Evanston vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Evanston	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$76,569	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.4%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$347,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$162	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$921	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	111.5	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.1	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.2	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	19.9%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	45	40

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

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. One path leads to a gritty, iconic East Coast metropolis that’s seen it all. The other takes you to a quaint, leafy suburb of Chicago with a university-town charm. This isn’t just a choice between two zip codes; it’s a choice between two entire lifestyles. Are you craving the electric energy of a major city, or do you want the peace of a tight-knit community with big-city access?

Let’s cut through the noise. As your relocation expert, I’ll lay out the raw data, the hidden costs, and the lived experience of each place. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly which city is your perfect match.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

Philadelphia is the underdog with a chip on its shoulder and a heart of gold. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. You’ve got the historic cobblestone streets of Old City, the vibrant murals of South Philly, and the bustling, diverse markets of West Philly. Philly is unapologetically real—it’s not trying to be New York or Boston. It’s a city for people who love history, crave authentic food (cheesesteaks are just the tip of the iceberg), and want a major city feel without the Manhattan-level price tag. The vibe is fast-paced, friendly, and fiercely local.

Evanston, on the other hand, is the polished, intellectual sibling of Chicago. Home to Northwestern University, it’s a hub of academia, art, and lakeside living. The vibe here is sophisticated, community-focused, and incredibly walkable. Think farmers' markets, independent bookstores, and a stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s a suburb with the soul of a small town and the amenities of a city. You’re not coming here for the nightlife; you’re coming here for quality of life, excellent schools, and a serene, beautiful environment.

Who is each city for?

• Philadelphia is for the urban adventurer, the history buff, the foodie, and anyone who wants a major city career without the soul-crushing cost of living. It’s for people who thrive on energy and grit.
• Evanston is for families, academics, and professionals who prioritize safety, top-tier schools, and a calm, beautiful environment. It’s for those who want a peaceful home base with easy access to Chicago’s amenities.

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The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about your wallet.

The Purchasing Power Puzzle

You might see Evanston’s higher median income ($76,569) and think it’s the wealthier city. But let’s look at the real story. Philadelphia’s median income is $60,302, but the cost of living is significantly lower. This is the classic "big fish in a small pond" vs. "small fish in a big pond" scenario.

If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, your money stretches much further. You can afford a nicer apartment, eat out more frequently, and save for a house more easily. In Evanston, that same $100,000 will feel tighter, especially when you factor in higher housing costs. Purchasing Power is king, and Philly wins this round decisively for most middle-income earners.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Here’s the hard data on daily expenses. Note: Evanston’s data is often buoyed by its proximity to Chicago, but it’s still a distinct market.

Category	Philadelphia	Evanston	The Takeaway
Median Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$921	Wait, what? This is the stunner. Philly's rent is 57% higher than Evanston's. This is the single biggest data point that flips the script. It suggests Evanston has a more competitive rental market for its size, or that Philly's data includes a wider range of neighborhoods.
Utilities (Monthly)	~$165	~$175	A near tie. Both climates have heating costs, but Evanston’s harsher winters might edge out slightly.
Groceries	106.2 (Index)	105.8 (Index)	Essentially identical. You’ll spend about the same on food in both places.
Overall Housing Index	117.8	111.5	The "Index" measures cost relative to the national average. Philly is ~6% more expensive overall for housing, but this is heavily skewed by the rent disparity. For buying, the gap is smaller.

The Tax Angle (The Hidden Killer):
Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. Pennsylvania also has a flat tax, but it’s lower at 3.07%. This gives Philly residents a ~1.9% advantage on state income taxes. This might seem small, but on a $100k salary, that’s nearly $2,000 more in your pocket each year living in Philly.

Verdict on Dollar Power: For a high earner looking to maximize savings, Philadelphia offers better bang for your buck, unless you’re renting. The rent data is a major curveball. If you’re a renter, Evanston might actually be cheaper, which is shocking for a Chicago suburb. If you’re buying, Philly’s lower median home price gives it the edge.

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The Housing Market: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Philadelphia: The Buyer’s Market with Caveats

Median Home Price: $270,375
Philly is one of the few major East Coast cities where home ownership is still within reach for the middle class. The market is active but not as frenzied as Boston or New York. You can find a rowhouse in a up-and-coming neighborhood for under $300k. However, competition is fierce in desirable areas like Fishtown, Queen Village, and the Art Museum district. It’s a seller’s market in those pockets, but a buyer’s market in others. The key is neighborhood choice.

Evanston: The Competitive Seller’s Market

Median Home Price: $347,000
Evanston’s housing market is tight. With limited land, high demand from university staff, and its reputation as a top suburb, homes sell quickly. The $347k median is deceptive; a single-family home in a top school district will easily run you $600k+. The market is overwhelmingly a seller’s market, with bidding wars common. You’re paying a premium for the location, safety, and schools.

Verdict on Housing:

• For Buyers on a Budget: Philadelphia is your winner. You get more house for your money and a wider range of price points.
• For Buyers Seeking Top-Tier Schools & Safety: Evanston is worth the premium, but be prepared for a competitive, expensive market.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Traffic is real, but the city is highly walkable and has a decent public transit system (SEPTA). Commutes within the city are manageable. If you work in the suburbs, a car is almost essential.
• Evanston: This is a commuter’s dream. You have the CTA (Chicago’s ‘L’ train) and Metra right into downtown Chicago. The commute is reliable and predictable. Within Evanston, walking and biking are the norm. Winner: Evanston for anyone commuting to Chicago.

Weather

• Philadelphia: 52.0°F average. Philly has a true four seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters are cold with snow, and spring/fall are gorgeous. It’s a classic Mid-Atlantic climate.
• Evanston: 41.0°F average. Lake Michigan moderates temperatures slightly, but winters are long, gray, and can be brutal with lake-effect snow. Summers are warm but less humid than Philly. If you hate winter, this is a dealbreaker.
• Winner: Philadelphia for a more balanced, albeit more humid, climate.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be direct: this is the biggest differentiator.

• Philadelphia: Violent Crime: 726.5/100k. This is high, above the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some areas are incredibly safe, while others struggle with violence. You must do your homework on neighborhoods.
• Evanston: Violent Crime: 234.2/100k. This is significantly lower than Philly and close to the national average. Evanston is consistently ranked one of the safest suburbs in the Chicago area.
• Winner: Evanston by a landslide. If safety is your top priority, this is not a close contest.

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The Final Verdict

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

Winner for Families

Evanston.
The combination of exceptionally low crime, nationally recognized public schools, abundant parks, and a safe, walkable community is the gold standard for raising a family. The higher home prices are the trade-off for this premium package.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals

Philadelphia.
You get the energy, nightlife, and career opportunities of a major city at a fraction of the cost of Chicago or New York. The lower state income tax and vibrant social scene are huge perks. Just be prepared to choose your neighborhood wisely.

Winner for Retirees

Evanston.
For retirees who value safety, walkability, and cultural amenities (Northwestern’s events, theater, lakefront), Evanston is ideal. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and has excellent healthcare access. Philly can be great for retirees who want an urban environment and lower taxes, but the safety factor tilts the scale toward Evanston.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Major City Vibe: World-class museums, food, and sports.
• Great Value: Low cost of living for an East Coast city.
• Low State Taxes: 3.07% flat tax.
• Walkable & Transit-Friendly: Most neighborhoods are accessible without a car.
• Rich History: You’re living in America’s birthplace.

Cons:

• High Crime: Requires diligent neighborhood research.
• High Rent: Surprisingly expensive for a city of its size.
• Traffic & Congestion: Can be frustrating.
• Public School System: Quality varies wildly; many opt for charter or private schools.

Evanston

Pros:

• Top-Tier Safety: Dramatically lower crime rates.
• Excellent Schools: Public schools are a major draw.
• Lakefront Beauty: Stunning Lake Michigan views and parks.
• Chicago Access: Easy commute via train.
• Walkable & Sophisticated: Great for a car-free lifestyle.

Cons:

• High Housing Costs: Premium prices for homes and potentially rents.
• Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and gray.
• Less "City" Feel: Quieter, more suburban pace.
• State Taxes: Higher than Pennsylvania’s.

The Bottom Line: Your choice boils down to a fundamental trade-off: Philadelphia offers urban excitement and affordability at the cost of higher crime and variable neighborhoods. Evanston offers safety, top schools, and serene beauty at the cost of a premium price tag and a harsh winter. Choose the city that aligns with your non-negotiables.