Great Falls vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Great Falls	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$63,934	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.3%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$299,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$163	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$745	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	100.0	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.3	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	469.8	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	28.3%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	40

Philadelphia vs. Great Falls: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown

Choosing between Philadelphia and Great Falls is like choosing between a pulsating rock concert and a serene mountain hike. One is a dense, historic, high-energy urban beast; the other is a spacious, scenic, laid-back slice of Montana. You’re not just picking a zip code—you’re picking a lifestyle, a daily rhythm, and a financial future.

As your Relocation Expert, I’ve crunched the numbers and lived the vibes to give you the unvarnished truth. Let’s settle this.

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The Vibe Check: Urban Jungle vs. Wide-Open Spaces

Philadelphia is the gritty, intellectual, and relentlessly vibrant older sibling of the East Coast. It’s the City of Brotherly Love, packed with world-class history, a fiercely loyal sports culture, and a food scene that goes from cheesesteaks to Michelin stars. The rhythm here is fast, the sidewalks are crowded, and there’s always something happening—whether it’s a festival in Old City, a concert in South Street, or a late-night bite in Chinatown.

Who is Philly for? Young professionals who crave energy, history buffs, foodies, and anyone who wants to be in the heart of the Northeast Corridor (easy trips to NYC, DC, Boston). It’s for people who don’t mind noise, value walkability, and want a city that feels alive 24/7.

Great Falls is the polar opposite. Located in north-central Montana, it’s a gateway to the Rockies, defined by vast prairies, the Missouri River, and a pace of life that lets you breathe. It’s a blue-collar town with a strong sense of community, where the biggest events are farmers' markets, rodeos, and hikes in the nearby Highwood Mountains. The skyline is dominated by grain elevators, not skyscrapers.

Who is Great Falls for? Outdoor enthusiasts, families seeking space and safety, retirees looking for peace, and remote workers who want a low cost of living and a backyard that opens directly into nature. It’s for people who prioritize community, quiet, and access to recreation over nightlife and cultural density.

VERDICT: If you need a city that never sleeps, Philadelphia is your pick. If you want a town where you can hear the wind and see the stars, Great Falls wins.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

This is where the numbers tell a dramatic story. Let’s break down the cost of living and the real purchasing power you’d have in each city.

The Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	Philadelphia	Great Falls	The Winner
Median Income	$60,302	$63,934	Great Falls (by a hair)
Median Home Price	$270,375	$299,000	Philadelphia
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$745	Great Falls (by a landslide)
Housing Index	117.8 (Above Avg)	100.0 (National Avg)	Great Falls

Analysis: At first glance, the median home prices are deceptively close. But the rent tells the true tale. In Philadelphia, renting a one-bedroom apartment costs nearly $1,500, which is almost double the $745 in Great Falls. This massive rent gap is the single biggest financial differentiator. The Housing Index confirms it: Philly is 17.8% above the national average for housing costs, while Great Falls sits right at the average.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power: The $100k Test

Let’s imagine you earn $100,000 in both cities. Where does it feel like more?

• In Philadelphia: Your $100k is fighting an uphill battle against higher costs. While Pennsylvania has a progressive income tax (max 3.07%), the high cost of goods, services, and especially housing means your paycheck doesn’t stretch as far. You’ll feel comfortably middle-class, but buying a home will require a significant budget. The "sticker shock" comes when you see property taxes and maintenance costs for older Philly row homes.
• In Great Falls: That same $100k feels mighty. With no state income tax in Montana (though local sales taxes apply), and housing costs that are a fraction of Philly’s, your disposable income skyrockets. You could easily afford a mortgage on a nice single-family home, a reliable truck, and still have plenty left for hobbies and travel. The "bang for your buck" is exceptional.

Insight on Taxes: Montana’s lack of state income tax is a huge perk for high earners, but keep in mind its sales tax can be higher. Pennsylvania’s income tax is relatively low, but its cities (like Philly) often have additional wage taxes. For most middle-income earners, Great Falls’ overall tax burden is lighter.

VERDICT: For pure purchasing power and financial relief, Great Falls is the undisputed champion. Your dollar simply works harder here.

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The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Philadelphia:

• Buy vs. Rent: The market is fiercely competitive. While the median home price ($270k) seems accessible, it’s often a bidding war for desirable neighborhoods. The housing stock is predominantly older row homes and twins, which come with charm but also potential maintenance headaches (think old plumbing, electrical, and insulation). It’s a seller’s market in prime areas.
• Availability: Inventory is tight. You’ll need to be pre-approved and ready to move fast. Renting is the default for many young professionals due to high upfront costs and market competition.

Great Falls:

• Buy vs. Rent: With a median home price ($299k) that’s slightly higher than Philly’s but a rental market that’s dirt-cheap, the path to ownership is clearer. The housing stock is newer (post-1970s is common), often with more square footage and modern amenities. It’s a more balanced market, leaning slightly toward buyers.
• Availability: You’ll find more single-family homes with yards, garages, and space—luxuries that are expensive and rare in central Philadelphia. The barrier to entry for buying is lower because monthly mortgage payments can often be less than Philadelphia’s rent.

VERDICT: If you’re a renter, Great Falls offers an unbeatable deal. If you’re a buyer looking for space and modernity, Great Falls also has the edge. Philadelphia’s market is for those who value location and walkability over square footage.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: A nightmare. It’s consistently ranked among the worst in the U.S. for traffic congestion. The Schuylkill and Vine Street Expressways are infamous. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but often delayed and crowded. Commutes can easily exceed 45 minutes for a relatively short distance.
• Great Falls: What traffic? Commutes are measured in minutes, not hours. The city is easily navigable by car. The only "rush hour" might be a slight slowdown near the base or during a major event. This is a massive quality-of-life win.

Weather

• Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons with gusto. Summers are hot and humid (often in the 90°F range), winters are cold and snowy, and spring/fall are beautiful but brief. The humidity can be a real factor for some.
• Great Falls: Much milder on average (61.0°F), but with a continental climate. Winters are cold and dry with significant snowfall, but the sun often shines. Summers are warm and pleasant, not humid. The weather is more predictable and less oppressive than Philly’s humid summers.

Crime & Safety

• Philadelphia: The data is stark. The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k, which is more than 1.5 times the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood—some areas are perfectly safe, while others have significant challenges. You must research your specific area meticulously.
• Great Falls: The violent crime rate is 469.8 per 100k, which is still above the national average but significantly lower than Philadelphia’s. The community feel and lower population density contribute to a generally safer environment. It’s not crime-free, but the risk is notably lower.

VERDICT: For ease of life, Great Falls wins on traffic and safety. For weather, it’s a preference—Philly’s humid summers vs. Great Falls’ cold winters.

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Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?

The choice crystallizes when we tailor it to your life stage and priorities.

Winner for Families

Great Falls.
With more affordable housing, lower crime, less traffic, and vast outdoor spaces for kids to grow up, Great Falls provides a safer, more spacious, and financially sustainable environment for raising a family. The community-oriented vibe is a bonus.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals

Philadelphia.
This isn’t even close. The career opportunities, networking potential, cultural scene, nightlife, and dating pool in a major city like Philly are on a completely different level. The energy and constant stimulation are what most young pros crave, even if it comes with higher costs and more stress.

Winner for Retirees

Great Falls.
For retirees on a fixed income, Great Falls is a financial sanctuary. The low cost of living, especially housing, stretches retirement savings further. The slower pace, lower crime, and stunning natural beauty offer a peaceful, stress-free retirement. Philly’s noise, traffic, and higher costs can be draining in later years.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

PROS:

• World-Class Culture: Museums, theaters, history, and food are top-tier.
• Walkability & Transit: Easy to live car-free in many neighborhoods.
• Career Hub: Endless job opportunities across industries.
• Proximity: Easy access to other major East Coast cities.
• Vibrant Energy: A city that truly never sleeps.

CONS:

• High Cost of Living: Especially for housing and parking.
• Heavy Traffic & Congestion: Commutes can be brutal.
• Higher Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood selection.
• Humid Summers: Can be uncomfortable.
• Older Infrastructure: Homes and roads need frequent repair.

Great Falls

PROS:

• Affordable Living: Extremely low rent and reasonable home prices.
• Outdoor Paradise: Immediate access to hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing.
• Low Traffic & Stress: Easy commutes and a relaxed pace of life.
• Strong Community: Friendly, tight-knit neighborhoods.
• Safety: Significantly lower crime than Philadelphia.

CONS:

• Limited Job Market: Fewer opportunities, especially in white-collar fields.
• Isolation: Far from other major cities (5+ hours to Denver).
• Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy, and can be long.
• Fewer Cultural Amenities: Limited dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
• Less Diversity: A more homogeneous population.

The Bottom Line

Your choice boils down to a fundamental trade-off: Opportunity vs. Affordability.

Choose Philadelphia if you are chasing career growth, cultural depth, and urban excitement, and you’re willing to pay the price in dollars, stress, and space.

Choose Great Falls if you are prioritizing financial freedom, safety, tranquility, and a deep connection to the outdoors, and you’re willing to trade the city’s buzz for a quieter, more self-reliant lifestyle.

There’s no wrong answer—only the right fit for where you are in life.