Beaverton vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Beaverton	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$92,650	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	5.2%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$581,050	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$275	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,545	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	124.6	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.6	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	178.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	50.7%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	55	40

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

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

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—the gritty, historic heavyweight of the East Coast. On the other, Beaverton, the polished, high-tech suburb of Portland, Oregon. One is a bustling metropolis with a chip on its shoulder; the other is a quiet, affluent community nestled in the Pacific Northwest’s green canopy.

Choosing between them isn't just about picking a zip code; it’s about choosing a lifestyle. Are you looking for the electric buzz of a major city, or the serene, tech-driven calm of a suburb? Let’s break it down, dollar for dollar, degree for degree, to see which one actually fits your life.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Greenery

Philadelphia is a city that doesn’t ask for permission. It’s the underdog of the Northeast, sandwiched between New York and D.C. but fiercely proud of its own identity. The vibe here is electric, blue-collar, and unapologetically authentic. You’ll find world-class art museums right next to legendary cheesesteak joints. It’s a city of neighborhoods, where the energy shifts block by block. If you crave culture, history, and the feeling that you’re in the heart of the action, Philly delivers.

Beaverton, by contrast, feels like a breath of fresh air—literally. It’s a suburb that’s grown up into its own city, offering a blend of urban amenities and outdoor access. The vibe here is calm, organized, and health-conscious. You’re minutes away from hiking trails, microbreweries, and the tech campuses of Nike and Intel. It’s less about the hustle and bustle and more about work-life balance. If you want a quieter, cleaner, and nature-oriented lifestyle without sacrificing city conveniences, Beaverton is your spot.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia: The urbanite, the history buff, the foodie, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a dense, walkable city.
• Beaverton: The outdoor enthusiast, the tech professional, the family seeking excellent schools, and anyone who values space, safety, and a slower pace of life.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in Beaverton, but does it actually go further? Let’s look at the cold, hard numbers.

First, a look at the monthly cost of living essentials:

Category	Philadelphia	Beaverton	The Takeaway
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,545	Surprisingly close, but Beaverton edges out Philly.
Utilities	$150 (Est.)	$145 (Est.)	Negligible difference; climate dictates usage.
Groceries	$380 (Est.)	$420 (Est.)	Beaverton is ~10% more expensive for food.
Housing Index	117.8	124.6	Beaverton is more expensive overall.

Note: Estimates based on national averages adjusted for regional data. Always check current rates.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Paradox

Here’s the headline: Beaverton’s median income ($92,650) is a staggering 54% higher than Philadelphia’s ($60,302). At first glance, that looks like a slam dunk for Oregon. But purchasing power is a game of context.

If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, you are well above the city’s median, putting you in a strong financial position. Your $1,451 rent would represent about 17% of your pre-tax monthly income—a very manageable ratio. You can afford a great apartment, dine out regularly, and still save.

In Beaverton, earning $100,000 puts you below the city’s median income. With a higher median home price and slightly higher rent, that same salary feels tighter. Your $1,545 rent would eat up about 18.5% of your monthly income, and the higher cost of goods (groceries, dining) adds up. You’re not struggling, but you’re not balling out either.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power:
Philadelphia wins this round. While the dollar figures are lower, the cost of living is significantly more favorable, giving you more financial breathing room for your money. Beaverton offers higher salaries, but the cost of living eats into that advantage. It’s a classic case of sticker shock—you’ll make more, but you’ll spend more, too.

A Quick Tax Note: Oregon has a high progressive income tax (up to 9.9%), while Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% income tax. This is a massive factor. That $92,650 salary in Beaverton gets hit harder by the state tax man than Philadelphia’s $60,302. The "take-home" gap is even smaller than the median income suggests.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Renting

As the table showed, renting is nearly a wash. Beaverton has a slight edge in price, but availability and competition are fierce in both markets. Philly offers more variety—historic row homes, modern high-rises, and everything in between. Beaverton’s stock is more suburban, with a focus on apartments and single-family homes.

Buying

This is the biggest divide.

• Philadelphia: The median home price is $270,375. This is remarkably affordable for a major U.S. metro. You can find a fixer-upper row home in a gentrifying neighborhood or a move-in-ready condo. It’s a buyer’s market in many areas, with less competition than you’d see in comparable cities. The Housing Index (117.8) indicates it’s above the national average but accessible.
• Beaverton: The median home price is $581,050. You’re paying more than double for a home here. The Housing Index (124.6) is higher, reflecting the competitive Portland metro market. It’s often a seller’s market, with bidding wars common. Your money buys you more space and land, but the entry price is steep.

The Dealbreaker: If buying a home is a top priority, Philadelphia is the clear winner. It offers a path to homeownership that feels increasingly out of reach in many U.S. cities. Beaverton’s market is strong but requires a much larger financial commitment.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Public transit is robust (SEPTA), and the city is walkable. However, traffic can be congested, and commutes from the suburbs can be long. Average commute time is around 28 minutes.
• Beaverton: You’re car-dependent here. Public transit exists (TriMet) but is less comprehensive. Traffic can be a nightmare, especially on I-5 and Highway 26 during rush hour. The average commute is slightly longer, around 25-30 minutes, but car trips can be more stressful.

Weather

• Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons distinctly. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters are cold with snow and ice. Spring and fall are beautiful but can be unpredictable. The average annual temp is 52.0°F.
• Beaverton: The famous Pacific Northwest climate. Winters are cool and wet but rarely snowy (average 37.0°F). Summers are mild and dry, rarely exceeding 85°F. The trade-off? Rain—lots of it, from October through June. If you hate gray skies and drizzle, this is a major con.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast. Philadelphia’s violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000 people. This is high, and while it varies dramatically by neighborhood, it’s a city-wide consideration. Beaverton’s rate is 178.0 per 100,000, which is significantly lower and well below the national average. For families and safety-conscious individuals, Beaverton is the safer bet, hands down.

The Verdict: Who Wins Your Choice?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s our final breakdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: Beaverton
If you have kids or plan to, Beaverton takes the crown. The schools are excellent (Beaverton School District is highly rated), the neighborhoods are safe, and there’s abundant green space and parks. The higher housing cost is the trade-off for a premium, family-friendly environment.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia
Philly is the playground. The cost of living allows for a social life, the dating pool is massive, and the city’s energy is contagious. You can afford to live near the action, and the cultural and culinary scenes are unbeatable. Beaverton can feel quiet and suburban for a young single person.

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

• Choose Beaverton if you prioritize safety, mild weather (no shoveling snow!), and access to nature. The higher cost is manageable with retirement savings.
• Choose Philadelphia if you want walkability, world-class healthcare (Penn Medicine, Jefferson), and cultural stimulation. The lower cost of living preserves your nest egg, and the walkable neighborhoods keep you active.

Final Pros & Cons List

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Affordable housing (especially for a major city).
• Rich history and culture at every turn.
• Excellent food scene (cheesesteaks, Italian Market, diverse cuisine).
• Walkable and transit-friendly.
• Lower state income tax.
• Purchasing power is strong.

Cons:

• High violent crime rate (varies by neighborhood).
• Hot, humid summers and cold winters.
• Traffic congestion.
• Can feel gritty and less polished than other East Coast cities.

Beaverton

Pros:

• Very low crime rate and safe communities.
• Excellent public schools.
• Proximity to nature (hiking, skiing, coast).
• Mild, dry summers.
• Tech job opportunities (Nike, Intel, etc.).
• Clean and well-maintained.

Cons:

• Very high cost of living (especially housing).
• High state income tax.
• Car-dependent; limited public transit.
• Grey, rainy winters can be depressing.
• Less diverse and more suburban.

The Bottom Line:
If you’re chasing financial flexibility, urban energy, and a rich cultural tapestry, pack your bags for Philadelphia. It’s a city that rewards the bold and the budget-conscious.

If you’re prioritizing safety, schools, and a serene, nature-adjacent lifestyle and can swing the higher price tag, Beaverton offers a premium, high-quality living experience.

Choose wisely.