Category / Metric	Carrollton	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$93,937	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$399,500	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$211	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,291	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	117.8	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.0	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.35	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	44.7%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	32	40

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

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—the gritty, historic, cheesesteak-slinging powerhouse of the East Coast. On the other, Carrollton—a sprawling, sun-soaked suburb of Dallas with a median income that punches way above its weight.

This isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you trading the fast-paced, culture-packed energy of a major metro for the polished, family-friendly efficiency of a Texas boomtown? Or are you dipping your toes into the City of Brotherly Love for the first time?

Let's cut through the noise. I'm going to break this down like a data journalist with a stopwatch and a calculator, but advise you like a friend who's moved a dozen times. We’re looking at the Vibe, the Dollar Power, the Housing Market, and the Dealbreakers that could make or break your happiness.

Strap in. This is a clash of titans, and only one can be the right fit for you.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Gleam

Philadelphia is a city that wears its history on its sleeve. You’re walking past 300-year-old brick row houses one minute and dodging a SEPTA bus the next. It’s dense, walkable (in the center city), and has a distinct neighborhood culture. The vibe is unapologetically real. It’s for the person who wants world-class museums (the Barnes Foundation, anyone?), legendary sports fandom, and a food scene that goes from $1 street pretzels to Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s a city of contrast—old money meets new hustle.

Carrollton, Texas, is the definition of modern suburban efficiency. Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, it’s a master-planned playground of manicured lawns, strip malls, and corporate offices. The vibe is clean, safe, and spacious. It’s for the person who prioritizes a newer home, reliable sunshine, and the convenience of having everything you need within a 10-minute drive. It lacks the historic grit of Philly, but it makes up for it with relentless growth and a booming job market, especially in tech and finance.

Who is it for?

Philly is for the culture vulture, the urban explorer, the sports junkie, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a dense, walkable city.
Carrollton is for the young professional climbing the corporate ladder, the growing family wanting space and safety, and anyone who prefers a car-centric, sun-drenched lifestyle.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. We need to talk about purchasing power. Earning a high salary means nothing if the cost of living eats it all up. Let's look at the raw data.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Carrollton, TX	The Insight
Median Home Price	$270,375	$399,500	Philly looks cheaper, but this is city-wide. Carrollton’s price reflects newer, larger stock.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,291	Carrollton edges out Philly here, offering more bang for your buck in rental units.
Utilities (Monthly)	~$165 (Est.)	~$180 (Est.)	TX heat in summer can spike AC costs, but PA winter heating bills are no joke. It’s a wash.
Groceries	+10% above nat'l avg	+5% above nat'l avg	Philly’s dense logistics keep grocery prices competitive. Carrollton is slightly cheaper.
State Income Tax	3.07% (Flat)	0%	Huge win for Carrollton. No state income tax is a massive financial boost.

Salary Wars: The $100k Test

Let’s run a scenario. If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, after federal and state taxes, you’re taking home roughly $75,000.

In Carrollton, Texas, with 0% state income tax, that same $100,000 salary leaves you with about $78,000. That’s an extra $3,000 in your pocket annually before you even spend a dime.

But here’s the kicker: housing. While Carrollton has higher home prices, its rent is slightly lower. For a single person or a couple renting a one-bedroom, Carrollton offers slightly better immediate cash flow. However, if you’re looking to buy a home, Philly’s median price of $270,375 is significantly more accessible than Carrollton’s $399,500. That’s a $129,125 difference—a down payment gap that’s a dealbreaker for many first-time buyers.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power: For renters and high-earners, Carrollton wins due to the lack of state income tax and competitive rent. For buyers on a median income, Philadelphia offers a much lower barrier to entry for homeownership.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia: The Historic Fixer-Upper

Philly’s housing stock is a tale of two cities. In desirable neighborhoods like Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, or Rittenhouse Square, you’re competing in a seller’s market. Prices are high, inventory is low, and you might get into a bidding war over a 100-year-old row house that needs a new roof. However, venture into other parts of the city, and you’ll find incredible value. You can buy a home for under $200,000, but it likely requires significant renovation and comes with neighborhood safety considerations.

Renting in Philly is competitive but offers more variety—from modern high-rises to classic apartments in historic buildings. The $1,451 median rent gets you into the city, but you’ll pay a premium for location.

Carrollton: The New Construction Dream

Carrollton is a buyer’s market for existing homes but a competitive market for new builds. The city is still growing, with new subdivisions popping up. The median home price of $399,500 buys you a modern, spacious single-family home (often 3-4 bedrooms) in a safe, family-oriented neighborhood. The catch? You’re often buying into a community with an HOA, which adds monthly fees and rules.

Renting in Carrollton is a sweet spot. You get more square footage for your money compared to Philly. The $1,291 median rent often gets you a newer apartment in a complex with amenities like a pool and gym, something you’d pay a premium for in Philadelphia.

The Verdict: If you crave a historic home with character and are handy with renovations, Philly is your playground. If you want a move-in-ready, modern home with a yard and minimal maintenance, Carrollton is the clear choice.

The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

Traffic & Commute

Philadelphia: Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but often plagued by delays and aging infrastructure. Driving is a nightmare—narrow streets, aggressive drivers, and expensive parking. The average commute is 30 minutes, but that can easily stretch in rush hour. The city is walkable, which is a huge plus for those living in Center City.

Carrollton: This is car country. Public transit exists (DART) but is limited. You will be driving everywhere. The upside? Roads are wide, traffic flows (relatively) freely, and parking is abundant and usually free. The average commute is 27 minutes, but that’s almost entirely by car. For someone who hates traffic, Carrollton’s grid system is a dream. For someone who hates driving, it’s a nightmare.

Weather

Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons in a big way. Winters are cold, with an average low of 28°F and snowfall that can shut down the city. Summers are hot and humid, often hitting 90°F with high humidity. It’s a classic East Coast climate—beautiful falls, brutal winters.

Carrollton: Has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are long, hot, and dry, routinely hitting 95°F+ from June to September. Winters are mild, with average lows around 37°F and occasional ice storms. If you hate winter, Carrollton is your paradise. If you hate oppressive summer heat and humidity, Philly’s summers, while humid, are shorter.

Crime & Safety

Philadelphia: Let’s be blunt—the data is concerning. The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000 people. This is a city of stark contrasts. Some neighborhoods are incredibly safe and vibrant, while others struggle with significant violence. Your safety is highly dependent on your specific location.

Carrollton: The data is much more reassuring. The violent crime rate is 234.0 per 100,000 people—significantly lower than the national average and dramatically lower than Philadelphia. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safer cities in the DFW metroplex. This is a major point in Carrollton’s favor, especially for families.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for YOU?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the breakdown. There’s no single winner—only the right city for your life stage and priorities.

Winner for Families: Carrollton

Why? The combination of significantly lower crime rates, more affordable access to larger, newer homes, and top-rated suburban school districts (like Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD) makes it a no-brainer for families. The safety, space, and community amenities built for kids are unmatched. Philly’s public schools are a mixed bag, and the city’s density can feel overwhelming for young families.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia

Why? For the under-35 crowd, Philly’s energy, culture, and walkability are addictive. You can live without a car, have endless networking and social opportunities, and be at the center of the action. While Carrollton offers a great salary, it can feel isolating for a single person without a car. Philly’s lower median home price also makes buying your first place a more realistic goal on a professional salary.

Winner for Retirees: Carrollton

Why? This comes down to taxes and weather. Texas has no state income tax, which is a massive benefit for retirees living on fixed incomes (like Social Security and pensions). The mild winters mean no shoveling snow and fewer health risks from cold. While Philly has excellent healthcare, the overall financial and physical ease of life in Carrollton wins for most retirees.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia, PA

Pros:

Walkable & Transit-Friendly: You can live car-free in many neighborhoods.
Cultural Richness: World-class museums, history, food, and arts scene.
Sports Mecca: Unmatched passion for the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, and Flyers.
Lower Entry Cost for Homebuyers: Median home price is $270,375.
Vibrant Urban Energy: Always something happening.

Cons:

High Crime Rate: Violent crime is 726.5/100k—you must be neighborhood-savvy.
Challenging Weather: Harsh winters and humid summers.
Aging Infrastructure: Public transit and roads often have issues.
Higher State Taxes: 3.07% flat income tax.

Carrollton, TX