Farmington Hills vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Farmington Hills	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$90,598	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$367,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$168	$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+	56.5%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	40

Philadelphia vs. Farmington Hills: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—the gritty, historic, "City of Brotherly Love" that’s forever locked in a love-hate relationship with its own reputation. On the other, you have Farmington Hills, a sprawling, affluent suburb of Detroit that screams "safe, quiet, and family-friendly."

This isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about picking a lifestyle. Are you looking for the energy, walkability, and cultural punch of a major metro, or the peace, space, and stability of a well-heeled suburb? Grab your coffee, because we’re about to break down the real-world pros and cons of moving to either of these vastly different cities.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Green Space

Philadelphia is the urban heavyweight. It’s the sixth-largest city in the U.S., and it feels every bit of it. We're talking world-class museums (the Art Museum steps are iconic for a reason), legendary food scenes (cheesesteaks, hoagies, and an explosion of modern cuisine), and a sports culture that borders on religious fanaticism. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods, from the historic cobblestones of Old City to the trendy bars of Fishtown. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s unapologetically itself. You don't just live in Philly; you experience it.

Farmington Hills, on the other hand, is the picture of suburban serenity. Located in Oakland County, it’s part of the "D-Troit" metro area but feels a world away from the city's industrial past. The vibe here is family-first, safe, and spacious. Think manicured lawns, top-tier public schools, and shopping centers like the upscale West Bloomfield area. It’s quiet. It’s clean. The pace of life is dictated by school schedules and weekend soccer games, not rush hour traffic and street festivals.

• Who is Philadelphia for? The urban adventurer, the culture vulture, the young professional who wants to be in the thick of it, and anyone who values walkability over a big yard.
• Who is Farmington Hills for? Families prioritizing safety and education, retirees looking for a peaceful community with amenities, and professionals who work remotely or commute to the D-Troit area but want a quiet home base.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

Let’s get straight to the wallet. You might earn more in Farmington Hills, but does it go further? The "Purchasing Power" is the name of the game.

Salary Wars:

• Philadelphia: Median Income is $60,302.
• Farmington Hills: Median Income is $90,598.

Right off the bat, Farmington Hills looks richer. But hold on. The cost of living, especially housing, is the great equalizer. Let's look at the numbers.

Cost of Living Showdown

Category	Philadelphia	Farmington Hills	The Verdict
Housing Index	117.8 (17.8% above nat'l avg)	93.0 (7% below nat'l avg)	Farmington Hills wins. Philly housing is significantly pricier relative to the national baseline.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,029	Farmington Hills. A $422/month savings adds up to over $5,000 a year.
Utilities	Higher (older housing stock, seasonal extremes)	Moderate (newer builds, milder summers)	Farmington Hills. Philly's older row homes can be drafty and expensive to heat/cool.
Groceries & Goods	Slightly higher (urban premium)	Moderate	Farmington Hills. Suburban grocery chains are often cheaper than city markets.

The Purchasing Power Insight:
If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, you're doing well, but you're firmly in middle-class territory. That salary gets you a decent apartment, but buying a home is a serious stretch unless you're a high-earner. In Farmington Hills, a $100,000 salary places you comfortably above the median income. You can afford a larger home, save more, and feel wealthier. Farmington Hills offers better "bang for your buck" for housing and daily expenses.

Taxes: Both are in Pennsylvania and Michigan, respectively. PA has a flat state income tax of 3.07%, while MI has a flat rate of 4.05%. However, MI doesn't tax Social Security benefits, which is a win for retirees. Property taxes can vary significantly by township, but generally, you'll find more taxing authorities in the Philly suburbs than in Michigan.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia:

• Buy: The median home price is $270,375. This is deceptive. That price gets you a row home, likely needing updates, in a decent but not prime neighborhood. In desirable areas like Fitler Square or Queen Village, you're looking at $500k+ easily. The market is competitive, especially for turnkey properties. It's a seller's market in the most coveted zip codes.
• Rent: High demand keeps rents elevated. The $1,451 median for a 1BR is accurate, but you'll pay more for modern amenities in downtown areas. Rent control doesn't exist here, so annual increases are common.

Farmington Hills:

• Buy: Median home price is $367,000. You get significantly more space for this money—think 3-4 bedroom split-levels or colonials on quarter-acre lots. The market is stable but not as frenzied as major metros. It's more of a balanced market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.
• Rent: The $1,029 median is a steal compared to Philly. Rental options are plentiful, from apartments to single-family homes, giving you flexibility as a newcomer.

The Takeaway: If you want to own a sizable home without a bidding war, Farmington Hills is the clear winner. Philadelphia offers more rental flexibility but at a higher cost.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where the rubber meets the road. Can you live with the daily grind?

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Brutal. I-76 and I-95 are notorious parking lots. The average commute is 27 minutes, but in bad weather or during peak hours, it can be brutal. The public transit system (SEPTA) is extensive but often plagued by delays and cleanliness issues. Living in the city means you can commute by train or bus, but it's not always pleasant.
• Farmington Hills: The commute is car-dependent. You're looking at a 25-35 minute drive to downtown Detroit, depending on traffic. The I-696 and I-275 loops are the main arteries. Traffic exists, but it's less gridlocked than Philly. There's no real public transit to speak of—you need a car.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: The data says 52.0°F annual average, but that's misleading. You get all four seasons with a vengeance. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), often with oppressive humidity. Winters bring snow (20-30 inches), ice, and gray skies for months. Spring and fall are glorious but brief.
• Farmington Hills: The average is 25.0°F—much colder. Winters are long, dark, and snowy. We're talking significant lake-effect snow from the Great Lakes. Summers are milder and less humid than Philly, which is a huge plus. If you hate humidity, Farmington Hills wins. If you hate bone-chilling, persistent cold, Philly has a slight edge.

Crime & Safety:

• Philadelphia: Let's be blunt. The data shows a Violent Crime rate of 726.5 per 100k. It's a major city reality. While many neighborhoods are safe and vibrant, crime is scattered. You must be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Some areas are best avoided.
• Farmington Hills: The Violent Crime rate is 449.2 per 100k. That's notably lower than Philly, and Oakland County is generally one of the safest in Michigan. It's a suburb where people feel comfortable letting their kids play outside and walking at night. This is a massive differentiator for families.

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🏆 The Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

• Winner for Families: Farmington Hills. The combo of lower crime, top-rated schools, larger homes for the price, and a safe, community-oriented environment is unbeatable. The cold winters are a trade-off, but the peace of mind is worth it.
• Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Philadelphia. The energy, social scene, cultural events, and walkability are perfect for this demographic. You can live without a car, date, network, and explore. The higher cost is the price of admission for an urban lifestyle.
• Winner for Retirees: Farmington Hills. With a lower cost of living, no state tax on Social Security, safe streets, and access to quality healthcare (Michigan has excellent medical systems), it's a stable, comfortable choice. Philly offers more cultural stimulation but also more urban stress.

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Final Pros & Cons Breakdown

🏙️ Philadelphia: The Urban Beast

Pros:

• World-Class Culture: Museums, history, theater, and a legendary food scene.
• Walkability & Transit: You can live car-free in many neighborhoods.
• Energy & Vibe: Constant activity, diverse communities, and a palpable sense of place.
• Walkable Neighborhoods: Distinct neighborhoods with their own identities.

Cons:

• High Cost of Living: Especially housing and parking.
• Traffic & Commute: A daily grind that wears you down.
• City Services & Infrastructure: Can be inconsistent (potholes, trash collection).
• Safety Concerns: Requires vigilance and neighborhood research.

🏡 Farmington Hills: The Suburban Sanctuary

Pros:

• Excellent Value: More house and space for your money.
• Safety & Schools: Low crime and highly-rated public schools.
• Family-Friendly: Parks, community events, and a safe environment for kids.
• Stability: A mature, established community with low turnover.

Cons:

• Car Dependency: You need a car for everything.
• Weather: Long, cold, and gray winters with significant snow.
• Limited Nightlife & Culture: Quiet after 9 PM; you'll drive to Detroit or Ann Arbor for major events.
• Lack of Diversity: Less urban diversity compared to a major city.

The Bottom Line:
Choose Philadelphia if you crave the pulse, convenience, and culture of a major city and are willing to pay for it. Choose Farmington Hills if you prioritize safety, space, and financial comfort over the urban grind. One is a thrilling, sometimes exhausting, adventure. The other is a comfortable, reliable home.