Alexandria vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Alexandria	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$110,294	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$600,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$399	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,803	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	151.3	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.0	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	66.1%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	40

Philadelphia vs. Alexandria: The Ultimate East Coast Showdown

So, you're torn between two very different East Coast vibes. On one hand, you have Philadelphia—a gritty, historic, blue-collar beast with a chip on its shoulder and a killer sandwich game. On the other, you have Alexandria—the picture-perfect, historic waterfront town just outside D.C. that feels like it was plucked from a postcard.

Choosing between them isn't just about geography; it's a lifestyle decision. One is a major city with all the chaos and culture that entails; the other is a wealthy, picturesque suburb with a small-town feel. Let’s break it down, data in hand, to see which one deserves your rent check.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Polished Charm

Philadelphia: The Unapologetic Metropolis
Philly is a city of massive contrasts. It’s where the Declaration of Independence was signed, but it’s also home to a famously rough sports crowd and a streetscape that’s equal parts beautiful and broken. The vibe is authentic, loud, and unpretentious. You’ll find world-class museums (The Art Museum steps, anyone?) next to corner bodegas, and a thriving food scene that goes from $2 street tacos to Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s a city for people who want the energy and amenities of a big city without the sky-high price tag of NYC or Boston. It’s for the hustlers, the artists, the history nerds, and anyone who doesn’t mind a little urban grit.

Alexandria: The Refined Historic Suburb
Alexandria (specifically Old Town) is the definition of charming. Think cobblestone streets, 18th-century townhomes, and a waterfront park with views of the Potomac. It’s clean, walkable, and feels incredibly safe. The lifestyle is slower, more curated, and revolves around boutique shopping, fine dining, and weekend strolls. It’s a commuter’s dream—quick access to D.C. for work, but you retreat each night to a picturesque, quiet neighborhood. This is for those who prioritize aesthetics, safety, and a polished community feel over raw urban edge.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia: The budget-conscious professional, the young creative, the family looking for city schools and culture, the history buff.
• Alexandria: The high-earning D.C. commuter, the family prioritizing top-tier schools and safety, the retiree wanting a walkable, beautiful setting.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s assume you’re earning $100,000. How does that feel in each city?

Philadelphia has a median home price of $270,375 and a median income of $60,302. That means buying a home is challenging but not impossible. Rent for a 1-bedroom is $1,451. The city has a relatively high wage tax (around 3.8% for residents), which takes a bite out of your paycheck.

Alexandria tells a different story. The median home price is a staggering $600,000, while the median income is $110,294. That’s a high-income, high-cost environment. Rent is $1,803 for a 1-bedroom. Virginia has a state income tax that tops out at 5.75%, which is lower than Pennsylvania’s flat rate, but the cost of living eats into any savings.

Here’s the raw comparison:

Category	Philadelphia	Alexandria	Winner
Median Home Price	$270,375	$600,000	Philadelphia
Median Income	$60,302	$110,294	Alexandria
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,803	Philadelphia
Housing Index	117.8	151.3	Philadelphia
Purchasing Power	High	Low	Philadelphia

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
With $100,000 in Philadelphia, you’re well above the median income. You can afford a nice apartment and even save for a down payment on a home. Your dollar goes further for groceries, utilities, and entertainment. It’s a classic case of big fish in a big pond.

With $100,000 in Alexandria, you’re near the median income, but the housing costs are brutal. That $600,000 median home price requires a massive down payment and a hefty mortgage. You’ll feel the sticker shock immediately. While Virginia lacks a local income tax in some jurisdictions, the overall cost of living, especially housing, will make your paycheck feel squeezed. You’re not poor, but you’re not living large either.

Tax Insight: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%, but Philadelphia adds its own wage tax. Virginia’s state income tax is progressive, topping at 5.75%. However, Virginia has a lower property tax rate than Pennsylvania (which can be around 1.5% of assessed value). For a homeowner, the Virginia property tax savings could offset some income tax costs, but the sheer price difference in homes is the dominant factor.

Verdict on Dollar Power: It’s not even close. Philadelphia offers significantly more bang for your buck. If you want to maximize your lifestyle per dollar, Philly wins.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Buying:

• Philadelphia: The market is competitive but accessible. At $270,375, a median home is within reach for a dual-income household or a single professional with savings. You get more space and character for your money. It’s a buyer’s market in many neighborhoods, with more inventory and negotiation room.
• Alexandria: The market is fierce. A median home price of $600,000 is a reality for a modest townhouse or condo. You’re competing with high-earning professionals and government contractors. Expect bidding wars and waived contingencies. This is a seller’s market with fierce competition.

Renting:

• Philadelphia: Rent is more affordable, but you get what you pay for. Older buildings may lack modern amenities. The rental market is vast, with options from luxury high-rises in Center City to more affordable apartments in up-and-coming neighborhoods like Fishtown.
• Alexandria: Rent is pricier but generally includes a higher standard of finishes and maintenance. The rental stock is limited, especially in desirable Old Town. You’re paying for the location and the charm.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: As a dense city, traffic is a nightmare during rush hour. However, public transit (SEPTA) is extensive. If you work in the city, you can likely ditch the car. Commuting to NYC or D.C. is a long trek (2+ hours).
• Alexandria: This is a commuter town. Traffic on I-95 and the Beltway is legendary. The Metro (D.C.’s subway) is a lifeline, but it’s crowded and expensive. You’ll need a car for daily errands outside the Old Town core. The commute to D.C. is manageable (20-40 mins), but the stress of traffic is a daily reality.

Weather:
Both cities share the same 52.0°F average annual temperature, but the feel is different.

• Philadelphia: Experiences true four seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ common), winters can bring significant snowstorms, and fall is spectacular. It’s a classic Mid-Atlantic climate.
• Alexandria: Similar climate, but the Potomac can moderate temperatures slightly. Summers are still humid, and winters are cold. The bigger factor is that Alexandria is often more affected by coastal storms (like nor'easters) due to its proximity to the water.

Crime & Safety:
This is a critical, honest category.

• Philadelphia: The data is stark. The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000. This is 3.1 times higher than Alexandria. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, the city-wide average is elevated. You must be aware of your surroundings. This is a significant dealbreaker for many families and individuals.
• Alexandria: With a violent crime rate of 234.0 per 100,000, Alexandria is notably safer. It’s a suburban environment with strong community policing. For those prioritizing safety above all else, this is a massive point in Alexandria’s favor.

The Verdict: Who Wins This Showdown?

After crunching the numbers and living the vibes, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Alexandria

• Why: Safety is the paramount concern for families, and Alexandria’s crime rate is dramatically lower. The public schools in Alexandria City Public Schools are consistently rated highly, far outperforming the Philadelphia School District’s averages. The suburban environment with parks, walkable streets, and a strong community feel is ideal for raising kids. The trade-off? You’ll pay a premium for a smaller home.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia

• Why: You get the big-city energy, endless nightlife, and cultural institutions without the crushing cost of a place like New York or D.C. Your $100k salary goes much, much further. You can afford a cool apartment in a vibrant neighborhood, eat out regularly, and still save money. The dating scene is larger and more diverse. For a young person seeking excitement and affordability, Philly is the clear choice.

Winner for Retirees: Alexandria

• Why: This is a tougher call, but Alexandria edges out Philly for most retirees. The walkability, safety, and lower crime rate are huge factors as you age. The healthcare system in the D.C. area is top-tier. While Philadelphia has excellent hospitals, navigating the city can be more challenging. Alexandria offers a peaceful, beautiful, and secure environment with easy access to cultural amenities and healthcare. The higher cost of living is a consideration, but many retirees have the savings or home equity to manage it.

Final Pros & Cons

Philadelphia: The Big City Bargain

Pros:

• Incredible bang for your buck. Housing is affordable for a major city.
• Rich history and culture at every turn.
• Thriving food scene from cheap eats to fine dining.
• Walkable and transit-friendly in many neighborhoods.
• Major sports culture and entertainment options.

Cons:

• Significantly higher violent crime rate.
• Public schools are a major challenge for families.
• Traffic and congestion can be brutal.
• City wage tax reduces take-home pay.
• Infrastructure can feel old and neglected.

Alexandria: The Polished Suburban Gem

Pros:

• Excellent safety and low crime rate.
• Top-tier public schools.
• Beautiful, walkable historic streetscapes.
• Strong sense of community.
• Proximity to D.C. for jobs and culture.

Cons:

• Extremely high cost of living, especially housing.
• Commuter traffic is a daily grind.
• Can feel exclusive or "stuffy" to some.
• Limited nightlife compared to a major city.
• High competition in the housing market.

The Bottom Line:
If you value safety, elite schools, and a picture-perfect historic setting and can afford the premium, Alexandria is your winner. If you crave urban energy, cultural depth, and financial flexibility and can navigate city life, Philadelphia offers a thrilling, affordable alternative. Your choice isn’t just about a zip code—it’s about which dream you’re willing to pay for.