Plymouth vs New York

Category / Metric	Plymouth	New York
Financial Overview
Median Income	$130,793	$76,577
Unemployment Rate	4%	5.3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$495,000	$875,000
Price per SqFt	$203	$604
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,201	$2,451
Housing Cost Index	110.3	149.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.8	109.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.67	$2.89
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	280.3	364.2
Bachelor's Degree+	45.65%	42.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	31

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

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

Let’s cut to the chase. You’re looking at two cities that are worlds apart. You’ve got the concrete jungle—that relentless, electric, sleepless beast we call New York City—and then you’ve got Plymouth, the historic, lakeside gem of Minnesota. It’s a classic battle of "go big or go home" versus "slow down and breathe."

As your relocation expert, I’m here to tell you that there’s no "better" city, only the city that’s better for you. Whether you’re chasing a career, raising a family, or looking for peace in your golden years, the data doesn’t lie. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and see where you should plant your roots.

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

New York is the city that never sleeps for a reason. It is a pressure cooker of ambition, culture, and noise. The vibe here is defined by friction—millions of people rubbing shoulders in the subway, the relentless hum of traffic, and a skyline that literally blocks out the sun. It’s for the go-getters, the dreamers, and those who thrive on adrenaline. If you need the world at your doorstep and are willing to pay the price (in both dollars and sanity), this is your arena.

Plymouth, on the other hand, is the definition of Midwest calm. It’s a sprawling suburb of Minneapolis where life moves at a human pace. The vibe here is community-oriented, family-focused, and deeply connected to nature. Think lakes, parks, and quiet streets. It’s for those who want a high quality of life without the constant sensory overload. If you value space, safety, and a strong sense of community over nightlife, Plymouth is calling your name.

Who is it for?

• New York: The hustler, the artist, the corporate climber, the culture vulture.
• Plymouth: The family builder, the nature lover, the remote worker seeking balance, the retiree looking for peace.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Actually Go?

This is where the "sticker shock" sets in. If you’re moving from a lower-cost area, New York will hit you like a freight train. But it’s not just about the raw numbers; it’s about purchasing power.

Let’s look at the cold, hard cash data.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Metric	New York	Plymouth	Winner
Median Income	$76,577	$130,793	Plymouth (+71%)
Median Home Price	$875,000	$495,000	Plymouth (-43%)
Rent (1BR)	$2,451	$1,201	Plymouth (-51%)
Housing Index	149.3 (High)	110.3 (Moderate)	Plymouth
Groceries	~20% higher than nat'l avg	~5% higher than nat'l avg	Plymouth
Utilities	~15% higher than nat'l avg	~8% higher than nat'l avg	Plymouth

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Here’s the kicker: Plymouth residents earn a median income of $130,793, which is a staggering $32,000+ more than the median New Yorker’s $76,577. When you pair that higher income with significantly lower housing costs, your dollar stretches way further in Plymouth.

Let’s run a scenario. If you earn $100,000 in both cities:

• In New York, after state and city taxes (which are brutal), you’re taking home roughly $65,000. With rent alone eating $29,412 of that (1BR), you’re left with about $35,588 for everything else. You’re living paycheck-to-paycheck.
• In Plymouth, you’d take home roughly $75,000 (MN has a progressive income tax, but it’s less punishing than NY’s). With rent at $14,412, you’re left with $60,588. That’s nearly $25,000 more in disposable income.

The Tax Takeaway: New York has a high state income tax (up to 10.9%) and a NYC-specific city tax. Minnesota’s top marginal rate is 9.85%, but the lack of a city tax and lower cost of living makes it a financial no-brainer for most.

Verdict: Dollar Power
Plymouth wins this round decisively. It’s not even close. New York offers prestige and opportunity, but Plymouth offers financial breathing room and real purchasing power.

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The Housing Market: Buying In vs. Breaking In

New York: The Ultimate Seller’s Market
Buying a home in New York is a battle. With a median home price of $875,000, you’re looking at a down payment of $175,000 just to get in the door. The market is fiercely competitive. Bidding wars are the norm, and all-cash offers often crush financed buyers. Renting is the default for most, but even that is a cutthroat game. Availability is tight, and landlords demand perfect credit and massive income verification. You’re not just paying for square footage; you’re paying for location, location, location.

Plymouth: A More Accessible Market
Plymouth is a breath of fresh air for prospective buyers. The median home price of $495,000 is more attainable, requiring a down payment of roughly $99,000. The market here is competitive but far more balanced. Inventory exists, and you can often find a single-family home with a yard—a luxury in NYC. While it’s a seller’s market due to strong demand in the Twin Cities metro, you have more leverage as a buyer. You get more house for your money: more bedrooms, more bathrooms, and actual green space.

Verdict: Housing Market
Plymouth wins for accessibility and value. If you want to build equity without being house-poor, Plymouth is the clear choice. New York’s market is for those with deep pockets or a specific career need that justifies the cost.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• New York: The subway is a marvel, but it’s also a source of daily stress. Commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes each way. Driving is a nightmare—traffic is perpetual, parking is nonexistent and expensive, and a bridge/tunnel toll is a daily tax. The "commute" is a core part of life here.
• Plymouth: This is a car-centric suburb. The average commute is around 25 minutes. Traffic exists during rush hour on highways like I-494, but it’s manageable. Parking is free and plentiful. The stress level is a fraction of New York’s.

Winner: Plymouth

Weather

• New York: You get four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters are cold and snowy (averaging ~50°F in winter). It’s manageable but can be harsh.
• Plymouth: Welcome to the true north. Winters are long, cold, and snowy. The average winter temperature is a biting 16°F, with consistent snowfall. Summers are gorgeous and mild. If you hate the cold, this is a dealbreaker. If you love distinct seasons and winter activities, it’s paradise.

Winner (for weather preference): Tie. It’s a matter of taste.

Crime & Safety

• New York: Violent crime rate is 364.2 per 100k. While NYC has become much safer over the decades, it’s still a major city. Safety varies wildly by neighborhood. You have to be constantly aware of your surroundings.
• Plymouth: Violent crime rate is 280.3 per 100k. Statistically safer than New York, and the feeling on the ground matches the data. It’s a community where people know their neighbors and feel comfortable letting kids play outside.

Winner: Plymouth

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The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?

After breaking down the data, the picture becomes clear. This isn’t a fair fight—it’s a choice between two completely different lifestyles.

Winner for Families: Plymouth

Why? The math is undeniable. For the price of a cramped NYC apartment, you can get a spacious home with a yard in Plymouth. The schools are excellent, the community is tight-knit, and the safety stats are superior. Your dollar goes further, meaning you can actually save for college and retirement instead of pouring it all into rent.

Winner for Singles & Young Pros: New York

Why? If you’re in your 20s or 30s and your career in finance, media, tech, or the arts demands the epicenter of action, New York is still king. The networking opportunities, the cultural institutions, the sheer energy—it’s a launchpad. You sacrifice financial comfort and space for unparalleled professional and social access.

Winner for Retirees: Plymouth

Why? Stability, safety, and a lower cost of living are the holy trinity for retirement. Plymouth offers a peaceful environment, four distinct seasons, and a strong healthcare system (proximity to the Mayo Clinic and Twin Cities hospitals). You can stretch your retirement savings much further here than in New York.

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New York: Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Unmatched career opportunities and networking.
  • World-class culture, food, and entertainment at your doorstep.
  • Public transit reduces car dependency.
  • Global hub with direct flights everywhere.
• Cons:
  • Extreme cost of living (rent, taxes, daily expenses).
  • High stress, noise, and congestion.
  • Small living spaces for high prices.
  • Intense competition in housing and career.

Plymouth: Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • High median income with lower cost of living = superior purchasing power.
  • Safer, family-friendly environment with great schools.
  • More space (homes with yards, larger apartments).
  • Easy commute, less traffic, and ample parking.
  • Proximity to nature (lakes, trails) and a vibrant four-season climate.
• Cons:
  • Harsh, long winters (a major dealbreaker for some).
  • Car-dependent; limited public transit.
  • Less diverse career options outside of the Twin Cities metro.
  • Quieter nightlife and cultural scene compared to a global metropolis.

Final Takeaway: Choose New York if your career demands it and you’re willing to trade money and comfort for opportunity. Choose Plymouth if you want a better quality of life, financial freedom, and a place to truly call home. For most people, Plymouth isn’t just the smarter choice—it’s the happier one.