📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Augusta and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Augusta vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Augusta | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $48,756 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $269,500 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $139 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,083 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 113.3 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 96.5 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 108.6 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 37 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. Augusta: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing between Philadelphia and Augusta is like choosing between a classic Philly cheesesteak and a down-home Southern biscuit. Both have their merits, but the experience is fundamentally different. One is a fast-paced, gritty, historic metropolis; the other is a slower-paced, golf-centric, Southern city with a small-town feel.
So, which one is for you? Let's break it down.
The Vibe Check: City Pulse vs. Southern Charm
Philadelphia is a city that doesn't ask for permission. It’s the City of Brotherly Love with enough attitude to fill a stadium. The energy is palpable—you can feel the history in the cobblestones of Old City, the grit of the sports fans, and the innovation bubbling up in neighborhoods like Fishtown. It’s a place for culture hounds, history buffs, and anyone who thrives on the buzz of a major metro area. Think of it as the East Coast's bull-in-a-china-shop: sometimes chaotic, always authentic, and endlessly fascinating.
Augusta, on the other hand, operates on "Southern time." Life here is more about the Masters Tournament at the legendary Augusta National Golf Club, the tranquility of the Savannah River, and a slower, community-oriented rhythm. It’s a city that feels more like a large town, where you might know your neighbors and the pace of life is intentionally less frantic. This is the spot for those looking to escape the intensity of big-city living, who appreciate outdoor leisure, and who value a laid-back, Southern hospitality vibe.
Who is each city for?
- Philadelphia: The urban professional, the history enthusiast, the sports fanatic, the foodie, and anyone who wants endless options for entertainment, dining, and career opportunities within a major metro.
- Augusta: The retiree seeking a warm, relaxed climate, the golfer, the outdoor lover, the military professional stationed at Fort Gordon, and anyone prioritizing a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?
You’ve heard the phrase "bang for your buck." Let's see where your money screams the loudest.
Salary Wars: Purchasing Power
Let’s run the numbers with a hypothetical $100,000 salary. In Philadelphia, you’re earning $39,698 above the median income. In Augusta, you’d be bringing in $51,244 above the local median. That’s a massive advantage in Augusta. While the raw numbers might be similar, the cost of living is the great equalizer.
In Philadelphia, a $100k salary gets you a comfortable middle-class lifestyle, but you’ll be acutely aware of expenses. In Augusta, that same $100k feels closer to upper-middle-class. You can afford a nicer home, more disposable income, and less financial stress. The "sticker shock" is far less severe in Georgia.
However, Philadelphia’s economy is a powerhouse. With industries like healthcare (Penn, Jefferson), education, finance, and tech, the ceiling for earning potential is significantly higher. You might take a pay cut to move to Augusta, but the lower cost of living could easily offset it.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Philadelphia, PA | Augusta, GA | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $269,500 | Augusta (Slight Edge) |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $1,083 | Augusta |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 113.3 | Augusta |
| Median Income | $60,302 | $48,756 | Philadelphia |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 726.5 | 108.6 | Augusta |
| Avg. Temp (Yearly) | 52.0°F | 46.0°F | Tie (Climate Preference) |
Key Insight: The Tax Twist
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax. Georgia also has a progressive income tax, but for a $100k earner, it's around 5.35%. However, Pennsylvania’s property taxes are notoriously high (averaging around 1.5-2% of home value), while Georgia’s are lower. The sales tax is also lower in Augusta (7% vs. Philadelphia’s 8%). The net tax burden can be complex, but generally, the lower cost of living in Augusta gives it a clear edge for most income brackets.
Verdict: For pure purchasing power and stretching your dollar, Augusta wins. For higher earning potential and a larger professional network, Philadelphia wins.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Philadelphia:
The housing market is a mix. You can find a historic row home in a gentrifying neighborhood or a modern apartment in a high-rise. The median home price of $270,375 is relatively affordable for a major coastal city, but competition is fierce. It’s often a seller’s market in desirable neighborhoods like Queen Village, Graduate Hospital, and East Passyunk. Renting is the norm for many young professionals, and you get more square footage for your money in neighborhoods further from Center City (like West Philly or the Northeast). Dealbreaker Alert: Be prepared for older housing stock with quirks (and potential repair costs) if you buy.
Augusta:
The market is more stable and less cutthroat. The median home price is nearly identical to Philly’s, but you get significantly more land and house for the money. It’s often a buyer’s market, giving you more room to negotiate. The housing stock is newer on average, with more single-family homes and subdivisions. Renting is affordable, with $1,083 for a 1BR giving you much better space than you’d get in a Philadelphia equivalent. For those looking to buy a starter home without a bidding war, Augusta is very appealing.
Verdict: For buyers seeking space and a less competitive market, Augusta is the clear winner. For renters who prioritize city access and a dynamic market, Philadelphia offers more variety.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Philadelphia: The Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) is infamous for a reason. Commutes can be brutal, and public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but can be unreliable. A 30-minute commute can easily double in rush hour. 90-minute commutes are not uncommon.
- Augusta: Traffic is a non-issue. The city is spread out, but you rarely face gridlock. A commute is typically a 15-20 minute drive across town. The city is built for cars.
Winner: Augusta. The stress-free commute is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
Weather
- Philadelphia: Experiences four true seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters bring snow and slush, and spring/fall are beautiful. The humidity can be oppressive.
- Augusta: Has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are long, hot, and very humid (90°F+ for months). Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. Snow is a rare event.
Winner: Tie. It’s a matter of preference. Do you want distinct seasons (Philly) or a long, warm season with mild winters (Augusta)?
Crime & Safety
- Philadelphia: The data is stark. With a violent crime rate of 726.5 per 100k, it’s significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Center City, Rittenhouse, and Fairmount are generally safe, while others require more caution.
- Augusta: The violent crime rate of 108.6 per 100k is much closer to the national average. You’ll feel safer walking around at night in most areas. It’s a statistically safer city.
Winner: Augusta. This isn’t even close. The safety profile is a major differentiator.
The Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Augusta | Lower rent, more purchasing power, less financial stress. |
| Housing Market (Buyers) | Augusta | More space, less competition, newer stock. |
| Job Market & Earning Potential | Philadelphia | Larger, diverse economy with higher salary ceilings. |
| Culture & Entertainment | Philadelphia | World-class museums, dining, sports, and history. |
| Safety | Augusta | Significantly lower violent crime rates. |
| Commute & Traffic | Augusta | Minimal traffic, shorter commutes. |
| Outdoor Recreation | Augusta | Golf, river activities, parks, and milder winters for year-round outdoor use. |
Winner for Families: Augusta. The combination of lower cost of living, safer environment, more space for your money, and a slower-paced community is ideal for raising kids. Philadelphia offers excellent public and private schools but at a much higher cost and with the urban challenges of a major city.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Philadelphia. If you’re in your 20s or 30s and want a vibrant social scene, endless networking opportunities, and the energy of a big city, Philadelphia is the place. The dating pool is larger, and the nightlife is non-stop. Augusta is better for those who are already settled or looking for a quiet base.
Winner for Retirees: Augusta. It’s a top-tier retirement destination for a reason: warm climate, low cost of living, excellent golf, and a relaxed pace. Philadelphia can be too cold, expensive, and intense for many retirees.
Final Pros & Cons
Philadelphia:
- Pros: World-class culture, history, and food; major sports teams; robust job market; extensive public transit; four distinct seasons.
- Cons: High cost of living; significant traffic; high crime rates in some areas; aging infrastructure; high property taxes.
Augusta:
- Pros: Very low cost of living; affordable housing; minimal traffic; safer environment; strong golf and outdoor recreation; Southern charm and pace.
- Cons: Limited job diversity outside healthcare, military, and service industries; fewer cultural amenities; hot, humid summers; less urban excitement.
The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you thrive on urban energy, career ambition, and cultural depth, and are willing to pay the price (literally and figuratively). Choose Augusta if you value affordability, safety, space, and a slower pace of life, especially if you're retiring, raising a family, or love golf. Your wallet will thank you.