Chapter 18 is sort of a gloat over the destruction of the powerful Babylon (which is probably metaphorical and not actually Babylon). It describes all those who will be upset at its fall--mostly capitalists who made money off of it.
God calls on the saints to come out of this wicked city. In the city they are surrounded by sin and will be susceptible to any punishment it receives.
This always makes me think. What is the balance between being a light in a dark place and coming out of evil surroundings (and therefore letting it to it's own demise). I definitely prefer living in the country, but for various reasons I have lived in the heart of cities for the past 16 years.
I think that if all Christians abandoned cities to their ways, they would culturally self-destruct (at least in the U.S.). Based on the whole of Scripture, this doesn't seem to be what is meant. The Revelation 18 admonition to "come out of her" seems to be a specific admonition for a specific situation. In this case, God is about to reign judgement down on her, so the people had best come out of her while they can.
While I think this is the primary point, there is also the consideration of those Christians who can't handle the temptations of the specific set of sins that one finds in the cities. If you are in a city and you find yourself unable to resist certain temptations, then perhaps moving is appropriate. Keep in mind, though, that many of those sins are just as available elsewhere, they are just more frowned upon culturally. It is better to surround yourself with Believers who will keep you accountable.
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