Ankeny vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Ankeny	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$105,862	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$323,500	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$214	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$787	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	86.1	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.1	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	301.8	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	—	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	31	40

Philadelphia vs. Ankeny: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing where to plant your roots is one of life’s biggest decisions. It’s not just about a roof over your head; it’s about your daily grind, your paycheck’s purchasing power, and the vibe you feel when you walk out your front door. Today, we’re pitting two cities that couldn’t be more different against each other: the historic, gritty, and bustling metropolis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, against the fast-growing, family-friendly, and suburban haven of Ankeny, Iowa.

This isn’t just a numbers game. It’s a lifestyle showdown. Let’s see which city truly deserves your next chapter.

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The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Suburban Bliss

First, let’s set the scene. Philadelphia is the "City of Brotherly Love," a major East Coast hub packed with 1.55 million residents. It’s a city of history, world-class museums, dense walkable neighborhoods, and a vibrant, often gritty, energy. You’re trading quiet for culture, convenience for chaos. It’s for the urbanite who thrives on the hum of the city, the walkability, and the endless things to do on a Friday night.

Ankeny, with its 74,455 residents, is a different beast entirely. It’s a suburb of Des Moines, offering a slice of Midwestern calm with big-city amenities just a short drive away. Think sprawling lawns, top-rated schools, and community events. It’s for the family-first crowd, the commuter who wants a peaceful home base, and the person who values space and safety over a bustling street life.

Who is each city for?

• Philadelphia: The young professional, the history buff, the foodie, the extrovert who needs constant stimulation, and anyone who wants to be in the heart of the action on the East Coast corridor.
• Ankeny: The growing family, the remote worker craving space, the budget-conscious professional, the retiree looking for safety and community, and anyone who wants a quieter, more manageable pace of life.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in one city, but if your cost of living eats it all up, what’s the point? Let’s talk purchasing power.

Ankeny boasts a median income of $105,862—a staggering 75% higher than Philadelphia’s $60,302. That’s a massive difference. But we need to see how far that money actually goes.

Cost of Living Face-Off

Category	Philadelphia	Ankeny	The Winner
Median Home Price	$270,375	$323,500	Philadelphia
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$787	Ankeny
Housing Index	117.8 (17.8% above avg)	86.1 (13.9% below avg)	Ankeny
Violent Crime	726.5/100k	301.8/100k	Ankeny

The Rent vs. Buy Paradox: This is fascinating. Ankeny is the clear winner for renters, with rent nearly half the cost of Philly’s. But for buyers, Philadelphia’s median home price is actually lower. This suggests Ankeny’s housing market is more competitive for buyers, driving prices up, while Philly’s density offers more rental stock.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power: Let’s run a scenario. If you earn the median income in each city, where do you feel richer?

• In Philadelphia: You make $60,302. Your rent is $1,451. That’s about 29% of your gross monthly income going to rent. It’s tight, but manageable if you budget carefully. You’ll have access to the city’s amenities, but you’ll feel the financial squeeze.
• In Ankeny: You make $105,862. Your rent is $787. That’s a mere 9% of your gross monthly income. The financial freedom here is palpable. You can save aggressively, invest, or spend on experiences without constant worry.

The Tax Twist: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%, while Iowa has a progressive system, but with a top rate of 3.9% for incomes over $78,105 (for married filing jointly). However, Iowa’s property taxes are generally lower than Pennsylvania’s. The real kicker is that Ankeny’s residents, due to the city’s growth and desirability, have a much higher disposable income relative to their costs.

Verdict on Spending Power: Ankeny wins this round decisively. The significantly higher median income, combined with dramatically lower rent and a lower housing index, means your dollar has far more stretch. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent in Two Worlds

Your housing choice is your biggest financial commitment. Let’s break down the reality of securing a home in each city.

Philadelphia: The Renter’s Market with Buying Opportunities
Philly is a renter’s city. With a dense population and a large student and young professional demographic, the rental market is robust. You’ll find everything from luxury high-rises in Center City to charming rowhouses in Fishtown. The $1,451 median rent is steep but typical for a major East Coast metro.

Buying is a different story. While the median home price of $270,375 is lower than Ankeny’s, the market is fierce. You’re competing with investors, developers, and locals for a limited stock of historic homes that often need work. The Housing Index of 117.8 confirms it’s above the national average. It’s a buyer’s market only in specific, less desirable neighborhoods. For most, it’s a seller’s market where bidding wars are common.

Ankeny: The Suburban Seller’s Market
Ankeny is the opposite. It’s a classic suburban housing market. The $323,500 median home price is driven by high demand for single-family homes, good schools, and safe neighborhoods. With a Housing Index of 86.1, it’s technically more affordable than the national average, but that index doesn’t capture the intense competition.

Inventory is often low, and desirable homes sell quickly, often above asking price. It’s a strong seller’s market. For renters, the low cost of entry ($787 for a 1BR) is a huge advantage, allowing you to save for that eventual down payment without being priced out.

The Dealbreaker Insight: If you’re a renter, Ankeny’s affordability is a game-changer. If you’re a buyer, Philadelphia offers a lower entry price point but requires patience and grit to navigate the market. Ankeny’s market is more straightforward but more expensive upfront.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Beyond the numbers, daily life is defined by the intangibles: your commute, the weather, and your sense of safety.

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Brutal. Traffic on I-76, I-95, and the Schuylkill is legendary. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but often delayed and crowded. Your commute can easily be 45-60 minutes each way. Walkability is high in center city but drops off quickly in the suburbs.
• Ankeny: A dream. Most residents commute to Des Moines (15-20 minutes). Traffic is minimal. The city is built for cars, with wide roads and ample parking. It’s a car-dependent suburb, so if you hate driving, this could be a con.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons with gusto. Winters can be cold and snowy (average low 27°F), summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common). It’s a true East Coast climate.
• Ankeny: Harshest of the two. Winters are brutal, with an average low of 27°F but significantly more snow and wind chill. Summers are hot, but less humid than Philly. The weather is a major factor for those who hate extreme cold.

Crime & Safety:
This is the most stark contrast. Philadelphia’s violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k. While this is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, it’s a city-wide concern. Ankeny’s rate is 301.8 per 100k, less than half of Philly’s. For families and those prioritizing safety above all, Ankeny is the undeniable winner.

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The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for You?

There is no universal "best" city—only the best city for your life stage, priorities, and personality. Based on the data and lifestyle analysis, here’s our head-to-head verdict.

Winner for Families: Ankeny

Why: It’s not even close. The combination of higher median income ($105,862), lower crime (301.8/100k), top-rated schools, and family-friendly suburbs is a powerhouse combo. You get more house for your money, safer streets for your kids to play on, and a community built around family life. Philadelphia’s density, crime rates, and school variability make it a much tougher choice for families.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia

Why: If you’re under 35, single, and career-focused, Ankeny’s quiet suburbs might feel like a prison. Philadelphia offers the culture, the networking opportunities, the nightlife, and the walkability that young pros crave. While the cost of living is higher, the experience and career growth potential on the East Coast are unparalleled. You can always move to the suburbs later.

Winner for Retirees: Ankeny

Why: Safety, community, and affordability are the holy trinity for retirees. Ankeny’s low crime rate, slower pace, and strong sense of community are ideal. The lower cost of living means retirement savings stretch further, and the manageable size makes getting around easy. While Philly has great culture and healthcare, the noise, traffic, and safety concerns are significant drawbacks for many seniors.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Unbeatable Culture & History: World-class museums, restaurants, and historical sites.
• Walkability & Transit: Easy to live car-free in many neighborhoods.
• Major Metro Access: Close to NYC, DC, and the Jersey Shore.
• Lower Home Purchase Price: More affordable entry into the housing market.
• Vibrant, Diverse Communities: Something for every lifestyle and identity.

Cons:

• High Crime Rate: 726.5 violent crimes/100k is a serious concern.
• Traffic & Commute: Infamously bad and time-consuming.
• High Cost of Living (Rent): Rent eats a large chunk of income.
• Old Infrastructure: Aging homes, roads, and public transit.
• Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

Ankeny

Pros:

• Excellent Purchasing Power: High income relative to low costs.
• Family-Friendly: Top schools, safe streets, community events.
• Low Crime Rate: 301.8 violent crimes/100k.
• Affordable Rent: $787 for a 1BR is a fraction of Philly’s cost.
• Easy Commute & Traffic: Minimal congestion, quick drives to Des Moines.

Cons:

• Car-Dependent: Limited walkability and public transit.
• Colder Winters: Harsh, snowy winters with brutal wind chill.
• Limited Cultural Scene: Fewer major museums, concerts, and diverse dining options.
• More Expensive to Buy: Higher median home price than Philly.
• Less Diversity: Less urban density and cultural mix.

The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you’re chasing culture, career energy, and the thrill of urban life, and you’re willing to trade safety and affordability for it. Choose Ankeny if you’re building a family, prioritizing safety and financial freedom, and want a peaceful, community-oriented life with easy access to city amenities. Your data-driven decision starts here.