Redmond vs New York

Category / Metric	Redmond	New York
Financial Overview
Median Income	$172,979	$76,577
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	5.3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$1,350,000	$875,000
Price per SqFt	$625	$604
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,864	$2,451
Housing Cost Index	151.5	149.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	109.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.65	$2.89
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	372.1	364.2
Bachelor's Degree+	76.4%	42.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	45	31

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between New York and Redmond.

---

New York vs. Redmond: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between the concrete jungle and a tech hub nestled in the Pacific Northwest isn't just about geography—it's a fundamental lifestyle choice. On one side, you have New York, the city that never sleeps, a global cultural and financial powerhouse. On the other, Redmond, the serene home of Microsoft, offering a high-tech, suburban oasis.

As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, weighed the vibes, and analyzed the data to help you decide. Let’s break it down.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Tech Haven

New York is a sensory overload in the best way possible. It’s the definition of a fast-paced metro. The energy is palpable; the sidewalks are crowded, the subway rumbles 24/7, and there’s always something happening. This city is for the ambitious, the culture-seekers, and those who thrive on anonymity and endless options. If you want world-class dining, theater, and career opportunities at your doorstep, NYC is your playground. It’s a city for extroverts and hustlers.

Redmond, by contrast, feels like a breath of fresh air—literally. It’s a quintessential Pacific Northwest suburb with a significant tech twist. The vibe is laid-back, family-oriented, and deeply connected to nature. You’re more likely to see a trail runner than a street performer. The social scene revolves around outdoor activities, tech meetups, and community events. Redmond is for the professional who values work-life balance, prefers a quieter pace, and wants easy access to mountains and lakes.

Who is it for?

• New York: The young professional, the artist, the finance whiz, and anyone who wants to be at the center of the universe.
• Redmond: The tech employee, the family seeking space and safety, and the outdoor enthusiast who wants a peaceful home base.

The Dollar Power: Who Wins on Purchasing Power?

Let’s talk money. At first glance, the numbers are intimidating in both cities. But we need to look deeper into "purchasing power"—where does your paycheck actually go further?

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	New York	Redmond	Winner
Rent (1BR)	$2,451	$1,864	Redmond
Utilities (Monthly Avg)	$175	$215	New York
Groceries (Index)	121.1	111.4	Redmond
Median Home Price	$875,000	$1,350,000	New York
Median Income	$76,577	$172,979	Redmond

Salary Wars & The Tax Twist:
The median income in Redmond is $172,979, more than double New York's $76,577. But here’s the kicker: Washington State has no income tax, while New York State and City taxes can eat up to 10-12% of your paycheck.

Let’s run a real-world scenario. If you earn $100,000:

• In New York, after state and city taxes, you’re taking home roughly $70,000.
• In Redmond, after federal taxes (and 0% state income tax), you’re taking home roughly $78,000.

That’s an $8,000 difference in your pocket annually. However, the sticker shock in Redmond is real. That higher salary is often needed to combat the high cost of living, particularly in housing. While rent is cheaper, buying a home is significantly more expensive in Redmond. New York offers more "bang for your buck" in the rental market, but Redmond’s no-income-tax policy is a massive financial advantage for high earners.

The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying

New York:
The housing market here is a tale of two cities (literally). Renting is the norm for a vast majority of New Yorkers. The median home price of $875,000 is daunting, but it’s actually lower than Redmond’s. The competition is fierce, and you’re often dealing with co-op boards, strict credit checks, and bidding wars. Availability is low, and it’s a relentless seller's market. For most, renting is the only viable entry point.

Redmond:
Redmond is a hyper-competitive seller's market. The median home price is a staggering $1,350,000. This is driven by a shortage of inventory and high demand from tech workers with significant equity. Renting is more accessible, with a 1BR averaging $1,864, but the rental market is tight. If you’re looking to buy, you need deep pockets and a willingness to move fast. The trade-off? You’re buying into a stable, family-friendly community with excellent schools.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• New York: The subway is king. It’s not always clean or on time, but it’s efficient and gets you anywhere. Commutes can still be long (45-60 minutes is common), but you can read or work. Driving in NYC is a nightmare—parking is expensive and traffic is constant.
• Redmond: Car dependency is high. While there are public transit options (buses, light rail to Seattle), most residents drive. The commute to Seattle can be brutal, especially on I-405, often taking 30-60 minutes for what should be a 15-mile trip. However, within Redmond, traffic is manageable.

Weather

• New York: Experiences all four seasons dramatically. Winters can be harsh with snow and biting wind (average temp 50°F, but winter lows are in the 20s). Summers are hot and humid, often hitting 90°F+. The weather is a character in itself—demanding but vibrant.
• Redmond: Classic Pacific Northwest. It’s mild year-round (average temp 48°F), but the defining feature is the gray, drizzly weather from October to May. Summers are spectacular—dry, sunny, and in the 70s. If you need sunshine to feel human, the "Big Dark" can be a serious mental health challenge.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical area where the data tells a surprising story. Both cities have similar violent crime rates per 100,000 people (364.2 for NYC, 372.1 for Redmond). However, the nature of crime differs dramatically.

• New York: Crime is concentrated in specific outer borough neighborhoods. Manhattan and much of Brooklyn are very safe, but petty theft and opportunistic crime are common. You need street smarts.
• Redmond: Crime is generally lower, but property crime (car break-ins, package theft) is a notable issue, particularly in apartment complexes. Violent crime is rare but not non-existent. Statistically, Redmond is slightly less safe than NYC, but the feeling of safety is generally higher in the suburbs.

The Verdict: The Ultimate Winner

After dissecting the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final call.

🏆 Winner for Families: Redmond

With top-rated schools, ample green space, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community, Redmond is the clear choice. The higher median income and no state income tax provide financial stability, even with high housing costs. The trade-off in weather and car dependency is worth it for the superior environment for raising kids.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: New York

The career opportunities, social scene, and cultural immersion are unmatched. The ability to live without a car, the endless networking possibilities, and the sheer energy of NYC are perfect for this demographic. The higher rent is the price of admission to the greatest city in the world.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Redmond

For retirees, Redmond offers a peaceful, walkable (in certain areas), and safe environment. The lack of state income tax is a huge boon on a fixed income. While the gray weather is a con, the mild temperatures are easier on the body than NYC's harsh winters. Proximity to nature is a major plus for active retirees.

---

Final Pros & Cons List

New York

PROS:

• Unmatched Career Opportunities: Global hub for finance, media, and arts.
• Culture & Entertainment: World-class museums, theater, dining, and nightlife.
• Walkability & Transit: No car needed; 24/7 subway system.
• Vibrant Energy: The city that never sleeps offers constant stimulation.

CONS:

• Sky-High Cost of Living: Especially for space and ownership.
• Pace & Stress: Can be overwhelming and exhausting.
• Weather Extremes: Harsh winters and humid summers.
• Limited Space: Apartments are small, and personal space is a luxury.

Redmond

PROS:

• High Median Income & No State Tax: Significant financial advantages for tech workers.
• Outdoor Access: Incredible hiking, biking, and lakes at your doorstep.
• Family-Friendly: Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and community feel.
• Mild Climate: No brutal winters or scorching summers.

CONS:

• Housing Sticker Shock: Extremely expensive to buy a home.
• "The Big Dark": Long, gray, and rainy winters can be depressing.
• Car Dependency: Need a car for daily life; traffic to Seattle is bad.
• Social Scene: Quieter and less diverse than a major metropolis.

The Bottom Line: Choose New York if you’re chasing the dream, thrive on chaos, and want to be at the center of everything. Choose Redmond if you’re building a career in tech, value nature and family, and want a high quality of life with a bit more breathing room.