📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between O'Fallon and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
O'Fallon vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | O'Fallon | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $103,301 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $372,500 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $171 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $914 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 80.3 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 101.9 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 542.7 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 43.1% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 33 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs. O'Fallon: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing between Los Angeles and O'Fallon is like choosing between a high-stakes poker game and a comfortable game of checkers. One offers adrenaline, glamour, and world-class opportunities (with a price tag to match), while the other promises stability, space, and a dramatically lower cost of living. You're not just picking a zip code; you're picking a lifestyle. Let's break it down to see where you belong.
The Vibe Check: Hollywood Dreams vs. Heartland Reality
Los Angeles is the quintessential big-city hustle. It’s the land of dreamers, doers, and traffic jams. The culture is diverse, fast-paced, and entertainment-focused. From the beaches of Santa Monica to the grit of Downtown LA, the city pulses with creative energy. It’s for the ambitious professional, the aspiring artist, the foodie, and anyone who thrives on constant stimulation. The vibe is "hustle culture" with a side of sunshine.
O'Fallon, on the other hand, is a classic Midwestern gem. Located in the St. Louis metro area, it’s a sprawling suburb that prioritizes community, family, and practicality. The pace is slower, the people are friendlier, and the focus is on work-life balance. It’s for families seeking excellent schools, young professionals wanting a house without a mountain of debt, and anyone who prefers a quiet night in over a night out. The vibe is "stable and sensible."
Who is each city for?
- Los Angeles is for the go-getter who wants access to global industries, doesn't mind a higher cost for that access, and finds energy in the chaos.
- O'Fallon is for the pragmatist who values financial freedom, space, and a strong community, and is willing to trade ocean views for a larger backyard.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk about "purchasing power." You could earn a six-figure salary in both places, but your lifestyle will look worlds apart.
The Sticker Shock Factor: Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. The median home price is a staggering $1,002,500—over 2.5 times more expensive than O'Fallon's $372,500. Rent follows the same brutal pattern. The "Housing Index" (where 100 is the national average) tells the story: LA is at 173.0 (73% above average), while O'Fallon is at 80.3 (nearly 20% below average).
Salary Wars & The Tax Squeeze: This is O'Fallon's knockout punch. The median income in O'Fallon is $103,301, which is $23,600 higher than LA's $79,701. But the real magic is in the tax code. California has some of the highest income and sales taxes in the nation. Texas (where O'Fallon is located) has 0% state income tax. That means your paycheck goes further from the start.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Expense Category | Los Angeles | O'Fallon | Winner for Your Wallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $372,500 | 🏆 O'Fallon |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $914 | 🏆 O'Fallon |
| Housing Index | 173.0 (Expensive) | 80.3 (Affordable) | 🏆 O'Fallon |
| Median Income | $79,701 | $103,301 | 🏆 O'Fallon |
| State Income Tax | High (Up to 13.3%) | 0% | 🏆 O'Fallon |
Verdict: If you earn $100,000, your quality of life in O'Fallon will be exponentially higher. You'd be a median earner there, able to afford a home comfortably. In LA, you'd be below the median income, struggling with rent, and fighting for a tiny piece of an impossibly expensive market. For pure financial logic, O'Fallon wins in a landslide.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent Reality
Los Angeles: The market is a relentless seller's market. With a population of 3.8 million and limited space, demand always outstrips supply. Buying a home is a monumental financial achievement, often requiring a massive down payment and navigating bidding wars. Renting is more common, but it's a constant drain on resources with little long-term equity payoff. The dream of homeownership is just that for many—a dream.
O'Fallon: This is a healthy, buyer-friendly market. With a population of 94,073, there's more space to build and expand. The median home price of $372,500 is attainable for a dual-income family with a solid savings plan. Rent is a fraction of the cost, making it a great place to save for a down payment. You can realistically expect to own a single-family home with a yard—a near-impossibility for the average Angeleno.
Verdict: O'Fallon is the clear winner for anyone who views a home as a financial cornerstone and a place to build a life, not just a roof over your head.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute:
- Los Angeles: Infamous. The average commute is over 30 minutes, but congestion is a daily reality. Traffic can turn a 10-mile drive into a 60-minute ordeal. Public transit exists but is limited compared to other major metros.
- O'Fallon: A commuter's dream. While you may commute into St. Louis, traffic is manageable. The city is designed for cars, and most errands are a short drive away. You'll spend far less time in your car and more time at home.
Weather:
- Los Angeles: The weather is the city's most famous asset. Averaging a mild 54.0°F, it's often called "eternal spring." No snow, minimal rain, and plenty of sun. It's perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
- O'Fallon: You get all four seasons. Winters are cold with an average of 39.0°F, and you'll see snow. Summers can be hot and humid. If you love seasonal changes, it's great. If you hate shoveling snow, it's a major downside.
Crime & Safety:
- Los Angeles: Violent crime is a significant concern. The rate is 732.5 per 100,000 people, which is 35% higher than the U.S. national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood, with some areas being very safe and others requiring more caution.
- O'Fallon: Violent crime is 542.7 per 100,000 people. While still above the national average, it is notably lower than Los Angeles. As a suburb, it generally feels safer and more family-oriented.
Verdict: O'Fallon wins on traffic, safety, and cost-of-living stability. Los Angeles wins on weather and year-round outdoor potential.
The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?
🏆 Winner for Families: O'Fallon
The combination of lower crime, better schools (typically), and the ability to afford a spacious home with a yard makes it a no-brainer. Your money goes further, and the community vibe is built around family life.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Los Angeles (with a caveat)
If your career is in entertainment, tech, or a creative field, LA's network and opportunities are unmatched. The social scene is vibrant and diverse. However, this is only true if you have a high income or a solid career path lined up. For the average young professional, O'Fallon offers a much better financial launchpad.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: O'Fallon
Stability, affordability, and a lower cost of living are king for retirees. O'Fallon allows you to stretch your retirement savings, enjoy a safe community, and avoid the high taxes and expenses of California. The weather may be a trade-off, but the financial freedom is unbeatable.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Los Angeles
- Pros: World-class career opportunities, incredible weather year-round, immense cultural diversity, global food scene, access to beaches and mountains.
- Cons: Extreme cost of living, brutal traffic, high taxes, competitive housing market, significant income inequality, and higher crime rates.
O'Fallon
- Pros: Very affordable cost of living, higher median income, 0% state income tax, family-friendly atmosphere, lower crime, more space for your money, manageable commutes.
- Cons: Less diverse career options, colder winters, less cultural excitement, fewer world-class entertainment options, and a more homogenous culture.
The Bottom Line: If you're chasing a fast-paced, world-class career and can afford the premium, Los Angeles will provide an unparalleled experience. But if you're looking to build wealth, raise a family in a safe environment, and enjoy a comfortable, sensible lifestyle without financial stress, O'Fallon is the smarter, more sustainable choice. For most people, O'Fallon offers the better overall bang for your buck.