đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Moore and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Moore vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Moore | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $76,941 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $221,750 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $152 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $773 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 78.1 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.2 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 458.6 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 27.7% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Head-to-Head: Los Angeles vs. Moore
The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
Let’s be real: choosing between Los Angeles and Moore is like choosing between a high-octane energy drink and a solid cup of breakfast coffee. One is intense, expensive, and wakes you right up; the other is steady, affordable, and gets the job done without breaking the bank.
If you're staring at these two cities on a map, you're likely looking at two drastically different versions of the American Dream. One is a global icon plastered on movie screens; the other is a quiet suburban stronghold in the heart of Oklahoma.
Whether you're chasing the spotlight or seeking a peaceful home base, this breakdown will cut through the noise. We’re diving deep into the data, the lifestyle, and those inevitable dealbreakers to help you decide where to plant your roots.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Heartland
Los Angeles: The Global Stage
LA isn't just a city; it's an ecosystem. The vibe here is electric, competitive, and relentlessly creative. It’s a sprawling metropolis where traffic is a lifestyle, and ambition is the local currency. You’re trading space for access—access to world-class dining, diverse cultures, and industries that shape the world. It’s for the hustler, the artist, the dreamer who believes the grind is worth the view.
Moore: The Community Anchor
Moore, Oklahoma, is the picture of American suburbia. It’s a city built on community, family, and practicality. The pace is slower, the connections are deeper, and the focus is on quality of life over celebrity sightings. Think Friday night football games, wide-open skies, and a neighborly wave while mowing the lawn. It’s for the pragmatist, the family-builder, and anyone who values stability and space over the hustle.
Who is it for?
- Los Angeles is for the career-driven, the social butterfly, and those who thrive in high-energy environments. If you need endless options and don’t mind the chaos, this is your playground.
- Moore is for those prioritizing affordability, safety, and a strong sense of community. It’s ideal for families looking to stretch their dollar and professionals who prefer a quieter home life.
The Dollar Power: Can Your Salary Actually Live?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. The median incomes are surprisingly close—$79,701 in LA vs. $76,941 in Moore. But that’s where the similarity ends. The cost of living tells the real story.
Cost of Living Breakdown
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll pay for basic necessities.
| Category | Los Angeles, CA | Moore, OK | Winner (Bang for Buck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $221,750 | Moore (by a mile) |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $773 | Moore |
| Housing Index | 173.0 (73% above avg) | 78.1 (22% below avg) | Moore |
| Utilities | High (mild temps, high rates) | Moderate (seasonal extremes) | Tie/Depends |
| Groceries | ~25% above nat’l avg | ~2% below nat’l avg | Moore |
The Salary Wars: $100k in LA vs. Moore
If you earn $100,000 a year:
- In Los Angeles: You’re above the median, but you’re firmly in the middle class. After California’s high income tax (up to 13.3% for top earners) and the astronomical housing costs, that paycheck shrinks fast. You’ll likely rent a modest 1BR apartment and budget carefully for dining out. The "sticker shock" is real.
- In Moore: You’re a high earner. With Oklahoma’s flat income tax rate of 4.75% (and no tax on Social Security benefits), your money goes much further. You could easily afford a mortgage on a 3-4 bedroom home, own a car (no payments!), and save aggressively. Your purchasing power is exponentially higher.
Verdict on Dollar Power: Moore wins decisively. Unless your career requires an LA salary to reach its ceiling, your money simply performs better in Oklahoma. In LA, you’re paying a premium for the zip code; in Moore, you’re investing in a tangible lifestyle.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Reality
Los Angeles: The Seller’s Kingdom
Buying in LA is a high-stakes game. With a median home price over $1 million, the barrier to entry is immense. The market is fiercely competitive, often requiring all-cash offers or waiving contingencies just to be considered. Renting is the default for most under 40, but even that is a financial strain. Availability is tight, and prices rarely dip. It’s a classic seller’s market where demand always outpaces supply.
Moore: The Buyer’s Arena
Moore presents a starkly different landscape. The median home price of $221,750 is within reach for many dual-income households. The market is far more stable and accessible, with a healthier inventory of homes. You get significantly more square footage and land for your money. While competition exists for prime properties, it’s not the cutthroat environment of LA. For renters, the low costs make saving for a down payment a realistic, near-term goal.
The Takeaway: If homeownership is a dream, Moore makes it a tangible plan. In Los Angeles, it’s a long-term (and often high-debt) aspiration for the average earner.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors
Traffic & Commute
- Los Angeles: Legendary. The average commute can easily be 45-60+ minutes each way. The 405 and 10 freeways are parking lots at rush hour. Car ownership is non-negotiable, and gas prices are among the highest in the nation. Time is a currency you spend sitting in traffic.
- Moore: Minimal. Traffic is light, and commutes are typically short and stress-free. Most errands can be done within a 15-20 minute drive. The biggest hassle might be waiting for a train to pass.
Weather & Climate
- Los Angeles: Mediterranean perfection. Average highs in the 60s-80s year-round. No snow, mild winters. The "June Gloom" (morning marine layer) is the biggest surprise. It’s dry, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities.
- Moore: Continental extremes. Hot, humid summers with temps regularly hitting the 90s and high humidity. Winters can bring ice storms and occasional snow (rare but disruptive). Tornado risk is a real consideration, requiring a weather-aware mindset. The weather is a true four-season experience, for better or worse.
Crime & Safety
- Los Angeles: Violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100,000. This is significantly above the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, crime is a city-wide issue that requires vigilance and research into specific areas.
- Moore: Violent crime rate is 458.6 per 100,000. This is still above the national average but notably lower than LA. It reflects a generally safer, more tightly-knit community feel, though no city is immune to crime.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins the Showdown?
There is no single "winner"—it depends entirely on your life stage and priorities. Here’s the breakdown:
🏆 Winner for Families: Moore
Without a doubt. The combination of affordable housing, lower crime rates, shorter commutes, and a community-focused lifestyle makes Moore the superior choice for raising children. Your dollar stretches further, allowing for more family activities, savings for college, and a larger home.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Los Angeles
If you're under 35, ambitious, and want to build a career and social network in high-powered industries (entertainment, tech, fashion), LA is the place to be. The networking opportunities, cultural experiences, and sheer energy are unmatched. Just be prepared for the financial grind.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Moore
For retirees on a fixed income, Moore is a financial sanctuary. The lower cost of living, especially housing and taxes, means retirement savings last much longer. The slower pace and strong community are ideal for a relaxed retirement, though the summer heat is a consideration.
Quick Pros & Cons
Los Angeles
Pros:
- Unmatched career opportunities in creative and tech fields.
- Incredible cultural, dining, and entertainment options.
- Iconic weather year-round.
- Diverse population and global connections.
Cons:
- Extreme cost of living (especially housing).
- Brutal traffic and long commutes.
- High state income tax.
- Competitive and sometimes high-pressure social environment.
Moore
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable housing and cost of living.
- Short, stress-free commutes.
- Family-friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.
- Lower taxes and stronger purchasing power.
Cons:
- Limited career opportunities outside of specific industries (healthcare, education, oil/gas).
- Hot, humid summers and severe weather risk (tornadoes).
- Fewer options for high-end dining, arts, and nightlife.
- More conservative cultural and political landscape.
The Bottom Line: Choose Los Angeles if you’re chasing a specific dream and are willing to pay the premium for it. Choose Moore if you’re building a life and want your money and time to work for you.
Ready to decide? Your budget and lifestyle will tell you everything you need to know.