Billings vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Billings	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$67,028	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.3%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$368,950	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$176	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$874	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	73.0	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.3	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	469.8	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	34.6%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	27	40

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

You're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—the gritty, historic, fast-paced East Coast beast with a population of 1.55 million and a skyline that scrapes the clouds. On the other, you have Billings, Montana—the "Magic City" of the West, a rugged, wide-open town of 120,874 people where the sky feels bigger and the pace feels... well, saner.

This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it's a choice between two entirely different ways of life. Are you looking for the energy of a major metro, world-class food, and endless things to do? Or do you crave breathing room, dramatic landscapes, and a cost of living that feels like a throwback to a simpler time?

We're going to break this down like friends arguing over a map. We'll look at the numbers, feel the vibes, and ultimately tell you which city wins for your specific life stage. Grab your coffee; this is going to get real.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Rugged Frontier Town

Philadelphia is the ultimate East Coast underdog. It’s not as polished as Boston, not as glitzy as New York, but it’s got more soul than both combined. This is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. You can grab a legendary cheesesteak in South Philly, explore the cobblestone streets of Old City, or hit the world-class museums on the Ben Franklin Parkway. The vibe is laid-back but relentless. People here are direct, they're loyal, and they work hard. It's a city for people who want big-city amenities without the Manhattan price tag (though, as we'll see, it's not cheap). It’s for the history buff, the foodie, the sports fan, and the young professional who wants to feel like they're in the center of the action.

Billings is a different beast entirely. It’s the gateway to Yellowstone and the Big Horn Mountains. The vibe here is self-reliant and community-focused. Life revolves around the outdoors—hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing. The city is spread out, with a car being an absolute necessity. The pace is slower, the air is cleaner, and the sense of community is tight-knit. It's a place where you can see the Milky Way at night and where a "rush hour" is maybe 20 minutes of extra traffic. This is for the adventurer, the family looking for space, the retiree who wants to retire into an active lifestyle, and anyone who feels suffocated by the density and noise of a major coastal city.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia: The urbanist, the career-driven, the culture vulture, the person who thrives on energy and history.
• Billings: The outdoorsman, the peace-seeker, the family wanting a backyard, the person who values space over skyline.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. We're going to assume a median income for this comparison, but the real question is: if you earn $100,000 in each city, how does it feel?

First, the raw numbers. Philadelphia's median income is $60,302, while Billings boasts a higher median of $67,028. On the surface, Billings looks like it pays more. But let's pull back the curtain.

Expense Category	Philadelphia, PA	Billings, MT	The Lowdown
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$874	Winner: Billings. This is the single biggest difference. Billings rent is nearly 40% cheaper. That's a massive chunk of change back in your pocket every month.
Utilities	~$170/month	~$150/month	Winner: Billings (Slightly). Heating costs in Montana can be steep in winter, but Philly's older housing stock and humid summers can drive up AC bills. It's a wash, but Billings has a slight edge.
Groceries	~11% above nat'l avg	~8% above nat'l avg	Winner: Billings. Being a logistics hub for the West helps, but both are above average. The difference is marginal, but Billings wins again.
Housing Index	117.8	73.0	Winner: Billings. This index (where 100 is the national average) tells the whole story. Philly is 17.8% more expensive than the national average for housing. Billings is 27% cheaper. The sticker shock is real if you're moving to Philly.

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Let's do the math. If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, you're in the top tier of earners. But your money gets eaten alive by higher taxes (PA has a flat 3.07% income tax + a 6% sales tax + high property taxes) and that high housing index. Your $100k feels like about $85k in purchasing power.

In Billings, with no state sales tax and lower property taxes, your $100,000 feels closer to $110,000. The lower cost of living, especially housing, means your dollar stretches significantly further. You can afford a nicer home, a newer car, and more discretionary spending.

Verdict: Billings is the clear winner for purchasing power. The lower cost of living, especially housing, means your salary goes much, much further. Philadelphia is more expensive, and while salaries might be higher in certain sectors (finance, healthcare), the cost of living eats into those gains.

The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying

Philadelphia:

• Buy vs. Rent: The median home price is $270,375. That's surprisingly affordable for a major East Coast city. However, the market is fierce. You're competing with investors, flippers, and a high population density. The Housing Index of 117.8 confirms it's a seller's market. Finding a move-in-ready home at that price means compromises on space or location. Renting at $1,451 is common, but you're dealing with older housing stock (think radiator heat, thin walls) and strict lease terms.
• Availability: Inventory is tight. You need to be pre-approved and ready to move fast. The "fixer-upper" is a common path to ownership here.

Billings:

• Buy vs. Rent: The median home price is a shocker: $368,950. Wait, isn't Billings cheaper? Yes, the Housing Index is lower, but the median price is higher. Why? Because Billings is a town of homeowners. The rental market is small (hence the low rent of $874), so the median price reflects the typical single-family home, not a mix of apartments and condos. You get a lot more house for your money—land, space, a garage—but the entry price is higher.
• Availability: It's a balanced market. You have time to look, but quality homes move. The challenge isn't bidding wars; it's finding a home with the right features in a town with limited inventory.

Verdict: Philadelphia wins for renters and entry-level buyers. You can get into the market with a smaller down payment. Billings wins for buyers with a larger budget who want space and a single-family home. If you're renting, Billings is a no-brainer; if you're buying with a moderate budget, Philadelphia offers more options.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Brutal. The Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) is a daily nightmare. The average commute time is around 30-35 minutes, but that can easily double during rush hour. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but aging and often delayed. You need patience.
• Billings: Non-existent. The average commute is under 20 minutes. There are no major traffic jams. You drive everywhere, but you're rarely stuck. This is a massive quality-of-life win.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: 52°F annual average. You get four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common), winters can be snowy and icy. It's a true East Coast climate with all its charms and miseries.
• Billings: 48°F annual average. It's drier and more extreme. Winters are cold and can be harsh, with significant snowfall. Summers are warm and dry, a pleasant relief from humidity. The big factor is the wind—Billings is known as the "Windy City" of the West.

Crime & Safety:

• Philadelphia: Violent Crime: 726.5/100k. This is significantly above the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe, while others have serious issues. You must do your homework.
• Billings: Violent Crime: 469.8/100k. This is also above the national average, which surprises many. However, it's 35% lower than Philly. The crime here is often related to property or substance abuse, not random urban violence. Overall, Billings feels safer, but it's not crime-free.

Verdict: Billings wins on commute and perceived safety. The traffic in Philadelphia is a major stressor. Philadelphia wins on weather variety if you love distinct seasons, but Billings wins if you hate humidity. Crime stats go to Billings, but the reality in Philly is highly neighborhood-dependent.

The Final Verdict

After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final call. This isn't about which city is "better," but which city is better for you.

Winner for Families: Billings

If you have kids and want space, a yard, good schools (Billings has solid public schools), and a safe, community-oriented environment, Billings is the choice. The lower cost of living means one parent can potentially stay home, or you can afford a larger home. The access to outdoor activities is unbeatable for family bonding. The trade-off? Fewer cultural and educational field trips compared to a major city like Philly.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia

For career growth, networking, dating, and an endless array of restaurants, bars, and events, Philadelphia is the clear winner. The energy, the opportunities, and the density of people your age are irreplaceable. You can build a career, explore your interests, and never be bored. The trade-off? Higher costs, more competition, and a potentially isolating urban grind if you're not into the city lifestyle.

Winner for Retirees: Billings

For retirees, Billings offers a phenomenal bang for your buck. Your retirement savings go much further. The slower pace, lower stress, and incredible access to nature promote an active, healthy lifestyle. The community is welcoming, and the lack of traffic is a huge plus. However, if you need top-tier, specialized healthcare, Philadelphia's world-class hospitals (like Penn and Jefferson) might be a deciding factor.

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Philadelphia: Pros & Cons

PROS:

• World-Class Culture: Museums, history, food scene that rivals any city.
• Career Opportunities: Major hub for healthcare, finance, and education.
• Walkability & Transit: In many neighborhoods, you don't need a car.
• Diversity: A true melting pot of people and experiences.
• Affordable for a Major City: Lower home prices than NYC, Boston, or DC.

CONS:

• High Cost of Living: Especially housing and taxes.
• Traffic & Commute: Can be soul-crushing.
• Crime: Significant in many neighborhoods; requires careful research.
• Old Infrastructure: Aging roads, transit, and housing stock.
• Humid Summers: Can be oppressive.

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Billings: Pros & Cons

PROS:

• Incredible Purchasing Power: Your salary goes much, much further.
• Outdoor Paradise: Unmatched access to hiking, fishing, skiing, and national parks.
• Low Stress: Minimal traffic, slower pace, strong community feel.
• Low Taxes: No state sales tax, lower property taxes.
• Clean Air & Space: Wide-open skies and room to breathe.

CONS:

• Isolated: Far from other major cities (7+ hours to Denver).
• Limited Cultural Scene: Fewer museums, concerts, and diverse dining options.
• Harsh Winters: Cold, windy, and snowy.
• Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle for everything.
• Job Market: Less diverse; dominated by healthcare, energy, and retail.

The Bottom Line: If your heart beats for the city, for the hustle, and for the endless possibilities of an urban jungle, Philadelphia is calling your name. But if you're dreaming of a life with more space, less stress, and a backyard that opens onto mountain views, Billings is your frontier. Choose your adventure.