O'Fallon vs New York

Category / Metric	O'Fallon	New York
Financial Overview
Median Income	$103,301	$76,577
Unemployment Rate	4%	5.3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$372,500	$875,000
Price per SqFt	$171	$604
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$914	$2,451
Housing Cost Index	80.3	149.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	101.9	109.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.89
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	542.7	364.2
Bachelor's Degree+	43.1%	42.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	31

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between New York and O'Fallon.

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New York vs. O'Fallon: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, the electric, unapologetic energy of New York City—the city that never sleeps, the cultural capital of the world, the ultimate grind. On the other, O'Fallon, Illinois—a sprawling, quiet suburb of St. Louis, offering a slower pace, more space, and a distinctly Midwestern sensibility.

This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it's a choice between two entirely different ways of life. Whether you're a young professional chasing a dream, a family looking for stability, or a retiree seeking peace, the data—and the vibe—tell a clear story. Let’s break it down.

The Vibe Check: Concrete Jungle vs. Suburban Sanctuary

New York is a sensory overload in the best way possible. It’s the hum of the subway, the glow of Times Square, the smell of street carts, and the constant buzz of ambition. Life here is lived in public spaces—parks, subway cars, bodegas. It’s fast, it’s demanding, and it rewards those who can keep up. This city is for the hustlers, the artists, the dreamers, and anyone who wants to feel like they’re at the center of the universe. If you crave anonymity within a crowd and endless options for entertainment, this is your playground.

O'Fallon is the definition of a "breather." It’s a place of front porches, wide streets, and community events. Life revolves around local parks, chain restaurants, and the nearby Scott Air Force Base, which drives the local economy. It’s family-centric, quiet, and predictable. This city is for those who value stability, space, and a sense of community over constant stimulation. If you want to know your neighbors, enjoy a backyard barbecue, and avoid the chaos of a major metropolis, O'Fallon is your haven.

Verdict: It’s apples and oranges. New York is for those who want to conquer the world; O'Fallon is for those who want to build a life.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power.

New York is infamous for "sticker shock." The cost of living is astronomical, and while salaries are higher, they often don't keep pace. The median home price of $875,000 is nearly 2.35 times the median income, putting homeownership out of reach for many. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment eats up a significant chunk of a paycheck.

O'Fallon offers a radically different value proposition. With a median home price of $372,500 and a lower median income of $103,301, the housing-to-income ratio is much healthier. The most striking difference? Rent. In O'Fallon, you can rent a 1-bedroom for $914—less than half the cost of New York. That’s not just savings; that’s freedom.

Here’s the side-by-side breakdown:

Expense Category	New York	O'Fallon	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$875,000	$372,500	O'Fallon is 57% cheaper to buy a home.
Rent (1BR)	$2,451	$914	O'Fallon rent is 63% cheaper.
Housing Index	149.3	80.3	NYC is 86% more expensive for housing.
Median Income	$76,577	$103,301	Surprisingly, O'Fallon has a 35% higher median income.

The "Purchasing Power" Verdict:
Let’s imagine you earn $100,000.

• In New York, after taxes (NY has a ~4-8% state income tax), you’re taking home roughly $72,000. Your rent alone ($2,451/mo) would consume $29,412 of that, leaving you with $42,588 for everything else. This is tight, especially with NYC's high prices for groceries, transit, and entertainment.
• In O'Fallon, after Illinois taxes (a flat 4.95%), your take-home is closer to $75,000. Your rent ($914/mo) is just $10,968 annually, leaving you with a staggering $64,032 for savings, travel, and life. That’s over $20,000 more in your pocket annually.

Winner for Purchasing Power: O'Fallon. By a landslide.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Run?

New York: The market is a brutal, competitive beast. It’s a permanent seller's market. Inventory is chronically low, bidding wars are common, and the barrier to entry is sky-high. Renting is the default for most, but even that is a cutthroat game. You’re paying a premium for location and access, not space.

O'Fallon: The market is far more accessible. While it’s a moderately competitive buyer's market (especially compared to national hotspots), you get significantly more for your money. A $372,500 home in O'Fallon might get you a 3-4 bedroom, 2-bath house with a yard. In New York, that same price point might get you a studio in a distant borough or a fixer-upper with "good bones" (and plenty of "character," i.e., problems). Renting is easier and cheaper, but buying is a realistic goal for a middle-class family.

Winner for Affordability & Space: O'Fallon.

The Dealbreakers: Life Beyond the Price Tag

Traffic & Commute

• New York: The subway is a marvel (when it works) and a nightmare (when it doesn’t). Owning a car is a liability—parking is a fortune, traffic is legendary, and insurance is expensive. Most rely on public transit, which is fast but crowded.
• O'Fallon: This is a car-dependent city. You will drive everywhere. Commutes are generally short (under 20 minutes), traffic is minimal, and parking is free. The trade-off is the lack of public transit and the need for a reliable vehicle.

Weather

• New York: All four seasons, with a vengeance. Winters are cold and snowy (average 50°F), summers are hot and humid. You’ll need a full wardrobe and a tolerance for gray skies.
• O'Fallon: Similar four-season climate, but slightly colder on average (39°F). Winters can be icy, summers are humid. It’s Midwest weather—variable and sometimes harsh, but manageable.

Crime & Safety

Here’s where the data gets interesting. The violent crime rate is a critical factor.

• New York: The rate is 364.2 per 100,000. While this is high, it’s important to note that crime is hyper-local. Some neighborhoods are incredibly safe, while others have higher rates. The overall perception, however, is often one of caution.
• O'Fallon: The rate is 542.7 per 100,000—significantly higher than New York. This statistic is shocking to many and is a crucial consideration. It suggests that despite its suburban feel, O'Fallon faces real safety challenges. This is a major dealbreaker for some families.

Safety Verdict: New York has a statistically lower violent crime rate, though it varies by neighborhood. O'Fallon's higher rate is a red flag that requires local research.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Where?

There is no single "winner." The right choice depends entirely on your priorities, life stage, and tolerance for trade-offs.

Winner for Families: O'Fallon (with a caveat)

• Why: Space, affordability, and community. A family can afford a home, a yard, and good schools without breaking the bank. The higher median income and lower costs create a stable financial foundation.
• The Caveat: You must deeply research the local schools and neighborhood crime stats. The high violent crime rate is a serious concern that cannot be ignored.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: New York

• Why: Career opportunities, networking, and social life. The city is unmatched for building a resume, making connections, and having an endless array of things to do. You pay for it in dollars and space, but for many, the experience is priceless. O'Fallon offers little for this demographic in terms of nightlife or career advancement outside of the military/defense sector.

Winner for Retirees: O'Fallon

• Why: Financial security and comfort. Your retirement savings will stretch much further. You can live in a spacious home, avoid the stress of big-city life, and enjoy a quieter pace. The trade-off is the lack of world-class cultural amenities and healthcare options (though St. Louis is nearby).

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Final Pros & Cons

New York: The Empire State of Mind

PROS:

• Unmatched Opportunity: Career, culture, and networking are world-class.
• Walkability & Transit: No car needed (in most areas).
• Endless Entertainment: World-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and events.
• Diversity: A melting pot of cultures, foods, and ideas.

CONS:

• Staggering Cost of Living: Rent, home prices, and daily expenses are brutal.
• Low Purchasing Power: High salaries don’t stretch far.
• Stress & Pace: The city can be overwhelming and exhausting.
• Crowds & Noise: Privacy is a luxury.

O'Fallon: The Suburban Comfort Zone

PROS:

• Excellent Purchasing Power: Your salary goes much, much further.
• Affordable Housing: Homeownership is a realistic goal.
• Quiet & Spacious: Less noise, more personal space.
• Higher Median Income: Surprisingly robust local economy.

CONS:

• Car Dependency: You must drive everywhere.
• High Violent Crime Rate: A statistically significant and concerning data point.
• Limited Culture & Nightlife: Far fewer amenities and events.
• Isolation: Can feel disconnected from major urban energy.

The Bottom Line: If you value financial freedom, space, and a quiet life above all else, and are willing to do your due diligence on safety, O'Fallon is a compelling choice. If you are chasing career peaks, cultural immersion, and urban energy, and can stomach the financial grind, New York remains an unbeatable, albeit expensive, powerhouse.