Dearborn vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Dearborn	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$51,670	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$260,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$178	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,029	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	93.0	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	98.0	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	449.2	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	31.3%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	40

Philadelphia vs. Dearborn: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—a massive, gritty, historic metropolis with a chip on its shoulder. On the other, Dearborn, Michigan—a smaller, culturally distinct suburb with deep automotive roots. It’s a classic big-city-meets-well-defined-suburb showdown, and the choice isn't just about geography; it's about what kind of life you want to live.

Let's get one thing straight right out of the gate: Philadelphia is a world-class city with all the complexity that implies. Dearborn is a highly specific, tight-knit community that offers a different kind of stability. The "winner" depends entirely on your lifestyle, career stage, and what you value most.

Let’s break it down, head-to-head.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Focused Community

Philadelphia is the definition of an East Coast urban beast. It's loud, proud, and unapologetically itself. You get world-class museums (the Barnes Foundation!), legendary history (Liberty Bell, Independence Hall), and a food scene that goes from $1 cheese steaks to Michelin-starred dining. The vibe is a mix of blue-collar toughness and intellectual energy, fueled by a massive student population. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods—you’ll feel the difference between the artsy Fishtown and the historic Society Hill. This city is for you if: you crave anonymity, constant stimulation, a deep cultural scene, and don't mind a bit of urban chaos.

Dearborn is a different beast entirely. It's the heart of America's Arab-American community, with a cultural vibrancy that feels both specific and welcoming. The vibe is family-oriented, tight-knit, and deeply connected to the auto industry (Ford Motor Company is headquartered here). It’s a suburb with a strong sense of identity, excellent public school systems, and a more predictable, community-focused pace of life. This city is for you if: you prioritize community, cultural familiarity (especially in the Arab-American community), excellent schools, and a quiet, stable suburban environment that still offers big-city amenities just a short drive away in Detroit.

The Verdict: This is a tie, but for different reasons. Philadelphia wins for sheer variety and big-city energy. Dearborn wins for community cohesion and a specific, high-quality suburban lifestyle.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

Let's talk purchasing power. Earning a $100,000 salary feels vastly different in these two cities. The key metric here is "Purchasing Power." The data shows Dearborn is generally more affordable, but the story is nuanced.

First, a crucial note on taxes: Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07%, which is a huge advantage over many states. Michigan also has a flat tax, but at 4.25%. However, Michigan's property taxes are often lower. For our analysis, we'll focus on the immediate cost of living.

Here’s the raw data:

Expense Category	Philadelphia	Dearborn	Winner
Median Home Price	$270,375	$260,000	Dearborn (Slight)
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,029	Dearborn
Housing Index	117.8	93.0	Dearborn
Median Income	$60,302	$51,670	Philadelphia

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you make $100,000 in Philadelphia, you're solidly above the median income. However, your housing costs (rent or mortgage) will eat up a significant chunk of that paycheck due to the higher index. You'll have money for fun, but savings might be tighter.

In Dearborn, earning $100,000 puts you in a much more commanding position. The lower rent ($1,029 vs. $1,451) means you could save $5,000+ annually just on housing. The lower housing index means your dollars stretch further for a similar-sized home. Your purchasing power for everyday goods, groceries, and utilities is generally better in Dearborn.

Insight: While Philadelphia's median income is higher, Dearborn's significantly lower cost of living, particularly in housing, gives it the edge in pure purchasing power for the average earner. For a high-earning professional, both cities offer good value, but Dearborn provides more bang for your buck.

Dollar Power Verdict: Dearborn wins. The lower housing costs and overall affordability make it easier to build wealth and save on a median or even above-median salary.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia: The market is competitive. With a population of 1.5 million and a limited housing stock in desirable neighborhoods, it's often a seller's market. You'll face bidding wars, especially for homes under $400,000. Renting is the default for many young professionals, but the rental market is also tight and pricey. The path to ownership is challenging but rewarding given the city's long-term appreciation potential.

Dearborn: The market is more balanced, leaning toward a buyer's market in some segments. With a smaller population (105,818) and more single-family home stock, there's less frantic competition. You can often find a well-maintained home without a bidding war. Renting is a viable, affordable option, especially for those not ready to commit to a mortgage. The barrier to entry for homeownership is lower here.

Housing Verdict: Dearborn wins for accessibility. It's objectively easier and less stressful to find a place to live, whether you're renting or buying. Philadelphia wins for long-term investment potential in a major urban center.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

This is where the rubber meets the road.

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Driving here is an adventure. Narrow streets, aggressive drivers, and the infamous I-76 "Schuylkill Expressway" are legendary for gridlock. The public transit system (SEPTA) is extensive but can be unreliable. A commute can easily be 45-60 minutes in traffic.
• Dearborn: Commutes are generally shorter and more predictable. It's a car-centric suburb, but traffic is lighter than in Philadelphia. The major plus is proximity to Detroit and its suburbs. The commute to downtown Detroit is about 20-30 minutes without major traffic. However, you will need a car—public transit is limited.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: Experiences four true seasons. Winters average around 30°F with snow (though less than Boston). Summers are hot and humid, often hitting 90°F. It's a classic Mid-Atlantic climate.
• Dearborn: Harsher winters are a defining feature. Average temperatures dip to 30°F, but the Great Lakes effect can bring heavy snow and bitter cold for months. Summers are warm but less humid than Philly. The long, gray winter is a significant factor for many.

Crime & Safety:
This is a sensitive but critical topic. Let's look at the data directly.

• Philadelphia: Violent Crime Rate: 726.5 per 100,000. As a major city, Philadelphia has higher crime rates than the national average. However, crime is hyper-local. Neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square, Northwest Philly (Chestnut Hill), and much of South Philly are generally safe, while other areas face significant challenges.
• Dearborn: Violent Crime Rate: 449.2 per 100,000. This is notably lower than Philadelphia and closer to the national average. Dearborn is widely regarded as a safe, family-oriented community. While no place is crime-free, the data and reputation suggest a safer environment overall.

Quality of Life Verdict: This is split. Dearborn wins for Safety and Predictable Commutes. Philadelphia wins for Cultural Amenities and Walkability (in many neighborhoods). The weather is a wash, but Philadelphia's winters are arguably more manageable if you dislike deep cold and snow.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?

After weighing the data and the vibes, here’s the final call.

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Winner for Families: Dearborn
With its excellent public school systems (Dearborn Public Schools are highly rated), lower crime rates, affordable single-family homes, and strong community focus, Dearborn is a top-tier choice for raising a family. The safety and space are undeniable advantages.

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Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia
The sheer volume of networking opportunities, nightlife, cultural events, and dating options in Philly is unmatched. The city's energy and the presence of universities and young people create a dynamic environment for building a career and social life. The higher cost is the trade-off for the experience.

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Winner for Retirees: Dearborn
For retirees on a fixed income, Dearborn's lower cost of living, especially housing, is a massive benefit. The safe, quiet community is appealing, and access to quality healthcare (including Henry Ford Health System) is excellent. Philadelphia offers more cultural stimulation, but the urban hustle and higher costs can be draining in retirement.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• World-class arts, culture, and history.
• Vibrant, diverse neighborhoods with strong identities.
• Excellent higher education and medical institutions.
• Major airport hub and access to NYC/DC.
• Walkable in many areas; decent public transit.

Cons:

• High cost of living (especially housing).
• High violent crime rate (varies by neighborhood).
• Notorious traffic and stressed infrastructure.
• High stress, fast-paced environment.
• Pollution and urban grime.

Dearborn

Pros:

• Significantly lower cost of living and housing.
• Safer than Philadelphia (by the numbers).
• Excellent public school system.
• Strong, tight-knit community with unique culture.
• Proximity to Detroit for big-city amenities.
• More affordable homeownership.

Cons:

• Car-dependent; limited public transit.
• Harsh, long winters with heavy snow.
• Less cultural variety than a major metro.
• Smaller, less diverse job market outside auto/healthcare.
• Can feel insular if you're not part of the community.

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The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you're willing to pay a premium for big-city energy, culture, and career opportunities, and can navigate its challenges. Choose Dearborn if you value safety, community, affordability, and a high quality of life for families, and don't mind a quieter, more specific suburban setting. The data points to Dearborn for cost and safety, but the soul of Philadelphia is a powerful draw that data can't fully capture.