The cost of living and lifestyle in Phoenix and Philadelphia couldn’t be more different. In Philadelphia, you’ll find a bustling metropolis with a rich history and diverse culture. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for exciting nightlife, world-class dining, and plenty of opportunities for career growth. However, all of this comes at a price – Philly is one of the most expensive cities in the country.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Phoenix might be the right fit for you. Although it is sleepier than Philadelphia, it’s a great place to settle down and raise a family.
Who Would Like Living in Phoenix?
Fairweather Francessca
Many people head to Phoenix to escape the cold weather further north. Even December and January are very mild months.
Driver Dave
Phoenix is a car city – it’s hard to get by without a car. It’s known for having good traffic conditions even in rush hour.
Who Would Like Living in Philadelphia?
Big City Bill
Philadelphia has more of an established city atmosphere than Phoenix.
All Season Andy
If you need to experience all four seasons to be satisfied, Philadelphia is the city for you. It’s got clear and distinct seasons unlike Phoenix.
Living in Philadelphia vs Phoenix
1. Phoenix vs Philadelphia Cost of Living
The cost of living in Philadelphia is higher than the cost of living in Phoenix.
Philadelphia is the 17th most expensive city in the US while Phoenix is the 77th most expensive city in the US. The median rent prices in Philadelphia are $1,250 while the median rent prices in Phoenix are $885.
Comparing the states’ tax burdens, Pennsylvania’s is higher with a state tax burden of 8.46% while Arizona’s is lower with a state tax burden of 8.19%.
The state of Pennsylvania has higher property taxes than Phoenix, but the state of Arizona has lower property taxes than Philadelphia. Phoenix’s property tax burden is 0.62% of property value, while Pennsylvania’s is 1.58%.
So if you’re looking to buy, rent or move, Phoenix is much cheaper.
| Philadelphia | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| National Rank | 17th Most Expensive | 77th Most Expensive |
| Median Cost of Rent | $1,250 | $885 |
| Average State Tax Burden | 8.46% | 8.19% |
2. City Size
Philadelphia and Phoenix are cities of about the same size. However, Philadelphia is densely populated while Phoenix is more spread-out and spacious.
The City of Philadelphia has a population of 1,603,797 people, while the City of Phoenix has a population of 1,608,0139 people. In terms of size, Philadelphia is 134.4 square miles while Phoenix is 518.0 square miles.
So, Philadelphia is more densely populated, while Phoenix is almost four times its size.
Philadelphia’s population is spread out with 23.3 percent of the inhabitants living in the suburbs and 66.7 percent living in central city neighbourhoods. On the other hand, Phoenix has a much higher percentage of people who live in suburban areas at 61. 6 percent.
| Suburban Residents | Inner-City Residents | |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 23.3% | 66.7% |
| Philadelphia | 61.6% | 38.4% |
Phoenix also has a much higher percentage of people who live alone than Philadelphia.
Overall, Philadelphia is better if you’re looking for a more urban environment while Phoenix is better if you’re looking for more space.
3. Weather Comparison
Overall, Phoenix is great for people who love the warm weather and want to escape winters. Philadelphia, on the other hand, endures cold winters.
The climate in Philadelphia is humid continental while the climate in Phoenix is dry desert. This means that Philadelphia experiences all four seasons while Phoenix is warm or hot most of the year.
The average high temperature in Philadelphia in July is 77.6 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low temperature in January is 32.3 while the average high temperature in Phoenix in July is 92.8 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 54.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
The average precipitation in Philadelphia is 44.6 inches per year while the average precipitation in Phoenix is 12.9 inches per year. Finally, the average snowfall in Philadelphia is 14.2 inches per year and the average snowfall in Phoenix is 0 inches per year. So, if you’re looking to escape the heat, Philadelphia is the place for you. But if you’re looking to escape the cold, Phoenix is the place for you.
| Phoenix | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Summer Average (F) | 92.8 | 77.6 |
| Mid-Winter Average (F) | 54.2 | 32.3 |
| Annual Precipitation (Inches) | 12.9 | 44.6 |
| Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0 | 14.2 |
4. Culture in Phoenix Compared to Philadelphia
Philadelphia is known for its rich history, being one of the United States’ founding cities. The city is home to many historical landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Philly is also known for its food, specifically cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. Among the various ethnic groups that make up the state of Pennsylvania, there are many traditions and customs derived from folklore.
Phoenix is known for its desert landscape and its dry heat. The state of Arizona is also home to the Grand Canyon, which is one of the United States’ most popular tourist destinations.
The culture in Arizona is distinct, blending the natural beauty of the outdoors, Native American and Hispanic traditions with a southwestern influence. For individuals who like being outside, Arizona is an ideal location. Hiking, cycling, camping, golfing, and other outdoor activities are popular among the locals.
Phoenix is also known as being a retirement city with many retirees heading there for golf and over 55’s social life.
So, if you are looking for a place with a rich history, Philadelphia is the place for you. If you are looking to live in a city that has outdoors and amenities for seniors, Phoenix is the place for you.
5. Traffic and Transit Comparison
The traffic in Philadelphia is ranked as the 10th worst in the US while the traffic in Phoenix is ranked as the 48th worst in the US. Philadelphia has a commute time of 24.3 minutes while Phoenix has a commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Phoenix has less traffic jams than Philadelphia making it easier to get around by car. However, Phoenix is a much larger city than Philadelphia so there are more people on the roads. This means that even though the traffic is not as bad, it can still be congested at certain times of the day.
Public transportation in Philadelphia is provided by SEPTA, which has a service area that covers 5,000 square miles and serves over 450,000 riders daily. Public transportation in Phoenix is provided by Valley Metro, which has a service area that covers 2,500 square miles and serves over 1 million riders daily.
So, if you looking for a city with better public transportation, Philadelphia is the place for you. If you are looking to live in a city with less traffic, Phoenix is the place for you.
6. Economy and Job Opportunities
Philadelphia is a city with a strong economy and job opportunities. Major sectors of the Philadelphia economy include finance, insurance, real estate, health care, and education. The city is also home to many large corporations, including Comcast, Aramark, and Lincoln Financial Group.
Phoenix is also a major city with a thriving economy. The largest sectors in the Phoenix economy are trade, transportation, and utilities; professional and business services; and government. Major employers in Phoenix include Wells Fargo, Intel, and the City of Phoenix.
7. Sports Franchises
If you are looking for a city with a strong sports presence, both Philadelphia and Phoenix are great options. However, if you are looking for a city with more professional sports teams, Philadelphia is the place for you.
Philadelphia is home to many professional sports teams, including the Eagles (NFL), the Phillies (MLB), the Flyers (NHL), and the 76ers (NBA). The Philadelphia Sports Complex consists of three world-class sports stadiums with a combined seating capacity of more than 133,000 people.
Each year, these locations host about 380 events, about 7 million visitors, and 5.5 million automobile trips. Phoenix is also home to several professional sports teams,
including the Cardinals (NFL), the Diamondbacks (MLB), the Coyotes (NHL), and the Suns (NBA). The Talking Stick Arena is the premier venue for sports and entertainment in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
8. Crime Rates
Overall, Phoenix has a lower crime rate than Philadelphia.
The crime rate in Philadelphia is higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 909 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,097 per 100,000 residents.
In Phoenix, the crime rate is lower than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 798 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,989 per 100,000 residents. In Arizona, there is a high rate of gun ownership with 46.3% of households owning at least one firearm while only 40.7% of people in Philadelphia own guns.
So, if you are looking for a city with a lower crime rate, Phoenix is the place for you.
9. Education Systems
Philadelphia has a better education system than Phoenix. In fact, Arizona is known for having one of the poorer performing education systems in the country.
Philadelphia has a higher than average high school graduation rate of 81.20%, while Phoenix has a lower than average high school graduation rate of 80.60%. Philadelphia also has a higher than average percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher, at 32%.
Phoenix has a lower than average percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher, at 29%. At the time of writing, Philadelphia’s unemployment rate is 7.7%, while Phoenix’s unemployment rate is 2.80%. So, if you are looking for a city with a better education system , higher salaries, and more jobs, you should move to Philadelphia versus Phoenix.
Related Comparisons
Conclusion
So, when deciding between Philadelphia and Phoenix, it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a more urban environment, then Philadelphia is the place for you. If you’re looking to escape the cold weather, then Phoenix is the place for you. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a more affordable place to live, then Phoenix will win out.
Jason Dempsey is the CEO and Co-Founder of Home City Living. After abandoning the corporate world in order to indulge his wanderlust, Jason founded Home City Living with his partner Rose to create the premier source of travel information and inside local knowledge on the web to help other would-be global explorers and seekers learn to spread their wings and fly.
