Moore vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Moore	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$76,941	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$221,750	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$152	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$773	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	78.1	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+	27.7%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Philadelphia and Moore.

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Head-to-Head: Philadelphia vs. Moore — The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you’ve got Philadelphia—the gritty, historic, fast-paced East Coast heavyweight. On the other, Moore—the quiet, affordable, growing suburb nestled in the heart of Oklahoma.

This isn’t just about picking a zip code; it’s about choosing a lifestyle. Are you craving the electric hum of city life, or the peace of a backyard BBQ? Let’s dig into the data, cut through the noise, and figure out which city deserves your commitment.

The Vibe Check: Urban Jungle vs. Suburban Sanctuary

Philadelphia is a city with a chip on its shoulder. It’s the "City of Brotherly Love" that’s actually got a pretty tough exterior. This is a place where history lives on every corner, but so does a thriving arts scene, world-class universities, and a food culture that rivals any major metro. The vibe is fast, gritty, and unapologetically authentic. You walk more, you take public transit, and you’re constantly surrounded by people. It’s for the hustlers, the culture vultures, and anyone who thinks a quiet Saturday is a wasted one.

Moore, by contrast, is the definition of suburban comfort. Located in the Oklahoma City metro area, Moore is about family, space, and a slower pace. It’s clean, safe, and feels like a community where people actually know their neighbors. The culture here is rooted in classic American values: football on Friday nights, church on Sunday, and big-box shopping on the weekend. It’s for those who prioritize breathing room, safety, and a cost of living that doesn’t keep you up at night.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia: The ambitious professional, the history nerd, the foodie, and the extrovert who thrives in crowds.
• Moore: The family-oriented, the budget-conscious, the peace-seeker, and anyone who wants a spacious home without a massive mortgage.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?

Let’s be real: money talks. But it’s not just about what you earn; it’s about what you can buy with it. This is where the "Oklahoma Advantage" starts to shine.

First, a critical note: Taxes. While Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%, Oklahoma’s tax is graduated, topping out at 4.75%. However, Moore residents benefit from significantly lower property taxes and no state tax on Social Security benefits, which is a huge plus for retirees. For working professionals, the lack of a state income tax isn't the only factor—low living costs are the real game-changer.

Cost of Living Table

Category	Philadelphia	Moore	The Difference
Median Income	$60,302	$76,941	Moore residents earn 27% more on average.
Median Home Price	$270,375	$221,750	Philly homes are 22% more expensive.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$773	Philly rent is 88% higher.
Housing Index	117.8 (Above Avg)	78.1 (Below Avg)	Philly is nearly 50% more expensive for housing.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s run a scenario. Imagine you earn $100,000 a year.

• In Philadelphia: Your take-home pay after taxes is roughly $76,000. Your rent alone for a 1-bedroom is $1,451/month ($17,412/year), eating up 23% of your net income. You’re left with $58,588 for everything else—groceries, utilities, transit, and fun. It’s doable, but you’re budgeting carefully.
• In Moore: Your take-home pay is roughly $75,000 (due to higher state tax). Your rent is $773/month ($9,276/year), consuming only 12% of your net income. You have $65,724 left over. That’s an extra $7,136 in your pocket annually—just from housing savings.

Insight: Even with a slightly higher tax rate, the purchasing power in Moore is substantially greater. The "sticker shock" in Philadelphia is real, while Moore offers incredible bang for your buck. Utilities and groceries are also generally lower in Oklahoma, though the price gap isn't as dramatic as housing.

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The Housing Market: Buy or Rent?

Philadelphia: A Seller’s Market with a Twist

Buying in Philly is competitive, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Fishtown, Rittenhouse, or Queen Village. The median price of $270k is deceptive; it averages expensive center city homes with more affordable rowhouses in emerging areas. It’s a seller’s market in prime locations, with homes often selling above asking price. Renting is the norm for many, but the rental market is tight and prices are rising. If you’re a buyer, you need to be ready to move fast and potentially compromise on space.

Moore: A Buyer’s Playground

With a median home price of $221k and a housing index of 78.1, Moore is a dream for aspiring homeowners. The market is far less frenetic. You get significantly more square footage for your money—think sprawling single-family homes with yards, often for less than a starter condo in Philly. It’s a buyer’s market in the sense that you have more options and negotiating power. For renters, the low cost of entry makes it easy to save for a down payment.

Verdict: If your goal is to own a home without a crushing mortgage, Moore wins hands down. Philadelphia offers historic charm and walkability, but at a premium.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: A commuter’s reality. The SEPTA system (buses, subways, trolleys) is extensive but can be unreliable. Driving is a nightmare with aggressive traffic, expensive parking, and potholes that could swallow a tire. The average commute is lengthy and stressful.
• Moore: Car-dependent. You’ll drive to work, the grocery store, and everywhere else. Traffic is minimal compared to a major metro. Commutes within the OKC metro are generally straightforward, but you can’t walk to a corner cafe. It’s easy driving, but it’s driving.

Weather: A Tale of Two Climates

This is the great equalizer. Both cities have an average annual temperature of 52°F, but the experience is wildly different.

• Philadelphia: Experience all four seasons, intensely. Summers are hot and humid (often in the 80s-90s°F with oppressive humidity). Winters are cold, snowy, and bleak. Spring and fall are beautiful but short-lived.
• Moore: Classic continental climate. Summers are scorching hot (regularly hitting 95°F+) with dry heat. Winters are milder but can bring ice storms. Tornadoes are a genuine seasonal risk (Moore has a tragic history with them). The weather is more predictable than Philly’s mood swings, but the heat is brutal.

Crime & Safety: The Hard Numbers

This is a critical, non-negotiable category. Let’s look at the violent crime rates per 100,000 people.

City	Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)	Context
Philadelphia	726.5	Significantly above the national average. Crime is concentrated but pervasive.
Moore	458.6	Below the national average (~398), but higher than many Oklahoma suburbs.

Honest Assessment: Philadelphia is statistically more dangerous, especially in certain neighborhoods. While areas like Center City are heavily policed and relatively safe, you must be aware of your surroundings. Moore is safer by the numbers, but it’s not crime-free. It’s a typical suburban environment with low-level property crime being the main concern. For families, Moore’s safety profile is a major draw.

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Head-to-Head Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Unbeatable Culture: World-class museums, theaters, and a legendary food scene.
• Walkability & Transit: You can live without a car (and the associated costs).
• Diverse Economy: Strong jobs in healthcare, education, finance, and tech.
• Historic Charm: Living in a city that shaped American history.
• Proximity: Close to NYC, DC, and the Jersey Shore.

Cons:

• High Cost of Living: Especially housing and taxes.
• Crime & Safety: A constant concern that varies drastically by neighborhood.
• Traffic & Parking: Infamous and expensive.
• Harsh Winters & Humid Summers: Weather can be punishing.
• Gritty Vibe: Not for everyone; can feel overwhelming.

Moore

Pros:

• Exceptional Affordability: Low housing costs and high purchasing power.
• Family-Friendly: Safe, good schools, and a strong community feel.
• Spacious Living: More home and yard for your money.
• Low Traffic: Easy commutes and minimal congestion.
• Outdoor Access: Proximity to lakes, parks, and wide-open spaces.

Cons:

• Car Dependency: You need a car for everything.
• Limited Cultural Scene: Fewer museums, concerts, and dining options.
• Tornado Risk: A genuine seasonal threat.
• Isolation: Far from major coastal metros (OKC is the main hub).
• Slower Pace: Can feel boring if you thrive on urban energy.

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The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?

After breaking down the data, the vibe, and the daily realities, the choice becomes clear based on your priorities.

🏆 Winner for Families: Moore

Why: The combination of safety, space, and affordability is a winning formula. You can afford a larger home in a quiet neighborhood with good schools. The lower cost of living allows for a better quality of life—more vacations, more savings for college, less financial stress. The community-oriented vibe is perfect for raising kids.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia

Why: Career opportunities, social life, and cultural energy. If you’re in your 20s or 30s and want to be where the action is, Philly delivers. The dating scene is vibrant, the networking is endless, and you can build a career without being tied to a car. The higher cost is the price of admission to an exciting, dynamic life.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Moore

Why: Financial security and peace. With a lower cost of living, your retirement savings stretch much further. Oklahoma’s property taxes are low, and while Social Security is taxable, the overall burden is manageable. The slower pace, safe environment, and lack of urban stress are ideal for the golden years. (Note: Philly’s walkability is a plus, but the higher cost and safety concerns often outweigh it for retirees on a fixed income).

The Bottom Line

Choose Philadelphia if you value culture, walkability, and career opportunities over budget, and you’re willing to trade square footage for a walkable, historic, and vibrant urban experience.

Choose Moore if you value financial freedom, safety, space, and a quiet, family-centric lifestyle over the buzz of a major city. It’s the smart money choice for the long haul.

Ultimately, this showdown isn’t about which city is "better"—it’s about which city is better for you. If you want a life of big-city energy, Philadelphia is your town. If you want a life of comfort, space, and financial breathing room, Moore is calling your name.