đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Green Bay and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Green Bay vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Green Bay | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $66,950 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $270,000 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $170 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $841 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 73.9 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 93.1 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 345.0 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 26.7% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. Green Bay: The Ultimate East Coast vs. Midwest Showdown
You’re standing at a crossroads. On one path lies Philadelphia—a gritty, historic, big-city powerhouse with a chip on its shoulder. On the other, Green Bay—the frozen tundra, a tight-knit community where the Packers are a religion and life moves at a fundamentally different pace.
Choosing between these two is less about picking a city and more about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing the hustle and bustle of a major metro, or are you seeking the affordability and community of a smaller town? As your Relocation Expert, I’ve crunched the numbers and lived the vibes to bring you the unfiltered truth.
Let’s settle this.
The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Gridiron
Philadelphia is the quintessential East Coast underdog. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality—From the cobblestone streets of Old City to the vibrant murals of South Philly. It’s loud, proud, and unapologetically real. Think cheesesteaks, the Liberty Bell, and a skyline that mixes colonial history with modern glass. This is a city for the ambitious, the culture-seeker, and anyone who thrives on energy. You’re not just living here; you’re participating in a living, breathing history.
Green Bay, on the other hand, is the definition of a company town—except the company is the Green Bay Packers. The vibe is quintessential Midwest: friendly, down-to-earth, and community-focused. Life revolves around the seasons (and football). It’s a place where you know your neighbors, traffic is a foreign concept, and the biggest stressor might be finding parking on a game day. This is a city for those who value a slower pace, tight-knit communities, and a sense of belonging over the anonymity of a big city.
Who’s it for?
- Philadelphia: Young professionals, history buffs, foodies, and extroverts who need a city that never sleeps.
- Green Bay: Families, outdoorsmen, introverts, and anyone who wants to escape the rat race for a quieter, more affordable life.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might make $100,000 in both cities, but your purchasing power will feel worlds apart.
Let’s break down the immediate costs. Philadelphia is significantly more expensive across the board, but the real story is in the long-term value and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | Philadelphia, PA | Green Bay, WI | Winner (Affordability) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $270,000 | Tie |
| Avg. Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $841 | Green Bay |
| Housing Index | 117.8 (17.8% above nat'l avg) | 73.9 (26.1% below nat'l avg) | Green Bay |
| Utilities (Monthly) | ~$160 | ~$180 | Philadelphia |
| Groceries | 10% above nat'l avg | 4% below nat'l avg | Green Bay |
| Median Income | $60,302 | $66,950 | Green Bay |
Analysis:
At first glance, the median home prices look shockingly similar. But don’t be fooled. The Housing Index tells the true story. Philadelphia’s market is 17.8% above the national average, meaning you’re paying a premium for the location. Green Bay’s index is 26.1% below the average, meaning your dollar stretches much further for quality of life.
Rent is the biggest immediate differentiator. Living in Philadelphia costs you $610 more per month just for a basic one-bedroom apartment. That’s $7,320 per year—enough for a used car, a vacation, or a serious investment.
Salary Wars & The Tax Factor:
Let’s talk about your take-home pay. If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, you’re subject to:
- Federal Taxes: Same as everywhere.
- State Income Tax: 3.07% (flat rate).
- City Wage Tax: A hefty 3.75% for residents. Ouch.
In Green Bay, Wisconsin has a progressive income tax ranging from 3.54% to 7.65%. For a $100k income, you’d be looking at roughly 4.5% state tax. No city wage tax.
The Verdict: While Wisconsin’s state tax is slightly higher than PA’s for the median earner, Philadelphia’s crushing city tax and higher cost of living mean your $100,000 salary goes significantly further in Green Bay. You’ll afford a nicer home, have more disposable income, and face less financial stress. This is a clear win for the Packers’ town.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Buying a Home:
- Philadelphia: The market is competitive. With a Housing Index of 117.8, you’re competing in a seller’s market. The median price is $270,375, but in desirable neighborhoods like Fishtown or Queen Village, you’ll easily be looking at $400k+. It’s a long-term investment in a major metro area with strong rental potential.
- Green Bay: A buyer’s paradise. The index of 73.9 means you get more house for your money. The median price is nearly identical to Philly, but you’re likely getting a larger lot, newer construction, and less competition. It’s a stable, affordable market perfect for first-time buyers.
Renting:
- Philadelphia: Rent is high and rising. You’re paying for location and access to jobs. It’s manageable if you have roommates or a dual income, but it eats into savings.
- Green Bay: Rent is a bargain. At $841, you can live alone comfortably and still save aggressively. Landlords have less leverage, and you have more options.
Winner for Buyers: Green Bay (More house, less competition, better value).
Winner for Renters: Green Bay (It’s not even close).
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Philadelphia: Brutal. As the 4th largest metro in the U.S., traffic is a daily reality. The Schuylkill and I-95 are notorious parking lots. The average commute is 28 minutes, but it can easily double during rush hour. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but aging and often delayed.
- Green Bay: What traffic? Seriously. The longest “rush hour” lasts about 15 minutes. The average commute is under 20 minutes. You can get almost anywhere in the city in 10-15 minutes. This is a massive quality-of-life win.
Weather
- Philadelphia: True four seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), springs and falls are beautiful, and winters see a mix of rain and snow (avg. 30-35°F). You’ll deal with slush and gray skies, but it’s manageable.
- Green Bay: Brutal winters. The data says average 18.0°F, but that’s misleading. You’re looking at months of sub-freezing temperatures, significant snowfall (over 50 inches annually), and the infamous “Polar Vortex.” Summers are gorgeous and mild, but winter is a serious commitment. If you hate the cold, this is a dealbreaker.
Crime & Safety
- Philadelphia: This is the most significant drawback. The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000 residents. This is more than double the national average. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, crime is a city-wide concern and a daily reality for many residents.
- Green Bay: A breath of fresh air. The violent crime rate is 345.0 per 100,000—still elevated but significantly lower than Philly and closer to the national average. It feels safe, and statistically, it is.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?
There is no universal winner. The choice is a reflection of your priorities.
🏆 Winner for Families: Green Bay
Why: Affordability, safety, and community. You can afford a house with a yard, your kids can play outside with less worry, the school district is solid, and the pace of life is manageable. The crime rate is half of Philadelphia’s, which is a massive factor for parents.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia
Why: Career opportunities, networking, and a vibrant social scene. The job market is larger and more diverse. The nightlife, restaurants, and cultural events are on a different scale. You can meet thousands of people and never run out of things to do. The higher cost is the trade-off for access and energy.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Green Bay
Why: Low cost of living, low crime, and a peaceful pace. Your retirement savings will go much further. The community is welcoming, and the access to nature (lakes, parks) is superb. The brutal winter is the only caveat, but if you can handle the cold, it’s an affordable, safe haven.
Pros & Cons: At a Glance
🏛️ Philadelphia, PA
PROS:
- Major job market in healthcare, finance, and tech.
- World-class history, museums, and food scene.
- Walkable, diverse neighborhoods.
- Excellent public transit (despite flaws).
- Proximity to NYC, DC, and the Jersey Shore.
CONS:
- High violent crime rate (726.5/100k).
- Expensive and competitive housing market.
- Heavy traffic and stressful commute.
- City wage tax hurts take-home pay.
- Summers can be oppressively humid.
🧀 Green Bay, WI
PROS:
- Extremely low cost of living and housing.
- Safe (violent crime 345/100k).
- Short commutes, minimal traffic.
- Strong sense of community & identity.
- Beautiful summers and access to nature.
CONS:
- Brutal, long winters (avg. 18°F).
- Limited career opportunities outside specific sectors.
- Smaller city size = fewer amenities/entertainment.
- Can feel isolated or insular.
- Less diversity and cultural vibrancy.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Philadelphia if you’re chasing a career, crave urban energy, and can navigate the higher costs and safety concerns. It’s a city that rewards the ambitious.
Choose Green Bay if you prioritize affordability, safety, and a slower pace of life. It’s a place to build a stable, comfortable life without the financial strain of a major metro. It’s a trade-off: you lose the big-city amenities, but you gain peace of mind and a lot more bang for your buck.