After having tinkered with both, I think I prefer MeshNode MeshCore because it tries to reduce chatter and IMO provide a better structure, however Meshtastic is easier to get into as all nodes will act as a repeater too, reducing the amount of setup required to have a functional network. If you're in a medium sized city, there is likely some MeshCore repeaters out there, so you can try it only with only a companion device.

MeshCore seems to have the ability to reach much further away by reducing chatter (64 hops vs 3 hops in Meshtastic)