📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between O'Fallon and Phoenix
Head-to-Head Analysis
O'Fallon vs Phoenix
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | O'Fallon | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $103,301 | $79,664 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4% | 4.1% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $372,500 | $457,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $171 | $278 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $914 | $1,599 |
| Housing Cost Index | 80.3 | 124.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 101.9 | 98.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 542.7 | 691.8 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 43.1% | 33.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 33 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Head-to-Head: Phoenix vs. O'Fallon – Where Should You Plant Your Roots?
Let’s be real: choosing a city isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about the life you wake up to every day. You’re standing at a crossroads between two radically different vibes. On one side, you have Phoenix—the sprawling, sun-drenched desert metropolis of 1.6 million people. It’s the fifth-largest city in the U.S., a place where the economy hums, the skyline is rising, and the heat is a character in the story.
On the other side, you have O’Fallon. Not the one in Missouri, but the one in Illinois—part of the St. Louis metro area. It’s a mid-sized suburb of about 94,000 people. It’s quieter, greener, and feels like a classic slice of Midwestern life. It’s not trying to be the biggest, but for its residents, it might just be the best.
So, which one deserves your move? We’re going to break it down like we’re sitting across from you at a coffee shop. We’ll look at the wallet, the home, the lifestyle, and the intangibles. Grab your coffee; let’s dive in.
The Vibe Check: Desert Hustle vs. Midwestern Charm
Phoenix is a city that moves. It’s a transplant hub, drawing people from all over the country with its promise of sunshine, a booming job market (especially in tech, healthcare, and aerospace), and a relatively low cost of living for a major metro. The culture is a blend of urban energy and sprawling suburbia. Think: downtown breweries, Cardinals games, hiking Camelback Mountain at sunrise, and driving everywhere. It’s fast-paced, diverse, and unapologetically modern.
O’Fallon is the definition of a "bedroom community." It’s where families set down roots. The pace is slower, the community is tighter-knit, and the connection to larger urban amenities comes via a 30-minute drive to downtown St. Louis. The vibe is classic suburban America: well-kept parks, strong public schools, and a sense of local pride. It’s not about the hustle; it’s about stability, community, and raising a family in a safe, predictable environment.
Who are they for?
- Phoenix is for the career-driven, the sun-worshippers, the adventurers, and those who want the amenities of a major city without the price tag of L.A. or San Francisco.
- O’Fallon is for families prioritizing schools and safety, Midwesterners seeking a lower cost of living, and anyone who prefers four distinct seasons over a desert climate.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Farther?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. A salary of $100,000 feels wildly different in these two cities.
First, a critical note on taxes: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. Arizona also has a flat tax, but it’s lower at 2.5%. However, property taxes can vary. Illinois is known for higher property taxes, which will impact homeowners. For renters, the income tax is a direct hit on your paycheck.
Now, let’s look at the core costs of living.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Phoenix, AZ | O'Fallon, IL | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $457,000 | $372,500 | O’Fallon is $84,500 cheaper. A significant win. |
| 1-BR Rent | $1,599 | $914 | O’Fallon is nearly 43% cheaper for renters. This is a massive monthly savings. |
| Housing Index | 124.3 | 80.3 | O’Fallon is below the national average (100); Phoenix is 24% above. |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 691.8 | 542.7 | Both are above the U.S. average (~398), but Phoenix is 27% higher. |
| Avg. High Temp (°F) | 99.9 | 65.9 | Phoenix summer is brutal; O’Fallon has a true winter. |
The Salary Wars:
Let's run a scenario. You earn a $100,000 salary.
- In Phoenix: After Arizona's 2.5% state tax, you take home roughly $97,500. But that $457,000 home price and $1,599 rent eat into that quickly. The Housing Index of 124.3 means you're paying a premium for shelter. Your dollar works, but it's working hard.
- In O’Fallon: After Illinois's 4.95% state tax, your take-home is about $95,050—slightly less. But the $372,500 home and $914 rent are dramatically lower. The Housing Index of 80.3 means your money goes much further for a roof over your head.
Verdict on Dollar Power: O’Fallon wins decisively. The savings on housing are so substantial that they outweigh the slightly higher income tax. You'll feel richer in O'Fallon, with more disposable income for travel, savings, or dining out.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition
Phoenix: A Seller’s Market, Historically Hot.
Phoenix has been one of the hottest housing markets in the country for years. The median home price of $457,000 is a testament to intense demand from both locals and out-of-state buyers. While the market has cooled slightly from its pandemic peak, it remains competitive. You’re likely to face bidding wars, especially for homes under $500k. Renting is also competitive, with $1,599 for a 1-bedroom being the norm. Availability can be tight, and prices are sensitive to the broader economic climate.
O’Fallon: A More Balanced, Buyer-Friendly Market.
O’Fallon offers a stark contrast. With a median home price of $372,500 and a Housing Index of 80.3, the market is far more accessible. It’s less prone to the wild swings of coastal or booming markets. You’ll have more negotiating power, less competition, and a better chance of finding a home without a frantic bidding war. Renting is also easier on the wallet and likely easier to find. For a first-time homebuyer, O’Fallon presents a much lower barrier to entry.
Verdict: If you’re looking to buy with a moderate budget and want to avoid a cutthroat market, O’Fallon is the clear winner. Phoenix is possible, but you need a larger budget and a lot of patience.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference overrides data.
Traffic & Commute:
- Phoenix: Traffic is real. The Valley of the Sun is vast, and commutes can be long. The average commute time is about 26 minutes, but that can easily stretch to 45+ minutes during peak hours on I-10 or the Loop 101. You will drive. A lot.
- O’Fallon: As a suburb, commutes are more predictable. The drive to St. Louis is about 25-35 minutes without major traffic. Within O’Fallon itself, traffic is minimal. It’s a far less stressful daily drive.
Weather: The Ultimate Divider:
- Phoenix (Avg. High: 99.9°F): This is the dealbreaker. Phoenix has over 100 days a year over 100°F. Summers are brutally hot and long. You’ll live indoors with A/C from May to October. The upside? Over 300 days of sunshine, mild winters (avg. high in Jan is 65°F), and no snow. Perfect for snowbirds and sun-lovers.
- O’Fallon (Avg. High: 65.9°F): You get all four seasons. Summers are warm and humid (avg. high in July is 89°F). Winters are cold, with an average low in January of 23°F and a real chance of snow and ice. If you hate cold and snow, it’s a non-starter. If you love autumn leaves and cozy winters, it’s perfect.
Crime & Safety:
Both cities have crime rates above the national average. Phoenix’s violent crime rate of 691.8 per 100k is notably higher than O’Fallon’s 542.7 per 100k. However, it’s crucial to remember that Phoenix is a major city with dense urban cores, while O’Fallon is a suburb. Crime is often hyper-local. In general, O’Fallon has a reputation for being a very safe, family-oriented community. Phoenix has safe suburbs, but you’ll need to research neighborhoods carefully. O’Fallon holds the edge for perceived and statistical safety.
The Verdict: Who Wins This Showdown?
There is no single "best" city—only the best city for you. The data points to one clear winner in terms of cost and safety, but Phoenix’s scale and opportunity can’t be ignored.
Winner for Families: O’Fallon
Why: It’s not even close. The combination of lower cost of living, stronger public schools (a hallmark of the St. Louis suburbs), lower crime rates, and a tight-knit community feel is the trifecta for family life. The housing market is accessible, and the slower pace reduces daily stress. You can afford a larger home and a better quality of life for your kids.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Phoenix
Why: Career opportunities are the main draw. Phoenix has a larger, more diverse job market with higher growth potential in tech and other industries. The social scene is bigger and more varied—more restaurants, bars, events, and networking opportunities. The weather allows for year-round outdoor activities. If you’re building your career and want an urban vibe, Phoenix offers more runway.
Winner for Retirees: It’s a Tie (Depends on Your Preference)
- Choose O’Fallon if: You want a quiet, safe, low-cost community with four distinct seasons and easy access to St. Louis’s cultural amenities (the Arch, museums, sports). You value community and a slower pace.
- Choose Phoenix if: You’re a "snowbird" who hates cold weather above all else. The consistent sunshine and mild winters are a huge draw. The active retiree lifestyle (golf, hiking, pickleball) is fantastic. However, the extreme summer heat can be a serious health concern for some.
Final Pros & Cons
Phoenix, AZ
Pros:
- Massive job market with diverse industries.
- Endless sunshine and mild winters.
- Abundant outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, golf).
- Growing city with new amenities and a vibrant downtown scene.
- Lower state income tax than Illinois.
Cons:
- Extreme summer heat is dangerous and limits outdoor life for months.
- High cost of living, especially for housing (Housing Index 124.3).
- Competitive and expensive housing market.
- Car-dependent city with significant traffic.
- Higher crime rate than O’Fallon.
O’Fallon, IL
Pros:
- Significantly lower cost of living (Housing Index 80.3).
- Excellent value in housing (median price $372,500, rent $914).
- Strong, family-friendly community with good schools.
- Lower crime rate than Phoenix.
- Access to St. Louis culture without the city price tag.
Cons:
- Colder, snowy winters (average low of 23°F).
- Slower pace may feel limiting for young professionals.
- Higher state income tax (4.95%).
- Less diverse job market compared to a major metro like Phoenix.
- Humid summers can be uncomfortable.
The Bottom Line: If your priority is financial breathing room, safety, and raising a family, O’Fallon is your winner. If your priority is career growth, sunshine, and urban amenities, and you can handle the heat and cost, Phoenix is your city. Choose wisely.