📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Auburn and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Auburn vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Auburn | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $92,824 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $635,000 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $303 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,864 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 151.5 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.65 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 372.1 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 26.2% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 63 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. Auburn: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown
So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—a gritty, historic East Coast powerhouse with a soul of its own. On the other, Auburn—a sunny, affluent, and rapidly growing city in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two entirely different lifestyles.
Let's cut through the noise and get real about where you should plant your roots.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Sierra
Philadelphia is the ultimate East Coast underdog. It’s a city that wears its history on its sleeve—from the Liberty Bell to Rocky Balboa. The vibe is unapologetically authentic, a blend of blue-collar grit and artsy innovation. It’s walkable, dense, and packed with world-class museums, legendary cheesesteaks, and that distinct Philly attitude. You’re in the heart of the Northeast Corridor, with NYC and D.C. just a train ride away.
Auburn, California, is a different beast entirely. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, it’s the gateway to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. The vibe here is "California dreamin'" meets "mountain town." It’s slower, sunnier, and deeply connected to the outdoors—hiking, biking, and skiing are part of the daily culture. The downtown is charming and walkable, but the city sprawls more than Philly, and life revolves around cars and weekend adventures.
Who is each city for?
- Philadelphia is for the history buff, the foodie, the young professional who craves city energy without NYC's price tag, and anyone who wants to feel connected to a major metropolis.
- Auburn is for the outdoor enthusiast, the remote worker seeking a higher quality of life, the family who wants space and great schools, and anyone who prefers sunshine over four distinct seasons.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. We're not just looking at costs; we're looking at purchasing power. Let's break it down with some hard numbers.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | Philadelphia | Auburn | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $60,302 | $92,824 | Auburn |
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $635,000 | Philadelphia |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $1,864 | Philadelphia |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 151.5 | Philadelphia |
| Violent Crime/100k | 726.5 | 372.1 | Auburn |
| Avg. Temp (°F) | 52.0 | 48.0 | Subjective |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s say you earn $100,000. Where does it feel like more?
- In Philadelphia, with a median home price of $270,375, your $100k salary feels substantial. You’re looking at a home that’s roughly 2.7x your income—the classic rule of thumb for affordability. The lower rent and overall cost of living mean your disposable income for dining out, concerts, and travel is healthy.
- In Auburn, that same $100,000 feels tight. The median home price of $635,000 is 6.35x your income. That’s a major stretch. You’ll be spending a much larger chunk of your paycheck on housing, which means less money for everything else. The higher median income in Auburn ($92,824 vs. $60,302) is largely eaten up by the astronomical housing costs.
The Tax Twist: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%, and Philadelphia has an additional city wage tax of 3.8398% for residents. California’s state income tax is progressive, topping out at 13.3% for high earners. If you’re making $100k in Auburn, you’ll likely pay a higher effective state tax rate than in Philly. This further erodes your purchasing power in California.
Verdict on Dollar Power: For the average earner, Philadelphia offers significantly more bang for your buck. Auburn is a premium market where you pay a premium for the California lifestyle and outdoor access.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Philadelphia: The Renter’s Market (with Buying Opportunities)
- Buy: The market is competitive but accessible. With a median home price under $300k, homeownership is a realistic goal for middle-income earners. It's a mix of historic rowhouses and modern condos. The market is stable, not hyped.
- Rent: There are tons of options, from center city high-rises to cheaper neighborhoods in West or North Philly. Vacancy rates are reasonable, giving you leverage. A $1,451 median rent for a 1BR is a bargain for a major U.S. city.
Auburn: The Seller’s Market (with Sky-High Barriers)
- Buy: This is a tough nut to crack. With a median home price of $635,000 and a Housing Index of 151.5 (well above the national average of 100), you need a significant down payment and a high income. The market is fueled by Bay Area transplants and remote tech workers, keeping demand and prices high.
- Rent: The rental market is expensive and competitive. A $1,864 median rent for a 1BR is steep, reflecting the overall high cost of living. Finding an affordable rental can be a challenge.
Verdict: If your dream is to own a home on a typical salary, Philadelphia is your clear winner. Auburn is a market for those with substantial savings or dual high incomes.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors
Traffic & Commute:
- Philadelphia: Traffic can be gnarly, but the city is highly walkable and has a robust public transit system (SEPTA). Commutes are often by train or subway, which can be less stressful than sitting in gridlock.
- Auburn: You will drive. Everywhere. Public transit is limited. The commute to Sacramento (~45 mins) or the Bay Area (2-3 hours) can be brutal. Local traffic is lighter than a major metro, but car dependency is a given.
Weather:
- Philadelphia: Four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers (90°F+), beautiful falls, cold and sometimes snowy winters, and mild springs. It’s a classic East Coast climate.
- Auburn: A Mediterranean climate. Hot, dry summers (often 100°F+), mild and wet winters with occasional fog. You get more sunny days, but you trade it for extreme heat and wildfire risk. Snow is rare in the city but abundant in the nearby mountains.
Crime & Safety:
- Philadelphia: The stats are sobering. With a violent crime rate of 726.5 per 100k, it’s significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must do your homework.
- Auburn: Much safer, with a violent crime rate of 372.1 per 100k. It’s still above the national average but is considered a relatively safe community for a city of its size.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins in Which Category?
After digging into the data and the lifestyle, here’s the breakdown.
Winner for Families: Auburn
If you have kids and can afford the housing, Auburn's superior safety, excellent schools (Auburn Union School District and nearby Placer County schools are highly rated), and access to outdoor activities give it the edge. The community feel is strong, and the quality of life is top-notch—if you can swing the mortgage.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia
For career advancement, social life, and affordability, Philadelphia is unbeatable. You can live in a vibrant neighborhood, afford your own place, and have endless networking and entertainment options. The energy and opportunities are on a different scale.
Winner for Retirees: Auburn
For retirees, safety, climate, and lifestyle are paramount. Auburn offers a relaxed pace, beautiful scenery, and a community tailored to active seniors. While the cost of living is high, it’s often offset by California’s retiree-friendly policies (like Prop 13 for property taxes) and access to healthcare in Sacramento.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Philadelphia: The Gritty Classic
Pros:
- Unbeatable Affordability for a major U.S. city.
- Walkable & Transit-Friendly core.
- World-Class Culture & Food scene.
- Proximity to NYC, D.C., and the Jersey Shore.
- True Four-Season Climate.
Cons:
- High Violent Crime Rate (neighborhood-dependent).
- City Wage Tax is a bite out of your paycheck.
- Winters Can Be Harsh and Gray.
- Traffic Congestion during peak hours.
Auburn: The Golden Escape
Pros:
- Stunning Natural Beauty and outdoor recreation.
- Safer than Philadelphia with a strong community feel.
- Mild, Sunny Climate with four distinct seasons nearby.
- Excellent Schools and family-friendly environment.
- Gateway to the Sierra Nevada.
Cons:
- Extremely High Housing Costs.
- Car-Dependent lifestyle with limited transit.
- High State Income Taxes in California.
- Risk of Wildfires and summer heatwaves.
- Isolated from major coastal metros.
The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you're seeking urban energy, affordability, and a classic city experience. Choose Auburn if you prioritize safety, outdoor access, and a higher quality of life—and you have the budget to afford it. The data doesn't lie: your money goes much further in Philly, but your peace of mind might be priced higher in Auburn.