those not ready to commit.

Winner for Housing Affordability: Enid. The sheer difference in price per square foot is staggering. In Philadelphia, you’re paying for location and history; in Enid, you’re paying for space and simplicity.

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4. The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

This is where personal tolerance is tested.

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: The "Brooklyn of the East Coast" has traffic. The Schuylkill and I-95 are notorious bottlenecks. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but aging and can be unreliable. A car is helpful but not always essential, especially if you live and work in center city. Commutes can easily be 30-60 minutes for a 10-mile trip.
• Enid: Traffic is a foreign concept. You’ll be stopped by a train, maybe, but gridlock is nonexistent. The city is designed for cars. You can get across town in 10-15 minutes, no problem. This is a massive quality-of-life win.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons with gusto. Summers are hot and humid (average high in July is 87°F), winters bring snow and slush (average low in January is 26°F). It’s a true East Coast climate.
• Enid: Has a continental climate with hot summers (average high in July is 93°F) and cold winters (average low in January is 22°F). It’s less humid than Philly but can have more extreme temperature swings. You’ll deal with ice, snow, and thunderstorms.

Crime & Safety (The Honest Truth):
This is a critical, non-negotiable factor for many.

• Philadelphia: The data is stark. With a violent crime rate of 726.5 per 100,000, it’s significantly higher than the national average. Crime is highly concentrated in certain neighborhoods, while others are very safe. Researching specific blocks is essential.
• Enid: The violent crime rate of 458.6 per 100,000 is also above the national average but notably lower than Philadelphia’s. It’s a safer community overall, though no place is immune to crime.

Verdict on Dealbreakers:

• Traffic/Commute: Winner: Enid. No contest.
• Weather: Tie. It depends on your preference—humid East Coast vs. plains extremes.
• Safety: Winner: Enid. The data shows a clear statistical advantage.

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5. The Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?

There is no universal "best" city—only the best city for you.

Winner for Families

Enid. The combination of safer statistics, superior affordability, excellent schools (Enid Public Schools are well-regarded), and a slow, community-focused pace is a powerful draw. You can afford a large home in a safe neighborhood, and your kids can enjoy a childhood with space to run. Philadelphia offers more cultural and educational diversity, but the cost and safety concerns are real hurdles for many families.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals

Philadelphia. The energy, diversity, and career opportunities in a major metro area are unmatched. The social scene, restaurants, and bars are vibrant. While Enid is affordable, it can be socially limiting for a single person seeking a dynamic dating and professional network. Philadelphia’s higher cost is the price of admission for that urban buzz.

Winner for Retirees

It depends on your priorities.

• For the budget-conscious retiree who values safety and quiet: Enid is the clear choice. Your retirement savings will go much further, and the peaceful environment is ideal for relaxation.
• For the retiree who wants cultural stimulation, walkability, and top-tier healthcare: Philadelphia wins. Access to world-class hospitals (Penn, Jefferson), museums, and a walkable urban environment is a huge advantage, even with higher costs.

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Final Pros & Cons List

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Cultural Powerhouse: Unrivaled history, museums, theater, and dining.
• Walkable & Transit-Friendly: Car-free living is feasible in many areas.
• Diverse & Dynamic: A true melting pot with endless neighborhoods to explore.
• Strong Job Market: Major hub for healthcare, education, and professional services.

Cons:

• High Cost of Living: Especially for housing and taxes.
• Safety Concerns: Crime rates are a serious issue requiring careful neighborhood research.
• Traffic & Commutes: Can be frustrating and time-consuming.
• Urban Stress: The pace can be overwhelming; it’s not for everyone.

Enid

Pros:

• Extreme Affordability: Your money has incredible purchasing power.
• Safe & Family-Friendly: Lower crime rates and a strong sense of community.
• Easy Living: Minimal traffic, simple logistics, and a relaxed pace.
• Space: Get a big house and yard for a fraction of the cost.

Cons:

• Limited Diversity & Culture: Far fewer dining, entertainment, and cultural options.
• Remote Location: Isolated from major metros; travel requires planning.
• Job Market: More limited career opportunities outside of local industries.
• Slower Pace: Can feel boring or isolating if you crave constant stimulation.

The Final Word

The choice is yours. Philadelphia is an investment in an experience—a vibrant, challenging, and rewarding urban life. Enid is an investment in simplicity and financial freedom—a chance to breathe, build equity, and enjoy a quieter, more predictable life.

The data is clear: If your priority is maximizing your dollar, feeling safe, and enjoying a slower pace, Enid is the unequivocal choice. If your priority is career growth, cultural immersion, and the energy of a major city, Philadelphia is worth the premium.

Now, go with your gut. Which life are you ready to live?