Dickinson vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Dickinson	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$76,964	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$277,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$140	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$837	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	106.9	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	91.1	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	315.5	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	27.4%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	26	40

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

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—a gritty, historic, big-league city with a million stories and a skyline that’s seen it all. On the other, Dickinson—a quiet, oil-fueled town in North Dakota where the skies are wide, the community is tight, and the pace is a deliberate, snow-dusted stroll.

This isn’t just a choice between two zip codes; it’s a choice between two completely different versions of the American Dream. Are you chasing the electric buzz of a major metropolis, or the peaceful, affordable stability of a heartland hub?

Let’s cut through the noise and break down exactly where your money, your lifestyle, and your future will fare best.

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The Vibe Check: Fast Lane vs. Easy Street

Philadelphia is the quintessential East Coast urban beast. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality—from the historic cobblestones of Old City to the trendy murals of Fishtown. The vibe is unapologetically real; it’s the "City of Brotherly Love" with an edge. You’ll find world-class museums, a legendary food scene (cheesesteaks are just the beginning), and major-league sports in every direction. It’s a city for people who feed off energy, who want endless options for dinner and a show, and who don’t mind a little grit with their grandeur. It’s for the career climber, the culture vulture, and the history buff.

Dickinson is a different planet. With a population of just 25,216, this is small-town America at its most functional. The economy is anchored by the oil and healthcare industries, providing a stable, blue-collar backbone. Life revolves around community, family, and the great outdoors. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, parking is never a problem, and the biggest stressor on a Friday night might be choosing which high school football game to attend. It’s for those who prioritize space, tranquility, and a strong sense of place over the endless stimulation of a big city.

Verdict: If you crave anonymity and infinite things to do, Philadelphia wins. If you want a tight-knit community and a slower pace, Dickinson is your spot.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s look at the raw numbers, but more importantly, what they mean for your wallet.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	Philadelphia	Dickinson	Difference
Median Home Price	$270,375	$277,000	Dickinson is slightly more expensive to buy
Avg. Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$837	Dickinson is 42% cheaper
Housing Index	117.8	106.9	Philly is ~10% more expensive overall
Median Income	$60,302	$76,964	Dickinson earns 27% more on average

At first glance, the home prices are shockingly similar. But that’s where the similarities end. The rental market tells the real story: Dickinson offers a massive discount, with rent costing you $614 less per month—that’s $7,368 back in your pocket every year.

But the real kicker is the income. The median household in Dickinson earns $76,964, a solid 27% more than Philadelphia’s $60,302. This creates a staggering gap in purchasing power.

The Salary Wars:
Let’s run a scenario. If you earn the median income of $100,000 in both cities, where does it feel like more?

• In Philadelphia, your $100k goes toward higher taxes (PA has a flat 3.07% income tax + local taxes) and a higher cost of living (especially rent). Your purchasing power is squeezed by the urban premium.
• In Dickinson, with a $100k salary, you’re already well above the local median. The lower cost of living (especially housing) and North Dakota’s favorable tax climate means your money stretches significantly further. You could afford a nicer home, save more aggressively, or simply live more comfortably on the same paycheck.

Insight: While Philadelphia has a lower sticker price for homes, Dickinson’s combination of higher incomes and dramatically lower rent creates a far stronger financial foundation for most residents. It’s a classic example of getting more bang for your buck in the heartland.

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The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?

Philadelphia:
The market is competitive, especially in desirable neighborhoods. With a Housing Index of 117.8, it’s clearly above the national average. Buying a home here is a significant investment, but it comes with the perks of city living—appreciation potential in gentrifying areas, walkability, and access to jobs. Renting is often the only option for newcomers, and finding a decent place under $1,500 can be a challenge. It’s a seller’s market in the core, pushing prices up.

Dickinson:
The market here is more stable and accessible. The Housing Index of 106.9 is closer to the national average. While the median home price is slightly higher than Philly’s, the lower cost of building and maintaining homes (no dense urban constraints) means you often get more square footage and land for your money. Rent is a bargain, making it easy to save for a down payment. The market is less frenetic, giving buyers more room to negotiate.

Verdict: For renters, Dickinson is the clear winner with drastically lower costs. For buyers, it’s a toss-up based on lifestyle: Philadelphia offers urban appreciation, while Dickinson offers more space and stability for your dollar.

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The Dealbreakers: Life’s Daily Grind

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Brutal. I-95, the Schuylkill Expressway, and city streets are notoriously congested. The average commute is long, and parking in the city is a nightmare (and expensive). Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but often plagued by delays and reliability issues.
• Dickinson: Non-existent. The average commute is short, and you can get anywhere in town in under 10 minutes. Traffic jams are a foreign concept. This is a massive quality-of-life win for Dickinson.

Weather

• Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons in full swing. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ feels common), winters bring snow and icy conditions, and spring/fall are beautiful but unpredictable. You’ll need a robust wardrobe.
• Dickinson: Harsh and continental. Winters are long, cold, and windy, with temperatures frequently plunging well below freezing (0°F is common). Summers are warm but short. The weather is a significant factor, requiring resilience and proper gear.

Crime & Safety

• Philadelphia: The data is stark. The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k people—over twice the national average. While this is concentrated in certain neighborhoods, it’s a city-wide concern. Safety varies dramatically by block.
• Dickinson: Violent crime is 315.5 per 100k. While still above the very low national average (~250/100k), it’s a fraction of Philadelphia’s rate. The small-town dynamic generally translates to a safer, more secure environment.

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The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the ultimate breakdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: Dickinson
For raising kids, Dickinson offers a compelling package: safer streets, stronger public schools (funded by robust oil revenues), more affordable housing with space for a yard, and a tight-knit community. The higher median income and lower costs provide financial stability. The trade-off is fewer cultural and recreational options compared to a major city.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia
If you’re under 35, career-focused, and crave an active social life, Philadelphia is your arena. The networking opportunities, nightlife, cultural events, and dating pool are on a completely different scale. You’ll sacrifice safety and financial comfort for energy and opportunity. It’s a place to build your professional identity, not necessarily your long-term nest egg.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Dickinson
For retirees on a fixed income, Dickinson is a financial sanctuary. The low cost of living, especially housing, means pensions and Social Security stretch much further. The safe, quiet environment is ideal for enjoying your golden years in peace. However, access to top-tier specialized healthcare is better in Philadelphia, which could be a deciding factor for some.

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Pros & Cons at a Glance

Philadelphia

Pros:

• World-class culture: Museums, theaters, restaurants, and history at your doorstep.
• Major job market: Diverse industries from healthcare to tech to finance.
• Walkable & transit-friendly: A car is optional in many neighborhoods.
• Vibrant energy: Always something happening.

Cons:

• High crime rate: Safety is a major concern city-wide.
• Expensive living: High rent, taxes, and general costs.
• Traffic & congestion: Daily commutes can be draining.
• Competitive housing market: Tough for buyers and renters alike.

Dickinson

Pros:

• Exceptional affordability: Low rent and housing costs relative to income.
• High median income: Strong local economy supports good wages.
• Low crime & safe: Peace of mind for families and retirees.
• Easy living: No traffic, short commutes, and a relaxed pace.

Cons:

• Harsh winters: Long, cold, and windy seasons.
• Limited amenities: Fewer dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
• Remote location: Far from major coastal cities and airports.
• Economic reliance: Tied closely to the oil industry’s fluctuations.

The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you’re trading comfort for opportunity and culture. Choose Dickinson if you’re trading the hustle for financial breathing room and a safer, simpler life. The data points to Dickinson as the smarter financial move, but Philadelphia remains the more dynamic—and demanding—urban experience.