Everett vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Everett	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$74,276	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$564,990	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$362	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,864	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	151.5	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.65	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	567.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	32.2%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

Philadelphia vs. Everett: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're torn between the gritty, historic energy of Philadelphia and the sleek, Pacific Northwest vibe of Everett. This isn't just a choice between a city and a suburb—it's a decision between two entirely different ways of life. One is a fast-paced, affordable East Coast powerhouse chock-full of character. The other is a scenic, growing hub with stunning views of Puget Sound and the Cascades, offering a more laid-back but pricier lifestyle.

The data tells a story, but the real-life feel is what matters. Let's break it down, head-to-head, so you can see exactly where your priorities land.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Glaciers

Philadelphia is the underdog with a chip on its shoulder and something to prove. It's a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality—from the row-house charm of Fishtown to the historic cobblestones of Old City. The vibe is unpretentious, loud, and deeply authentic. You'll find world-class museums next to legendary sandwich shops, and a passionate sports culture that's a way of life. It's a city for people who want big-city amenities without the Manhattan price tag or pretense.

Everett is the picture of PNW cool. Nestled between the Puget Sound and the Snohomish River, it's a city of water, mountains, and evergreens. The vibe is more relaxed, family-friendly, and outdoorsy. It's a hotspot for Boeing engineers and maritime industry workers, with a revitalized downtown that feels fresh and modern. It's a city for people who prioritize nature, clean air, and a sense of community over the relentless buzz of a major metro.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia: History buffs, foodies, arts lovers, budget-conscious young professionals, and anyone who thrives on urban energy.
• Everett: Outdoor enthusiasts, young families, aerospace/tech professionals, and those seeking a slower pace with big-city access (Seattle is a 30-minute drive).

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Farther?

Let's get real about your wallet. The "sticker shock" is real here, but in very different ways. Philadelphia's affordability is its superpower, but Everett's higher median income can offset some costs.

Purchasing Power Breakdown:
If you earn the median income in each city, your money stretches differently. In Philadelphia, a $60,302 salary feels like it goes further because the cost of living is lower. In Everett, the $74,276 median income is higher, but it gets eaten up quickly by housing costs. The key metric is the Housing Index, where Everett is a staggering 151.5 compared to Philly's 117.8. That means housing in Everett is over 50% more expensive relative to national averages.

Here's the cold, hard data on monthly essentials:

Category	Philadelphia	Everett	Winner
Median Income	$60,302	$74,276	Everett
Median Home Price	$270,375	$564,990	Philadelphia
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,864	Philadelphia
Housing Index	117.8	151.5	Philadelphia
Violent Crime (per 100k)	726.5	567.0	Everett
Avg. Annual Temp	52.0°F	48.0°F	Tie

The Tax Twist:
This is a major financial differentiator. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. Washington State has ZERO state income tax. This is a huge deal for high earners. If you make $100,000 in Philadelphia, you'll pay about $3,070 in state income tax. In Everett, that's $0 in your pocket. However, Washington makes up for it with a steep sales tax (over 10% in some areas) and higher property taxes. For the average earner, Philly's lower housing costs often outweigh the income tax advantage.

Verdict: For pure cost-of-living, Philadelphia wins decisively. It's not even close. Your dollar goes significantly further on housing, the single biggest expense. Everett offers higher salaries but demands a much larger chunk of it for rent or a mortgage.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?

Buying a Home:

• Philadelphia: The $270,375 median home price is attainable for many. The market is competitive but offers incredible variety—you can find a fixer-upper row house, a modern condo, or a suburban-style single-family home. It's a buyer's market in many neighborhoods, meaning more negotiation power. The path to homeownership is realistic for middle-class earners.
• Everett: The $564,990 median price is a steep hill to climb. This is firmly a seller's market, especially for single-family homes near good schools or with water views. Bidding wars are common, and down payments are substantial. The barrier to entry is high, making it a tough market for first-time buyers without significant savings or equity.

Renting:

• Philadelphia: Rent is relatively affordable. A $1,451 1-bedroom is standard. Availability is decent, though popular neighborhoods (Center City, Queen Village) can be tight. The rental market is more forgiving.
• Everett: Rent at $1,864 for a 1-bedroom is steep and reflects the competitive Seattle metro area. Vacancy rates are low, and landlords can be selective. You're paying a premium for the location and lifestyle.

The Bottom Line: If buying a home is a primary goal, Philadelphia offers a far more accessible and less stressful market. Everett's housing is a significant financial commitment that requires a high income or substantial savings.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life in the Real World

This is where the cities diverge most sharply.

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Traffic is manageable for a major city. The SEPTA system (subways, buses, regional rail) is extensive and affordable, making car-free living viable. The average commute is around 28 minutes. However, getting in/out of the city during peak hours can be a slog on I-95 or the Schuylkill Expressway.
• Everett: As part of the Seattle metro, traffic is a notorious dealbreaker. The commute to Seattle can easily be 45-60 minutes via I-5, and bridge traffic can be unpredictable. Public transit is improving (Sound Transit, Community Transit) but is less comprehensive than Philly's system. A car is almost a necessity, adding to costs.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: You get four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common), springs and falls are gorgeous, and winters bring snow and cold (averaging 52.0°F). It's a classic Mid-Atlantic climate—beautiful but demanding.
• Everett: The "Big Dark" is real. The average temperature is cooler (48.0°F), but the defining feature is the long, gray, drizzly winter from November to March. Summers are spectacularly mild and dry. If you need sunshine to feel human, Philly wins. If you prefer temperate, gray days perfect for reading or hiking in a drizzle, Everett wins.

Crime & Safety:

• Philadelphia: The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k, which is high. Crime is highly concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Areas like Center City, Rittenhouse, and many parts of West and Southwest Philly are safe, but you must research your neighborhood meticulously. It's a city of contrasts.
• Everett: The rate is lower at 567.0 per 100k, but it's still above the national average. The city has made strides in safety, and most neighborhoods are family-friendly. However, like any city, it's not crime-free. The overall perception is one of greater safety compared to Philly.

Verdict: For safety and commute, Everett has the edge, though Philly's transit can mitigate its traffic. For weather, it's a personal choice: four seasons vs. the gray but temperate PNW.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which City?

After digging into the data and the vibe, here's the clear winner for each group.

• Winner for Families: Philadelphia

  • Why: The housing affordability is a game-changer. A family can buy a spacious home with a yard for under $400k in many neighborhoods. Access to highly-rated public and private schools, a wealth of free museums and parks (like the Franklin Institute and Fairmount Park), and a strong sense of community in the suburbs make it ideal. Everett's cost of living and competitive housing make it a tougher financial squeeze for a growing family.

• Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Everett

  • Why: The higher median income ($74,276), combined with zero state income tax, creates powerful earning potential. The job market in aerospace, tech, and maritime is robust. The lifestyle—easy access to hiking, skiing, and water sports—is a huge draw for an active, social crowd. The vibe is younger, more progressive, and outdoorsy. Philly is great for budget-conscious grads, but Everett offers a higher ceiling for career growth and a more unique lifestyle.

• Winner for Retirees: Philadelphia

  • Why: The combination of lower costs (crucial on a fixed income), excellent healthcare (Penn Medicine, Jefferson), and cultural richness is hard to beat. You can afford a comfortable home, enjoy world-class arts and history, and navigate easily via public transit. Everett's gray winters can be isolating, and the high cost of living could strain retirement savings. Philly offers a vibrant, engaging environment for seniors.

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Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Philadelphia

PROS

• Unbeatable Affordability: Significantly lower housing costs.
• Cultural Powerhouse: Endless history, arts, and food.
• Excellent Transit: Car-optional lifestyle is possible.
• Grit & Character: Authentic, unpretentious city vibe.
• Four Seasons: Distinct weather changes.

CONS

• Higher Crime: Requires careful neighborhood research.
• Summer Humidity: Can be oppressive.
• State Income Tax: 3.07% flat rate.
• Aging Infrastructure: Some areas show wear and tear.

Everett

PROS

• Outdoor Paradise: Unmatched access to mountains, water, and forests.
• Strong Job Market: High salaries in key industries.
• Zero State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.
• Better Air Quality: Clean, crisp Pacific Northwest air.
• Family-Friendly: Safer feel, good schools, community focus.

CONS

• Extreme Housing Costs: The #1 financial hurdle.
• "The Big Dark": Long gray winters can affect mood.
• Seattle Commute: Traffic is a major daily stressor.
• Cost of Living: Everything else (groceries, utilities) is pricier.
• Less Urban Buzz: Quieter, more suburban feel.

The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you prioritize affordability, history, and urban energy without breaking the bank. Choose Everett if you value outdoor access, a cleaner environment, and are willing to pay a premium for a higher salary and the PNW lifestyle. It's a choice between a city that feels like a home and a region that feels like a vacation.