Burlington vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Burlington	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$68,854	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$551,600	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$342	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,441	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	101.7	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.3	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	60.5%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	40

Philadelphia vs. Burlington: The Ultimate East Coast Showdown

You’re staring down a major life decision. Two cities, two vastly different worlds. On one side, you have Philadelphia: the gritty, historic, big-city underdog with a chip on its shoulder and a massive metro population. On the other, Burlington: the picture-perfect, small-town gem nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, with a population that fits inside a single Philly neighborhood.

So, which one deserves your next chapter? I’ve crunched the numbers, lived the lifestyles, and I’m here to give you the straight talk—no fluff, just the data-driven reality.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Lakeside Serenity

Let’s cut to the chase. These cities aren’t even in the same league in terms of scale, and that changes everything.

Philadelphia is a major metropolitan beast. With a population of 1.55 million, it’s the sixth-largest city in the U.S. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality—from the cobblestone streets of Old City to the vibrant murals of South Philly. The energy is undeniable. It’s a college town (Drexel, Penn, Temple), a sports-crazed town (Go Birds!), and a foodie haven where a cheesesteak is a religion. It’s fast-paced, loud, and unapologetically authentic. You can get world-class museums, a 24/7 nightlife, and a global food scene without the astronomical price tag of NYC or Boston.

Burlington, on the other hand, is the definition of a compact, walkable, lakeside community. With a population of just 44,649, it’s a true small town. The vibe is quintessential New England: progressive, outdoorsy, and laid-back. The central Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian-only hub of boutiques, cafes, and buskers. The focus is on the outdoors—kayaking on Lake Champlain, hiking in the nearby Adirondacks or Green Mountains, and skiing in the winter. It’s a place where the pace slows down, and a Friday night might mean a craft brewery and a concert in the park.

Who is each city for?

• Philadelphia is for the urbanite who craves energy, diversity, and endless options. You want history at your doorstep, a major city’s amenities, and a strong sense of community within a massive metro. You’re okay with a bit of grit and don’t mind a longer commute.
• Burlington is for the nature lover, the quiet achiever, or the retiree who wants a beautiful, safe, and walkable community. You value quality of life over quantity of options. You’re happy driving for big-city amenities a few times a year in exchange for daily peace.

Verdict: This is purely a matter of personal preference. If you need big-city energy, Philadelphia wins. If you crave small-town charm and natural beauty, Burlington is untouchable.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Feel Heavier?

This is where the data gets fascinating. At first glance, the numbers seem flipped. Burlington has a higher median income ($68,854 vs. Philadelphia’s $60,302), but its home prices are staggering. Let’s break down your purchasing power.

First, the raw cost of living. The rent difference is negligible, but everything else tells a story.

Category	Philadelphia	Burlington	The Insight
Median Home Price	$270,375	$551,600	Burlington is over 100% more expensive to buy.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,441	Almost identical. A rare win for Burlington in housing costs.
Housing Index	117.8	101.7	Philly's index is higher, reflecting its larger, more dynamic market.
Purchasing Power	Strong	Weaker	Your dollar goes further in Philly, especially for housing.

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Imagine you earn a $100,000 salary. Where does it feel like more?

In Philadelphia, your $100k is a very comfortable salary. The median home price is $270,375, meaning a standard 20% down payment ($54,075) is within reach for a solid earner. Your monthly housing costs (mortgage + taxes + insurance) would likely be under $2,000. You’d have plenty left over for the city’s dining and entertainment scene. This is the "bang for your buck" city.

In Burlington, that same $100k feels like less. The median home price is $551,600. A 20% down payment is $110,320—a huge hurdle for many. Your monthly mortgage payment would be closer to $3,500+. Suddenly, $100k doesn’t stretch as far. While your rent is similar, buying a home is a much heavier lift.

The Tax Twist: Both cities are in states with a progressive income tax, but Vermont’s brackets are generally higher than Pennsylvania’s. For a $100k earner, expect to pay slightly more in state income tax in Vermont. Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax, while Vermont’s rates range from 3.35% to 8.75% (though the top bracket starts much higher). This is a minor factor compared to the housing gap.

Verdict: For pure purchasing power, especially regarding housing, Philadelphia is the clear winner. You can build equity and live comfortably on a middle-class salary. Burlington’s housing market is a sticker shock for anyone not coming from a high-cost coastal city.

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The Housing Market: Buyer’s Paradise vs. Seller’s Lockdown

Philadelphia is a buyer’s market in many neighborhoods. Inventory is relatively high, and while prices have risen, they haven’t exploded like in other major metros. You have negotiating power. The key is choosing the right neighborhood, as prices and safety vary wildly block by block. Renting is a viable long-term option with a decent supply of apartments.

Burlington is a severe seller’s market. Low inventory, high demand (from remote workers and retirees), and a desirable location have created a perfect storm. Bidding wars are common, and homes sell quickly, often over asking price. If you’re a seller, it’s great. If you’re a buyer, it’s frustrating and expensive. The rental market is also tight, with low vacancy rates.

Verdict: For a buyer, Philadelphia offers far more opportunity and less competition. For a seller, Burlington might yield a higher return, but you’ll face the same challenges if you need to buy again in the area.

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The Dealbreakers: Weather, Commute, and Safety

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about the day-to-day realities.

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Traffic can be brutal, especially on I-95 and the Schuylkill Expressway. Commuting within the city is a mix of driving, subway (SEPTA), and regional rail. Public transit is extensive but aging. A 30-45 minute commute is common for city dwellers.
• Burlington: Traffic is almost non-existent. The city is small and easy to navigate. Most people drive, but you can walk or bike to most places. The commute is a breeze.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: The average annual temperature is 52.0°F. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common), winters are cold with occasional snow (avg. ~25 inches). It’s a classic four-season climate.
• Burlington: Colder and snowier. Average annual temp is 45.0°F. Winters are long, cold, and snowy (avg. ~80 inches). Summers are beautiful and mild. If you hate snow, Burlington is a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety:

• Philadelphia: Violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000. This is significantly above the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. You must research specific areas carefully. It’s a city where situational awareness is important.
• Burlington: Violent crime rate is 173.3 per 100,000. This is much closer to the national average and feels very safe. It’s a place where people feel comfortable walking alone at night.

Verdict: For safety and easy commutes, Burlington is the winner. For a milder winter (though still cold), Philadelphia has a slight edge, but the humidity is a trade-off.

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The Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?

After digging into the data and the lifestyles, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Philadelphia

• Why: The combination of affordable housing (relative to income), excellent public and private school options, unparalleled cultural and educational institutions (museums, libraries, zoos), and endless kid-friendly activities gives Philly the edge. The suburbs (Main Line, Bucks County) offer top-tier schools and safety with city access. Burlington’s schools are good, but the cost of living and limited diversity of activities make it a tougher sell for a growing family on a middle-class budget.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia

• Why: The job market is larger and more diverse. The social scene is vibrant, with a mix of nightlife, sports, and cultural events. The cost of living is manageable, allowing you to build savings while enjoying a city life. Burlington’s scene is quieter and smaller, which can feel isolating for young singles seeking a dynamic social environment.

Winner for Retirees: Burlington

• Why: The stunning natural beauty, walkability, low crime, and strong sense of community are ideal for a peaceful retirement. While healthcare is excellent in both cities, Burlington’s serene environment promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. Philadelphia offers more cultural stimulation and healthcare options, but the urban intensity and safety concerns can be a turn-off for some retirees.

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Final Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Affordable housing (compared to other major metros).
• Endless amenities: World-class museums, food scene, sports, history.
• Strong job market with diverse industries.
• Excellent public transit (for a US city).
• Diverse neighborhoods with distinct characters.

Cons:

• High violent crime rate (neighborhood-dependent).
• Traffic congestion and aging infrastructure.
• Hot, humid summers.
• Political corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency.
• Urban grit isn’t for everyone.

Burlington

Pros:

• Incredible natural beauty (lake, mountains).
• Very safe with low crime rates.
• Walkable, compact, and easy to navigate.
• Strong sense of community and progressive values.
• High median income and good quality of life.

Cons:

• Extremely high housing costs (buying).
• Long, cold, snowy winters.
• Limited job market (heavily reliant on education, healthcare, tourism).
• Small size can feel limiting.
• Isolated from other major cities (long drive to Boston/NYC).

The Bottom Line:
Choose Philadelphia if you want big-city energy, affordability, and endless options, and are willing to navigate urban challenges.
Choose Burlington if you prioritize safety, natural beauty, and a peaceful small-town life, and can afford the premium housing market.

Your decision ultimately boils down to a simple question: Do you want to live in the city, or near nature?