📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Levittown CDP and Phoenix
Head-to-Head Analysis
Levittown CDP vs Phoenix
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
Candidate A
Levittown CDP
PA
Cost Index 103.5
Median Income $102k
Rent (1BR) $1190
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Levittown CDP | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $101,619 | $79,664 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.1% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $311,000 | $457,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $null | $278 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,190 | $1,599 |
| Housing Cost Index | 117.8 | 124.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 100.3 | 98.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 413.7 | 691.8 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 25.1% | 33.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 30 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Phoenix vs. Levittown CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You’re staring at two vastly different beasts here. On one side, you’ve got Phoenix, the sprawling desert metropolis, a sun-baked giant of the Southwest. On the other, Levittown CDP—a classic, post-war suburban community on Long Island, New York. It’s like comparing a rugged off-road truck to a reliable family sedan. Both get you where you need to go, but the ride and the destination are worlds apart.
This isn't just about which city looks better on a map. It's about where you can build a life, stretch your paycheck, and feel at home. Whether you're a family chasing a backyard, a young professional hunting for a scene, or a retiree looking for peace, the right choice hinges on brutal honesty. Let's dive in.
The Vibe Check: Sun-Drenched Sprawl vs. Suburban Tradition
Phoenix is a city built on ambition and air conditioning. The vibe is unabashedly modern, fast-paced, and forward-looking. It’s a sprawling, car-centric landscape where strip malls give way to new subdivisions, and the skyline is dominated by sleek high-rises. The culture is a mix of Southwestern warmth, tech influences, and a "hustle" mentality. It’s for the go-getter, the sun-worshipper, and anyone who wants room to breathe—literally. You're trading historic charm for wide-open spaces and relentless growth.
Levittown CDP (Census Designated Place) is the quintessential American suburb. We’re talking about the original Levittown, the one that defined post-war suburban living. The vibe here is nostalgic, established, and family-centric. It’s a patchwork of modest, identical ranch homes, towering oak trees, and a strong sense of community. Life moves at a slower, more predictable pace. It’s for those who crave convenience, four distinct seasons, and the comfort of a well-trodden neighborhood. You're trading cutting-edge growth for stability and a deep-rooted identity.
- Phoenix is for: The adventurer, the career climber, the family that wants a big house and a backyard pool, the retiree seeking dry heat and golf courses.
- Levittown CDP is for: The traditionalist, the commuter, the family that values established schools and seasons, the buyer looking for a solid, affordable home without the big-city price tag.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. A $100,000 salary feels dramatically different in these two locations. Let's break down the cold, hard cash reality.
The Cost of Living Showdown
| Category | Phoenix, AZ | Levittown CDP, NY | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $457,000 | $311,000 | Levittown offers a 32% cheaper entry point for homeowners. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,599 | $1,190 | Phoenix rent is 34% higher. Levittown wins on monthly cash flow. |
| Housing Index | 124.3 | 117.8 | Phoenix housing is 5.5% above the national average; Levittown is slightly less. |
| Median Income | $79,664 | $101,619 | Levittown residents earn 27% more on average, helping offset costs. |
| Groceries | ~3% above nat'l avg | ~5% above nat'l avg | Both are pricey, but Levittown edges out Phoenix for food costs. |
| Utilities | Higher (AC costs) | Lower (but heating in winter) | Phoenix’s brutal summer AC bills vs. Levittown’s winter heating. It’s a wash. |
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Here’s the kicker. If you make $100,000 in Phoenix, you’re actually earning 25% more than the median household. Your purchasing power is strong, especially if you’re a two-income household. However, you’re battling a housing market that’s been red-hot, with median home prices at $457,000. Your money goes further than in, say, San Francisco, but you’re still paying a premium for the desert boom.
In Levittown CDP, earning $100,000 puts you slightly below the median income ($101,619). This is a critical point. While the home price is lower ($311,000), the local economy is more expensive on a relative scale. You’ll feel the pinch of taxes and competition more acutely. However, the lower home price means a smaller mortgage, which can be a huge relief.
Taxes: The Silent Budget Killer
This is a massive, often overlooked factor. Arizona has a progressive income tax, with rates ranging from 2.5% to 4.5%. New York State has a progressive tax system that can go as high as 10.9% for high earners. For someone making $100,000, the state income tax burden in New York will be significantly higher than in Arizona. This alone can swing the financial argument decisively toward Phoenix for many.
Dollar Power Verdict: Phoenix wins on pure purchasing power for most middle-class earners, thanks to lower state income taxes and a booming job market. Levittown offers lower absolute home prices, but the high cost of living in the broader NY metro area and steeper taxes eat into that advantage.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Phoenix is a classic Seller’s Market. Demand is fierce, driven by an influx of new residents and investors. Bidding wars are common. Renting is a viable, if pricey, alternative. The upside? A massive, diverse housing stock—from sleek downtown condos to sprawling suburban estates. The downside? You’ll need to act fast and likely pay over asking price.
Levittown CDP operates in a more balanced, sometimes Buyer-Friendly Market. The housing stock is older and more uniform (think classic Levittown ranches). While prices are rising, the pace is slower. Renting is easier to find and more affordable. For buyers, the lower median price point is a huge draw, but you’re often buying a home that may need updates. Competition exists but isn’t as cutthroat as in Phoenix.
Housing Verdict: Levittown CDP is the better bet for first-time homebuyers looking for an accessible entry into the market. Phoenix is for those with capital, competitive spirits, and a need for new construction.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Breakdown
Traffic & Commute
- Phoenix: A car is non-negotiable. The city is vast, and public transit is limited. Commutes can be long (30-60 minutes is common) and involve navigating sprawling freeways like the I-10 and Loop 101. Traffic is bad, but not as gridlocked as East Coast metros.
- Levittown CDP: You have access to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for commuting to NYC. For local errands, a car is still essential, but the scale is smaller. Traffic is heavily influenced by NYC commuters. The commute to Manhattan can be 60-90 minutes by train or car.
Verdict: Levittown CDP wins for commuters to NYC. Phoenix wins for local travel if you have a car and don’t need to go far.
Weather: The Ultimate Factor
- Phoenix: 55.0°F annual average is misleading. It’s a tale of two extremes. Summers are brutal, with 100°F+ days for months on end. The heat is dry, which some prefer, but it’s relentless. Winters are glorious, sunny, and mild. No snow. Zero humidity is a blessing for some.
- Levittown CDP: 54.0°F annual average is a true four-season experience. You get gorgeous springs, warm summers, stunning autumns, and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Humidity can be oppressive in summer. The weather is dynamic and can be unpredictable.
Verdict: This is purely personal. If you hate cold and snow, Phoenix is paradise. If you crave seasonal change and can’t stand extreme, prolonged heat, Levittown CDP is your winner.
Crime & Safety
- Phoenix: Violent Crime Rate: 691.8 per 100,000.
- Levittown CDP: Violent Crime Rate: 413.7 per 100,000.
- Analysis: Levittown CDP is statistically 40% safer than Phoenix in terms of violent crime. However, crime varies wildly by neighborhood in both cities. Phoenix has larger, more densely packed areas with higher crime rates, while Levittown CDP is a more uniform, residential suburb. Safety is a major concern for many, and the data gives a clear edge to Levittown.
Safety Verdict: Levittown CDP is the safer choice based on the provided statistics.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins and Why?
After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final call-out.
Winner for Families: Levittown CDP
Reasoning: Lower crime rates, established public schools, a classic suburban feel, and a more manageable housing market make Levittown the safer, more predictable bet for raising kids. The community vibe is tailored for family life.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Phoenix
Reasoning: The booming job market (especially in tech, healthcare, and finance), vibrant nightlife, endless outdoor activities (hiking, sports), and a younger, more dynamic population create a landscape full of opportunity and social energy.
Winner for Retirees: Phoenix (with a caveat)
Reasoning: The dry heat, world-class golf, and active adult communities are a massive draw. The $457,000 median home price is higher than Levittown, but the lower tax burden can make retirement savings last longer. The caveat? If you rely on family in the Northeast, the distance is a factor.
The Bottom Line: Pros & Cons
Phoenix, AZ
Pros:
- Strong Job Market & Growth: A hub for business and innovation.
- Affordable Housing (Relative): More house for your money than coastal metros.
- Year-Round Outdoor Living: Golf, hiking, and sunshine dominate.
- Lower Taxes: Significant savings on state income tax vs. NY.
Cons:
- Brutal Summer Heat: Months of 100°F+ weather can be draining and costly.
- Higher Crime Rate: Statistically less safe than Levittown.
- Car Dependency: Public transit is sparse; you need a vehicle.
- Sticker Shock: Rising home prices and rent.
Levittown CDP, NY
Pros:
- Safer & Established: Lower crime and a tight-knit community feel.
- Access to NYC: Commuter rail to one of the world's biggest job markets.
- Four Distinct Seasons: If you love seasonal change, this is it.
- More Accessible Housing Market: Lower median home price and rent.
Cons:
- High Cost of Living & Taxes: NY state taxes and metro-area costs eat into your salary.
- Stagnant Job Market (Locally): Relies heavily on the NYC commute.
- Older Housing Stock: Many homes need updates.
- Commuting Hassle: NYC commute is long and expensive.
The Final Word: If your priority is career growth, sunshine, and maximizing your dollar, Phoenix is your city. If your priority is safety, community, and a classic suburban lifestyle with access to NYC, Levittown CDP is the smarter move. The choice isn't about right or wrong—it's about what feels like home.