Bentonville vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Bentonville	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$108,465	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4.1%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$500,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$233	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$773	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	75.8	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.1	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	671.9	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	53.7%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	40

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

Choosing between Philadelphia and Bentonville isn't just picking a city; it's picking a whole lifestyle. On one side, you've got the gritty, historic, big-city energy of Philly. On the other, the curated, outdoor-centric, corporate-fueled serenity of Bentonville, Arkansas. This isn't a fair fight—they're in completely different leagues. But for someone looking to relocate, that's the whole point.

Let's cut through the noise. If you're craving the buzz of a major metro with world-class culture and a "real city" feel, Philadelphia is calling your name. If you want a high quality of life, access to nature, and a community that feels built for young professionals and families, Bentonville might be your ticket. We're going to break this down with cold, hard data and real-talk insights to help you decide where to plant your roots.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Polished Outdoor Paradise

Philadelphia is a living, breathing organism. It's loud, proud, and unapologetically itself. Walk through Center City and you'll smell roasting nuts from street carts, hear the clatter of the El train, and feel the weight of 300+ years of history under your feet. The culture is a potent mix of blue-collar toughness, Ivy League academia (hello, UPenn and Drexel), and a thriving arts and foodie scene. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality—from the rowhouses of Fishtown to the historic mansions of Society Hill. It’s for the person who wants everything at their fingertips: museums, concerts, professional sports, international airports, and a food scene that can hang with NYC's. It's for the urban adventurer who doesn't mind a little grit with their glamour.

Bentonville is the polar opposite. It’s clean, planned, and purpose-built. As the global headquarters of Walmart, its economy is stable and booming, but the vibe is decidedly more "tech campus meets mountain bike trail." The downtown square is charming and walkable, but it feels more like a high-end suburb than a bustling city center. The culture revolves heavily around the outdoors—Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a world-class anchor, and miles of paved and single-track trails connect the city to the surrounding Ozark forests. It’s for the person who prioritizes balance. You want a great job, a beautiful home, and to be on a mountain bike trail or a lake within minutes. It’s for the young professional or family seeking community, safety, and a high quality of life without the sensory overload of a major metropolis.

Verdict: Philadelphia wins for raw urban energy and cultural depth. Bentonville wins for curated, outdoor-focused lifestyle and community feel.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Really Go?

This is where the story gets interesting. The data shows a massive gap in median income, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Let's talk purchasing power.

Philadelphia's median income is $60,302. Bentonville's is $108,465—that’s nearly double! But hold on. The cost of living in Bentonville is skewed by a supercharged housing market. Yes, rent is shockingly low, but home prices are sky-high for the region. Let's break it down.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Philadelphia	Bentonville	Winner
Median Home Price	$270,375	$500,000	Philadelphia (by a mile)
Avg. Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$773	Bentonville (nearly half the price)
Housing Index	117.8 (Above US Avg)	75.8 (Below US Avg)	Bentonville (Wait, this is confusing)
Groceries	~5% above nat'l avg	~3% below nat'l avg	Bentonville
Utilities	~10% above nat'l avg	~12% below nat'l avg	Bentonville

Let's unpack this. The Housing Index shows Bentonville as more affordable overall, but that's because it's a composite index that includes rent, which is dirt cheap. The home price is the real story. In Philadelphia, you can buy a decent home for $270k. In Bentonville, the median is $500k. That's a $230,000 difference.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power: If you're earning the median income in each city, who feels richer?

• In Philadelphia ($60k), your biggest cost is rent ($1,451/mo). After taxes, you might take home ~$4,000. Rent eats 36% of that. It's tight, but manageable if you're budget-conscious. Buying a home is a realistic goal for many.
• In Bentonville ($108k), your rent is a steal ($773/mo). After taxes (Arkansas has a low income tax rate), your take-home is likely ~$6,500. Rent is only 12% of your income. You’ll save a fortune on housing monthly. BUT, the home you want to buy will cost you $500k. That mortgage payment is a different beast.

Insight on Taxes: This is a huge factor. Arkansas has a state income tax that tops out at 5.5% for high earners. Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% income tax. However, Philadelphia has a notorious 3.8% Wage Tax for city residents. So, your total state/local income tax burden in Philly could be ~6.87% (3.07% state + 3.8% city). In Bentonville, you'd pay 3.5-5.5% state tax, but no city wage tax. For a $100k salary, you might save $2,000+ annually on income taxes in Arkansas vs. Philadelphia. That's real money.

The Bottom Line: Bentonville offers incredible immediate purchasing power for renters and savers. Your daily life (groceries, utilities, rent) is cheaper. However, the path to homeownership is more expensive and competitive in Bentonville. Philadelphia offers a clearer, more affordable ladder to buying a home.

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The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying

Philadelphia: A Renter's & Buyer's Market (Mostly)
Philadelphia's housing stock is old, vast, and diverse. You can find a historic rowhouse, a modern high-rise apartment, or a suburban-style home. The market is competitive but not insane. With a median home price of $270,375, it's one of the most affordable major cities on the East Coast. Inventory exists, and while you'll face bidding wars in hot neighborhoods, it's not the cutthroat frenzy you see in cities like Austin or Boston. It's a balanced market leaning slightly to buyers. Renting is straightforward, with plenty of options, though prices have been rising.

Bentonville: A Seller's Market with a Twist
Bentonville's housing market is a tale of two extremes. The rental market is a renter's dream. With a median rent of $773, it's an absolute bargain. You get more space for less money. However, the buying market is a seller's paradise. The median home price of $500,000 is driven by high-income professionals (Walmart, suppliers, tech) competing for limited inventory. It's a competitive, seller-driven market where you'll likely pay over asking price and waive contingencies. The "Housing Index" of 75.8 is misleading here; it's low because rent is so cheap, but if you're trying to buy, the sticker shock is real. Availability for single-family homes is tight.

Verdict: Philadelphia is better for aspiring homeowners on a median income. Bentonville is the undisputed champion for renters seeking maximum square footage for their dollar.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: A beast. The Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) and I-95 are legendary traffic nightmares. The average commute time is 27 minutes, but it can easily double during rush hour. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but often delayed and aging. Owning a car in the city is a hassle (narrow streets, expensive insurance, brutal parking).
• Bentonville: A breeze. The city is designed for cars. You can get across town in 15 minutes, even in traffic. Commutes are short, and parking is plentiful and free. The lack of congestion is a major quality-of-life perk.

Weather

• Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons, but they can be extreme. Summers are hot and humid, often hitting 90°F+ with high humidity. Winters are cold, snowy, and gray. Spring and fall are beautiful but short. The "humidity factor" is a real dealbreaker for some.
• Bentonville: More moderate, but with a twist. Summers are warm (average high in the 80s) but less humid than Philly. Winters are milder but still see snow and ice (average temp 46.0°F). The biggest weather factor is the Tornado Alley proximity. While Bentonville itself is in a safer zone, severe storms are a seasonal reality.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical and often misunderstood category. The data shows violent crime rates per 100k people. Let's be clear: No city is crime-free, and these stats require context.

• Philadelphia: 726.5/100k. This is a high number, typical for a major US city. Crime is highly concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Areas like Center City, Fairmount, and many parts of West Philly are very safe. Others require more vigilance. The key is neighborhood research.
• Bentonville: 671.9/100k. This is also a high number, which surprises many. It's important to note that crime data for smaller cities can be volatile and include domestic incidents. Generally, Bentonville is perceived as very safe, especially in the core and affluent suburbs. The higher rate might reflect specific incidents or reporting differences. For most residents, the daily feeling of safety is high.

Verdict: Bentonville wins overwhelmingly on traffic and daily commute ease. Philadelphia has a more predictable (if extreme) climate, while Bentonville has the storm risk. On safety, Bentonville feels safer to most, but the data is closer than you'd think. Always research specific neighborhoods.

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The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?

This isn't about which city is "better." It's about which city is better for you.

Winner for Families

Philadelphia. Here’s why. The public and private school options are vast and excellent, from magnet schools to renowned charters. The cultural and educational institutions (museums, zoos, Franklin Institute) provide endless, affordable weekend activities. The median home price of $270,375 is achievable for a growing family, and you get more house and a yard for your money compared to other major coastal cities. The urban environment teaches resilience and exposes kids to diversity. Bentonville is also fantastic for families (great schools, safe), but the sheer volume of resources in Philly is unbeatable.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals

Bentonville. The math is simple. You can rent a great apartment for $773, save a ton of money, and enjoy a high-quality social life built around outdoor activities and a tight-knit professional network. The job market is stable and growing, especially in tech and corporate roles. The dating scene in Philadelphia is large but fragmented; in Bentonville, it's smaller but more intentional. If you're career-focused and want to build wealth while enjoying an active lifestyle, Bentonville is a launchpad.

Winner for Retirees

Bentonville. This is a clear win. Lower cost of living (especially for renters), excellent healthcare (Mercy Hospital), and a peaceful, safe environment are huge draws. The weather is milder than Philly's harsh winters, and the outdoor trails are a paradise for active seniors. Philadelphia offers world-class healthcare and cultural stimulation, but the city pace, higher taxes, and harsh winters can be draining. Bentonville provides serenity with all the amenities you need.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Unbeatable Culture: World-class museums, dining, music, and sports.
• Affordable Homeownership: Median price $270k for a major city.
• Walkability & Transit: Car-optional in many neighborhoods.
• Diverse & Vibrant: A true melting pot of people and experiences.
• Proximity: Easy trips to NYC, D.C., and the Jersey Shore.

Cons:

• Traffic & Commute: A daily grind.
• Higher Taxes: City wage tax + state income tax.
• Urban Challenges: More visible poverty, grit, and crime in some areas.
• Old Infrastructure: Aging homes, roads, and transit systems.

Bentonville

Pros:

• Affordable Daily Life: Crazy-cheap rent ($773), groceries, and utilities.
• Outdoor Paradise: Unrivaled access to trails, lakes, and biking.
• Easy Commute: Minimal traffic and congestion.
• High-Income Job Market: Driven by Walmart and its ecosystem.
• Clean & Safe: Well-maintained, planned, and family-friendly.

Cons:

• Expensive to Buy: Median home price of $500,000.
• Limited "City" Feel: It's a large town, not a metropolis.
• Weather Risk: Proximity to severe storms/tornadoes.
• Cultural Homogeneity: Less diverse than Philly.
• Corporate Influence: Life can feel dominated by the Walmart machine.

The Final Call: Choose Philadelphia if your heart beats for the energy of a major city, you value cultural depth, and you're focused on buying a home. Choose Bentonville if your priority is a high quality of life, outdoor access, financial flexibility (as a renter), and a simpler, safer daily routine.