📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Georgetown and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Georgetown vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Georgetown | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $95,160 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $425,000 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $205 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,220 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 126.4 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.9 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 446.5 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 43.1% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 35 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. Georgetown: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
You're standing at a crossroads, and the signposts point to two wildly different destinations. On one side, you have Philadelphia—a gritty, historic, big-city beast with a chip on its shoulder and a cheesesteak in its hand. On the other, you have Georgetown—the polished, affluent, coastal hub of the D.C. metro area, where the Potomac River frames your morning jog and the median income is nearly double the national average.
This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two lifestyles, two financial realities, and two completely different definitions of "home."
As your relocation expert, I've crunched the numbers, walked the streets (virtually and literally), and dug into the data to give you the unfiltered truth. Let's settle this.
1. The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Glamour
Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love, but it’s got a complicated relationship with its own identity. It’s a blue-collar powerhouse that’s evolved into a tech and biotech hub, yet it never lost its soul. You'll find world-class art museums next to gritty street murals, and the best tacos you’ve ever had served from a cart next to a 300-year-old cobblestone street. It’s fast-paced, loud, and unapologetically authentic. It’s for the person who wants big-city amenities without the Manhattan price tag or pretension.
Georgetown is the definition of polished. It’s a historic, walkable, affluent neighborhood within the Washington D.C. metro, but it operates at a different energy level. Think well-manicured lawns, high-end boutiques, and a vibe that’s more "power brunch" than "street festival." It’s a hub for D.C. professionals, families, and anyone who values safety, prestige, and a beautiful setting. It’s for the person who wants a sophisticated, stable, and scenic home base with direct access to the nation's capital.
Who is each city for?
- Philadelphia: The seeker of authenticity. The budget-conscious professional, the history buff, the foodie, and anyone who thrives in a vibrant, messy, creative environment.
- Georgetown: The seeker of stability and prestige. The established professional, the family looking for top-tier schools, the retiree who wants to be near culture without the chaos, and anyone who values safety and a polished aesthetic.
2. The Dollar Power: Where Your Salary Stretches
This is where the rubber meets the road. The data tells a fascinating story. Georgetown has a higher median income and higher home prices, but Philadelphia's overall cost of living can be a more manageable proposition, especially for renters.
Let's break down the numbers.
Cost of Living Snapshot
Note: Philadelphia data is for the city proper. Georgetown data is for the city itself, which is a small, dense area. Costs can be higher in immediate surrounding neighborhoods.
| Category | Philadelphia (PA) | Georgetown (DC) | Winner (Bang for Buck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $60,302 | $95,160 | Georgetown (but see below) |
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $425,000 | Philadelphia |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $1,220 | Georgetown (Surprise!) |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 126.4 | Philadelphia (Slightly) |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% flat | 4.0% - 6.0% (bracketed) | Philadelphia (Flat is simpler) |
The Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Puzzle
At first glance, Georgetown's median income of $95,160 looks like a clear win. But let's be real about "purchasing power." If you earn $100,000 in Georgetown, you're making significantly more than the median, which is great. However, your housing costs are higher, and the D.C. metro area generally has a higher overall cost of goods and services.
In Philadelphia, earning $100,000 puts you well above the city median of $60,302. You'll feel like a king compared to the local average. Your housing budget will get you much further. You can rent a larger space or buy a home with less financial strain. The $270,375 median home price in Philly is a stark contrast to Georgetown's $425,000.
The Tax Twist: Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% income tax. Washington D.C. has a progressive tax system, where the rate jumps to 8.5% for incomes over $250,000, but sits at 4% for the first $10,000 and 6% up to $40,000. For a $100k salary, the effective tax rate in D.C. is higher than Philly's flat rate. This means your take-home pay in Philadelphia could feel more substantial.
Verdict: While Georgetown pays more, Philadelphia offers superior purchasing power for the average earner. Your $100k will feel like more money in Philly, especially when it comes to housing.
3. The Housing Market: Rent vs. Buy
Philadelphia: The Buyer's Opportunity
Philadelphia is a major city where homeownership is still within reach for many. The $270,375 median price is a fraction of what you'd pay in NYC, Boston, or D.C. It's a buyer's market in many neighborhoods, with a diverse inventory ranging from historic rowhomes to modern condos. Competition exists in trendy areas like Fishtown or Rittenhouse, but overall, you have options. Renting is also competitive, with a wide range of prices and styles.
Georgetown: The Premium & Competitive Market
Georgetown is a seller's market, especially for single-family homes. The median price of $425,000 is for the entire DC metro; the historic Georgetown neighborhood itself commands prices far higher, often exceeding $1.5 million for a single-family home. The Housing Index of 126.4 (where the national average is 100) indicates it's more expensive than the national average. Inventory is low, and competition is fierce. Renting is also competitive, though you can find decent value in adjacent neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Dupont Circle if you're willing to commute a bit.
Verdict: For buyers, Philadelphia is the clear winner on affordability and inventory. For renters, Georgetown offers a surprisingly competitive rate, but the overall cost of living and potential for rent hikes in a high-demand market make it a more precarious long-term bet.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Philadelphia: Traffic is a beast, especially on I-95, I-76, and the Schuylkill. The public transit system (SEPTA) is extensive but aging and often delayed. Commuting from the suburbs is a reality for many. Walkability is high in Center City and many neighborhoods.
- Georgetown: Traffic is a nightmare, ranked among the worst in the nation. The D.C. metro area is a sprawling web of highways. However, Georgetown itself is highly walkable, and the D.C. Metro (subway) has a station nearby (though not directly in Georgetown proper). Many residents commute via public transit, bike, or walk to downtown D.C.
Weather
- Philadelphia: You get four distinct, often harsh seasons. Winters see snowfall averaging 13 inches, and summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures hitting 90°F+. Spring and fall are beautiful but brief. Weather: 52.0°F average.
- Georgetown: A milder Mid-Atlantic climate. Winters are shorter and snowfall is lighter. Summers are hot and humid, but tempered by the Potomac River. It's generally more pleasant year-round than Philly. Weather: 66.0°F average.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical category and the data is stark. We use violent crime rates per 100,000 people for a fair comparison.
- Philadelphia: The violent crime rate is 726.5/100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe (especially Center City, Rittenhouse, Fitler Square), crime is a city-wide concern and varies dramatically block by block. You must be savvy about neighborhood selection.
- Georgetown: The violent crime rate is 446.5/100k. While this is lower than Philly's rate, it's still above the national average. However, Georgetown itself is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in D.C. The overall D.C. metro area has pockets of high crime, but the core of Georgetown is heavily policed and generally secure.
Verdict: Georgetown wins on weather and perceived safety. Philadelphia offers more dramatic seasonal change but higher crime statistics. Your personal safety tolerance is key.
5. The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
After weighing the data, the culture, and the cost, here’s the final, opinionated breakdown.
Winner for Families: Georgetown
Georgetown takes this category. The combination of top-tier public and private schools, a lower violent crime rate (446.5/100k vs. 726.5/100k), and a more stable, suburban-like feel within a city makes it ideal for raising kids. The median income of $95,160 supports the higher cost of living, and the access to world-class museums and cultural institutions in D.C. is unparalleled for family education.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia
It’s not even close. The financial math is undeniable. With a median home price of $270,375 and a vibrant, youthful energy centered around universities like Penn and Temple, Philadelphia is a launchpad. You can afford a great apartment, explore a world-class food scene, and build a career without being house-poor. The city's grit and authenticity are a magnet for creatives and innovators.
Winner for Retirees: Philadelphia (with a caveat)
This is a tough call. Georgetown offers a serene, beautiful, and culturally rich environment. However, the cost of living, especially for those on a fixed income, is a major hurdle. Philadelphia offers more affordable housing (both to buy and rent), a flat state income tax, and a dense, walkable urban core that is great for staying active. Many Philly neighborhoods are quiet, historic, and host active retiree communities. If budget is a primary concern, Philly wins. If budget is less of an issue and you prioritize a polished, safe, warm-weather environment, Georgetown is your spot.
Final Scorecard: Pros & Cons
Philadelphia
Pros:
- Unbeatable Value: The most affordable major city in the Northeast Corridor.
- Rich History & Culture: Birthplace of America, world-class museums, incredible food scene.
- Walkable & Dense: Easy to live without a car in many areas.
- Major Career Hub: Booming sectors in biotech, ed, and tech.
Cons:
- High Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood research and street smarts.
- Harsh Winters & Humid Summers: Weather can be a drag.
- Aging Infrastructure: Public transit and roads can be frustrating.
Georgetown
Pros:
- Affluent & Safe: A polished, prestigious neighborhood with high safety standards.
- Scenic & Walkable: Beautiful riverfront, parks, and historic architecture.
- Access to Power & Culture: Direct link to the D.C. power structure and world-class institutions.
- Milder Weather: More pleasant year-round climate.
Cons:
- High Cost of Living: Housing, goods, and services are expensive.
- Fierce Competition: In both housing and professional circles.
- Tourist Crowds: Georgetown is a major tourist destination, which can feel intrusive.
- Traffic & Commute: Part of the infamous D.C. metro traffic nightmare.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Georgetown if you prioritize safety, prestige, and a stable, affluent environment and can comfortably afford the premium. Choose Philadelphia if you want authenticity, big-city energy, and incredible financial value without sacrificing major amenities. One city sells you a polished dream; the other offers a gritty, rewarding reality. Your wallet—and your personality—will know which one feels like home.