Aurora vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Aurora	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$89,300	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.9%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$460,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$216	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,835	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	146.1	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	101.3	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.26	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	534.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	33.6%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Philadelphia and Aurora.

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Philadelphia vs. Aurora: The Ultimate City Showdown

So, you’re trying to decide between the City of Brotherly Love and the "Gateway to the Rockies." On paper, these two cities sit on opposite ends of the American spectrum: one is a gritty, historic East Coast giant, and the other is a sun-soaked, sprawling suburb of Denver.

But let’s cut the brochure talk. Choosing a place to live isn’t just about skyline views; it’s about where your paycheck goes, how safe you feel walking to the corner store, and whether you can handle a winter that lasts six months.

Let’s break it down.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Gleam

Philadelphia is a city with a chip on its shoulder and history etched into every brick. It’s the underdog of the Northeast corridor—overshadowed by New York but fiercely proud of its own identity. The vibe here is unpretentious. You go to a dive bar in South Philly, and you’re just as likely to be sitting next to a lawyer as a construction worker. It’s dense, walkable (for a major city), and culturally rich. Think world-class museums, a legendary food scene (cheesesteaks are just the beginning), and a palpable energy that comes from 1.5 million people packed into a tight grid.

Aurora, on the other hand, is the definition of suburban sprawl meets mountain views. It’s the third-largest city in Colorado, but don’t let the city limits fool you—it feels like a massive, master-planned community. The vibe is family-centric, active, and outdoorsy. It’s clean, new, and designed for cars. Aurora is for people who want access to the Colorado lifestyle—hiking, skiing, sunshine—without the astronomical price tag of Denver proper or Boulder. It’s less about "culture" in the museum sense and more about "lifestyle" in the recreation sense.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia: Urbanites who crave history, walkability, and a distinct local culture. Young professionals who want big-city amenities without NYC rent.
• Aurora: Families and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize space, sunshine, and access to nature. Commuters who work in Denver but want more house for their money.

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

This is where the rubber meets the road. Phoenix and Philadelphia have a massive gap in median income, but that doesn't tell the whole story. It’s about purchasing power.

Let’s look at the hard numbers. Note: Aurora has a 0% state income tax, while Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% tax rate. That’s a significant difference in your take-home pay.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Philadelphia	Aurora	The Winner
Median Home Price	$270,375	$460,000	Philadelphia
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,835	Philadelphia
Housing Index	117.8	146.1	Philadelphia
Median Income	$60,302	$89,300	Aurora

The Salary Wars:
If you earn the median income in Philadelphia ($60k), your money goes surprisingly far for housing. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,451, which is roughly 29% of your gross income. That’s tight but manageable for a single person.

In Aurora, with a median income of $89,300, you’re making 48% more, but your rent is $1,835. That’s roughly 25% of your gross income. While the percentage is slightly better, the quality of housing you get in Aurora for that price is often newer and larger than what you’d find in Philly.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power:
Aurora wins on pure salary numbers, thanks to Colorado’s booming economy. However, Philadelphia offers incredible bang for your buck. The housing index in Philly (117.8) is significantly lower than Aurora’s (146.1). If you’re bringing a Philadelphia remote salary (say $100k) to Aurora, you’ll feel the sticker shock immediately. Conversely, a $100k salary in Philadelphia puts you in a very comfortable position, likely allowing you to buy a rowhome or a condo in a desirable neighborhood.

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The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying

Philadelphia

Buying in Philly is a mixed bag. The median home price of $270,375 is one of the most affordable for a major coastal city. However, it’s a buyer’s market in some neighborhoods and a seller’s market in others. Fishtown and Northern Liberties are hyper-competitive, with bidding wars driving prices up. But if you look in established neighborhoods like East Passyunk or parts of West Philly, you can still find historic rowhomes with character for under $300k.

Rental Market: The rental market is competitive but stable. You get older stock—think historic brownstones and converted factories—which come with charm but sometimes lack modern amenities like central AC or in-unit laundry.

Aurora

Aurora is a strong seller’s market. The median home price of $460,000 reflects the high demand for single-family homes with yards and mountain views. Inventory is tight, and homes move fast. You’re paying a premium for newer construction, open floor plans, and the Colorado label.

Rental Market: Rentals in Aurora are often modern apartment complexes or townhomes. While more expensive than Philly, they usually come with pools, gyms, and granite countertops. Availability is decent, but prices are creeping up as Denver’s sprawl pushes further out.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where personal preference trumps data.

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Traffic is notoriously bad, but the public transit system (SEPTA) is a lifesaver. It’s one of the few cities in the US where you can realistically live without a car. The average commute is 28 minutes.
• Aurora: This is a car-dependent city. While it has light rail into Denver, most residents drive. Traffic on I-225 and I-70 can be brutal during rush hour. The average commute is 27 minutes, but you must factor in car payments, insurance, and gas.

Weather

• Philadelphia: Brutal winters with snow and slush, humid summers that can hit 90°F, and a nice but short spring/fall. Weather is a major negative for many.
• Aurora: High desert climate. Winters are cold (40°F average) but often sunny with dry air (snow melts fast). Summers are hot and dry (high 80s to 90s). If you hate humidity, Aurora wins easily.

Crime & Safety

This is the hardest pill to swallow. Both cities have crime rates above the national average.

• Philadelphia: Violent crime rate is 726.5/100k. This is high. However, crime is hyper-local. Neighborhoods like Society Hill and Chestnut Hill are incredibly safe, while others face significant challenges. You must research specific blocks.
• Aurora: Violent crime rate is 534.0/100k. While statistically lower than Philly, it’s still concerning. Certain pockets of Aurora struggle with gang activity, but many suburbs are very safe. The perception of safety in Aurora is generally higher than in Philadelphia.

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The Verdict: Who Wins Where?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here is the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Aurora

For families with young kids, Aurora takes the crown. The public schools are generally better rated than Philadelphia’s (a notorious struggle for Philly), the suburbs offer safe, walkable neighborhoods with cul-de-sacs and parks, and the access to outdoor recreation is unbeatable. The higher median income ($89k) supports the cost of living, and the 0% state income tax helps with college savings. The trade-off? You’ll need a car and a higher budget for housing.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia

If you’re under 35, single, or just starting out, Philadelphia is the clear winner. The cost of living is dramatically lower, allowing you to save money while still living in a vibrant, historic city. You can walk to bars, restaurants, and museums. The social scene is gritty, authentic, and diverse. Aurora’s suburbs can feel isolating for young singles. In Philly, you get a sense of community and culture that Aurora simply doesn’t offer.

Winner for Retirees: It’s a Tie (Depends on Priorities)

• Choose Philadelphia if: You want walkability, world-class healthcare (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is top-tier), and cultural stimulation. You can live car-free, and your housing costs are lower. The flat tax is easier on a fixed income.
• Choose Aurora if: Your health is good and you prioritize an active, outdoor lifestyle. The dry air is easier on joints than Philly’s humidity. However, you’ll pay more for housing and need a car forever.

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Final Pros & Cons

🏛️ Philadelphia

Pros:

• Incredible affordability for a major city.
• Walkable, distinct neighborhoods with character.
• Rich history and culture (museums, food, music).
• Good public transit (SEPTA).
• Proximity to NYC, DC, and the Jersey Shore.

Cons:

• High violent crime (research is essential).
• Brutal winters and humid summers.
• Aging infrastructure (potholes, old pipes).
• Public schools are inconsistent.

🏔️ Aurora

Pros:

• High median income and strong job market.
• 0% state income tax.
• 300+ days of sunshine a year.
• Unbeatable access to mountains, hiking, and skiing.
• Newer housing stock and modern amenities.

Cons:

• High cost of living (especially housing).
• Car-dependent; limited walkability.
• "Mile High" altitude takes getting used to.
• Can feel like generic suburbia without a distinct downtown core.

The Bottom Line:
If you’re chasing affordability and urban soul, pick Philadelphia. If you’re chasing sunshine and a higher salary with a side of mountains, pick Aurora. Your wallet—and your winter coat—will thank you.