📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Conway and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Conway vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Conway | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $62,886 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $220,000 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $158 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $950 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 67.3 | 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+ | 43.4% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 36 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. Conway: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the gritty, historic, fast-paced energy of Philadelphia—the City of Brotherly Love, a major metro hub with a soul. On the other, you have Conway, South Carolina: a sprawling, affordable, sun-drenched community in the heart of the Grand Strand, where the pace slows and the cost of living drops.
Choosing between them isn't just about picking a dot on a map; it's a fundamental lifestyle decision. Are you chasing the hustle or the hamlet? Do you crave the buzz of a city that never sleeps or the peace of a town where the biggest rush hour involves the breakfast crew at the local diner?
As your Relocation Expert, I'm here to break it down with cold, hard data and a dose of real-world opinion. We’ll dissect the vibe, crunch the numbers, and call out the dealbreakers. By the end, you'll know exactly which city deserves your next chapter.
The Vibe Check: Urban Jungle vs. Laid-Back Coast
Philadelphia is a powerhouse. With a population of 1.55 million, it’s a legitimate major league city. It’s walkable, dense, and packed with world-class museums, legendary sports franchises, and a food scene that’s a delicious mashup of classic cheesesteaks and modern gastronomy. The vibe is unapologetically East Coast—brisk, sometimes brusque, but deeply authentic. It’s for the person who wants access to everything: careers in healthcare, finance, and tech; a vibrant arts scene; and the energy of a city that feels lived-in and real.
Conway, with its 69,577 residents, is the definition of a growing "small city" (or a large town). It’s the historic heart of Horry County, just a stone's throw from the tourist meccas of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle. The vibe is Southern, laid-back, and community-focused. Life revolves around outdoor activities (the Waccamaw River is a big draw), local festivals, and a slower, more deliberate pace. It’s perfect for someone who prioritizes space, nature, and affordability over 24/7 urban amenities.
Who is it for?
- Philadelphia is for the city-lover, the career climber, the history buff, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a dense, diverse metropolis.
- Conway is for the outdoor enthusiast, the budget-conscious family, the remote worker seeking a sunny retreat, and those looking to escape the rat race.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power—what your paycheck can actually buy you on the ground.
Cost of Living Table
| Category | Philadelphia | Conway | % Difference (Conway Cheaper) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $950 | ~34% cheaper |
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $220,000 | ~19% cheaper |
| Housing Index | 117.8 (17.8% above US avg) | 67.3 (32.7% below US avg) | 42% cheaper |
| Median Income | $60,302 | $62,886 | Conway has a slightly higher median income |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s run a scenario. If you earn a median salary of $100,000 (a solid middle-class income in both places), your money will stretch significantly further in Conway.
In Philadelphia, with a $1,451 rent and a higher overall cost of living (groceries, utilities, etc., are all above the national average), your $100k will feel more like $75k-$80k. You’re paying a premium for location and access. You're also subject to a 3.07% flat state income tax (on top of federal taxes), which adds up. The "Philly Burbs" (Main Line, etc.) can be even pricier.
In Conway, that $1,451 rent becomes $950. The $220k home price is far more attainable. The overall cost of living is roughly 30-40% lower than Philly. South Carolina has a progressive state income tax, but at a median income, it's generally lower than Pennsylvania's. The real kicker? Housing is nearly 42% cheaper (per the Housing Index). Your $100k in Conway will feel like $120k+ in Philly. Your savings rate, your ability to travel, and your quality of life on a day-to-day basis will almost certainly be higher.
Verdict: Conway wins this round decisively. The "sticker shock" is real in Philadelphia. For pure financial efficiency and purchasing power, Conway is in a different league.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Philadelphia: A Seller's Market with Nuance
- Buying: With a median home price of $270,375, Philly is still relatively affordable for a major coastal city, but competition is fierce. The market is a patchwork. Fishtown and Northern Liberties command premium prices, while neighborhoods like West Philly or parts of South Philly offer more value. It's generally a seller's market, with homes selling fast. Property taxes are high (Philly's rate is about 1.398%), which is a major ongoing cost.
- Renting: Rent demand is high, especially in desirable neighborhoods. While you can find deals, the $1,451 average is just the tip of the iceberg. Parking is often an extra $200-$400/month if you have a car.
Conway: A Buyer's Market (For Now)
- Buying: A median home price of $220,000 is a dream for many. The market is more balanced, leaning towards a buyer's market, especially outside the immediate Myrtle Beach tourist core. You get more square footage, a yard, and often a newer build. Property taxes are lower than in Philly. The catch? Insurance costs (wind and flood) can be high in coastal areas.
- Renting: Renting is easier and cheaper, with a $950 average for a 1BR. The rental market is less cutthroat, with more inventory available year-round.
Verdict: Conway wins for affordability and attainability. While Philly offers urban convenience, you pay a hefty premium. Conway lets you get into a home with far less financial strain.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute:
- Philadelphia: Commutes can be brutal. SEPTA is a decent public transit system (one of the best in the US), but driving is a test of patience. I-95, I-76, and the Schuylkill Expressway are notorious for gridlock. A 20-minute commute can easily double in rush hour.
- Conway: Traffic is primarily tourist-driven, especially on Highway 501 during peak season. The commute is generally easy, with most trips taking 15-25 minutes. You will need a car; public transit is virtually nonexistent.
Weather:
- Philadelphia: Experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (averaging ~87°F in July), winters are cold and snowy (averaging ~34°F in Jan), and spring/fall are beautiful but brief. The humidity and snow are real dealbreakers for some.
- Conway: Has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are long, hot, and very humid (averaging ~90°F+ with a heat index often over 100°F). Winters are mild (averaging ~48°F), but can have cold snaps. It rarely snows. The trade-off is hurricane season (June-Nov), with a real risk of tropical storms and flooding.
Crime & Safety:
Here's where the data gets interesting. Don't let the "small town" label fool you; Conway has a violent crime rate of 671.9 per 100k. Philadelphia is higher at 726.5 per 100k. The difference is about 55 incidents per 100k.
- Philadelphia: Crime is highly neighborhood-dependent. Some areas (like Center City) are very safe, while others struggle. The overall rate is elevated for a city of its size, but it's not uniformly dangerous.
- Conway: Similar story. While the overall rate is slightly lower, crime is concentrated in specific pockets. It's not the sleepy, crime-free paradise some assume. Property crime is a concern in both cities.
Verdict: This is a tie with major caveats. Philadelphia offers better public transit but worse weather (for those who hate winter). Conway offers an easier commute and milder winters but introduces hurricane risk and similar crime rates. It's a wash, heavily dependent on your personal tolerance for weather extremes and security priorities.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?
After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final tally.
| Category | Winner | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Conway | 42% cheaper housing and lower overall expenses mean your paycheck goes much further. |
| Purchasing Power | Conway | Your salary stretches significantly, offering a higher quality of life for the same income. |
| Housing Market | Conway | More attainable home prices and a less competitive market. |
| Career & Culture | Philadelphia | Major metro job opportunities, world-class culture, and 24/7 urban energy. |
| Weather | Tie | Philly's brutal winters vs. Conway's brutal humidity & hurricane risk. Pick your poison. |
| Safety | Tie | Crime rates are statistically similar; both require neighborhood-specific research. |
Winner for Families: Conway
If you're looking for space, a yard, a safer-feeling community, and the ability to buy a home on a median salary, Conway is the clear choice. The cost of living allows for a comfortable lifestyle with savings potential. The outdoor activities and family-friendly amenities of the Grand Strand area are a huge plus.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia
For career growth, networking, dating, and cultural stimulation, Philadelphia is unparalleled. The energy, the networking opportunities in a major metro, and the sheer number of things to do make it the place to be for those building a resume and a social life.
Winner for Retirees: Conway
With its mild winters (no shoveling!), lower cost of living, and abundance of golf courses, parks, and leisure activities, Conway is a retiree's dream. The financial relief of $950 rent vs. $1,451 is a game-changer on a fixed income.
Final Pros & Cons
Philadelphia: The Urban Contender
Pros:
- World-Class Access: Major airport, top-tier hospitals, elite universities.
- Walkability & Transit: You can live car-free in many neighborhoods.
- Cultural Powerhouse: Museums, history, food, sports, arts—you name it.
- Job Market: Diverse economy with opportunities in healthcare, tech, finance, and education.
Cons:
- High Cost: Rent, home prices, and taxes eat into your paycheck.
- Traffic & Commute: Driving is stressful; public transit can be unreliable.
- Harsh Weather: Cold, snowy winters and humid summers.
- Urban Challenges: Poverty, inequality, and neighborhood crime are real issues.
Conway: The Affordable Escape
Pros:
- Extreme Affordability: $950 rent and $220k homes are hard to beat.
- Outdoor Lifestyle: Proximity to beaches, rivers, and parks for year-round recreation.
- Slower Pace: Less stress, less congestion, a more community-oriented feel.
- Milder Winters: Say goodbye to snow shovels and parkas.
Cons:
- Limited Career Options: Job market is smaller and less diverse than a major metro.
- Car Dependency: You'll need a car for everything; public transit is minimal.
- Tourist Influx: Traffic and crowds can swell during peak seasons.
- Hurricane & Humidity Risk: The climate comes with serious risks and discomfort.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Philadelphia if your priority is career advancement, cultural immersion, and urban energy, and you're willing to pay a premium for it.
Choose Conway if your priority is financial freedom, space, a slower pace, and outdoor living, and you can accept a more limited job market and car-dependent lifestyle.
Your decision isn't about which city is "better"—it's about which one aligns with your personal and professional goals. Now, go with your gut.