Hattiesburg vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Hattiesburg	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$44,140	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.8%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$153,600	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$null	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$906	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	100.0	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.9	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	291.2	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	35%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

Philadelphia vs. Hattiesburg: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re torn between the City of Brotherly Love and the Hub City. On one side, you have Philadelphia—a massive, gritty, historic East Coast powerhouse with a population of 1.55 million. On the other, Hattiesburg—a compact, Southern gem in Mississippi with a population of just 48,507.

This isn't just a choice between two cities; it’s a choice between two completely different worlds. Are you looking for the hustle and bustle of a major metro, or the slow, sweet pace of a Southern town? Let’s break it down, category by category, to help you decide where to plant your roots.

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The Vibe Check

Philadelphia is the definition of an East Coast beast. It’s fast-paced, unapologetically gritty, and bursting at the seams with history. Think cobblestone streets, world-class museums, the Liberty Bell, and a food scene that goes from iconic cheesesteaks to James Beard-winning fine dining. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. You’re in a major metro area with all the amenities—pro sports, international airports, and endless nightlife. It’s for the person who wants to be in the thick of it all and craves the energy of a city that never fully sleeps.

Hattiesburg is the quintessential Southern town with a college-town twist. Home to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), it’s got a youthful, energetic vibe balanced by deep-rooted Southern hospitality. Life moves at a slower, more deliberate pace. It’s the kind of place where people know their neighbors, traffic is a minor annoyance, and weekends are for porch-sitting or heading to the nearby Gulf Coast. It’s for someone seeking a strong sense of community, affordability, and a break from the relentless pace of big-city life.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia: The culture vulture, the career-driven professional, the history buff, the foodie, and anyone who thrives on urban energy.
• Hattiesburg: The budget-conscious mover, the college student or faculty, the young family looking for space, and the retiree seeking a peaceful, low-cost haven.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: cost of living. This is where the gap between these two cities is widest. Philadelphia is significantly more expensive than the national average, while Hattiesburg is notably cheaper.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Here’s a direct comparison of everyday expenses. (Note: Hattiesburg's "Housing Index" is set as the baseline 100.0, meaning Philadelphia's index of 117.8 indicates its housing costs are 17.8% higher than Hattiesburg's).

Expense Category	Philadelphia	Hattiesburg	The Difference
Median Home Price	$270,375	$153,600	Philly homes cost ~76% more.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$906	Philly rent is ~60% higher.
Utilities (Est.)	$165/mo	$140/mo	Philly is slightly higher.
Groceries	~15% above nat'l avg	~10% below nat'l avg	Huge savings in Hattiesburg.
Median Income	$60,302	$44,140	Philly pays more, but does it go further?

Salary Wars: Purchasing Power Analysis

This is the real test. Let’s say you earn the median income in each city.

In Philadelphia, earning $60,302 sounds better, but with a 17.8% higher housing index and steeper costs across the board, your purchasing power takes a hit. You’ll have a higher salary but likely a higher rent/mortgage payment, leaving less disposable income for dining out, entertainment, or savings.

In Hattiesburg, earning $44,140 feels different. With a median home price under $160k and rent just over $900, your fixed costs are dramatically lower. You might not have the same high-end retail options, but the money you save on housing and daily expenses means a significantly higher percentage of your income is yours to keep.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power: For the average earner, Hattiesburg wins this round decisively. Your dollar simply stretches further here, allowing for a higher quality of life on a moderate income.

💰 Callout Box: The Tax Factor
Both cities are in states with an income tax. Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax. Mississippi has a graduated income tax, with rates ranging from 0% to 5%. For most middle-income earners, the effective tax rate in Mississippi is lower than Pennsylvania's flat rate, giving Hattiesburg another edge in the "take-home pay" department.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia: The Competitive Market

Philadelphia’s housing market is active and competitive, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, or Rittenhouse Square. While the median home price ($270,375) is high, it’s still more affordable than NYC or Boston. However, you’re often competing with investors and all-cash buyers. Renting is the norm for many young professionals, but with a median 1BR rent of $1,451, it’s a significant chunk of change. The market is a seller’s market in prime areas, with homes often selling quickly at or above asking price.

Hattiesburg: The Buyer’s Paradise

Hattiesburg is a buyer’s market. With a median home price of $153,600, homeownership is within reach for many. The competition is low, and you get more house for your money—think larger lots, more square footage, and often newer construction. Rent is also a fantastic deal at $906 for a 1BR, making it an ideal spot for students, young professionals, or anyone looking to save aggressively. The barrier to entry for buying a home is significantly lower here.

The Verdict: For aspiring homeowners, Hattiesburg is the clear winner. The path to owning a home is shorter, less stressful, and far more affordable.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: As a major metro, traffic is a reality. The average commute time is around 30 minutes, but rush hour on I-76, I-95, or the Schuylkill Expressway can be brutal. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but can be unreliable. Parking is expensive and scarce.
• Hattiesburg: Traffic is minimal. The average commute is under 20 minutes. Getting around is easy by car, and parking is generally free and plentiful. The stress of a daily commute is virtually nonexistent.

Weather

• Philadelphia: Experiences four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and can bring significant snow (average 12 inches). Summers are hot and humid, often reaching the 90s°F. Spring and fall are beautiful but can be unpredictable.
• Hattiesburg: Has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are long, hot, and very humid, with highs frequently in the 90s°F. Winters are short and mild, with occasional freezes but very little snow. If you hate cold and snow, Hattiesburg is your spot. If you dislike oppressive summer humidity, Philadelphia might be better.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical and honest conversation.

• Philadelphia: The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k people. This is higher than the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood; some areas are very safe, while others face significant challenges. Researching specific neighborhoods is non-negotiable.
• Hattiesburg: The violent crime rate is 291.2 per 100k. This is notably lower than Philadelphia and closer to the national average. However, as with any city, certain areas are safer than others. Generally, Hattiesburg feels safer due to its smaller size and community feel.

The Verdict: For lower crime and minimal traffic, Hattiesburg takes the lead. However, Philadelphia offers more weather variety and a true urban commute experience.

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The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for You?

After weighing the data, the culture, and the costs, here’s our final breakdown.

👑 Winner for Families

Hattiesburg

• Why: The affordability is a game-changer. A family can buy a spacious home with a yard for a fraction of the cost. The lower crime rate, excellent public schools (in certain districts), and tight-knit community provide a safe, nurturing environment. The slower pace is ideal for raising kids.

👑 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals

Philadelphia

• Why: The career opportunities, networking potential, and sheer volume of social and cultural activities are unmatched. The dating scene is larger and more diverse. While expensive, the energy and access to everything you need to build a career and social life are worth the higher cost for many in this demographic.

👑 Winner for Retirees

Hattiesburg

• Why: Stretching a fixed income is crucial. Hattiesburg’s low cost of living, especially in healthcare and housing, allows retirement savings to go much further. The warm climate, friendly community, and relaxed pace are perfect for a comfortable, stress-free retirement.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• World-class arts, culture, and food scene.
• Major career opportunities in diverse industries.
• Extensive public transportation.
• Rich, tangible history at every turn.
• Four distinct seasons.

Cons:

• High cost of living and steep rent.
• Significant traffic and parking challenges.
• Higher violent crime rates (neighborhood-dependent).
• High-density living can feel crowded.

Hattiesburg

Pros:

• Extremely affordable housing and cost of living.
• Very low traffic and easy commutes.
• Strong sense of community and Southern hospitality.
• Lower crime rate than Philly.
• Proximity to the Gulf Coast beaches.

Cons:

• Limited job market outside of education, healthcare, and retail.
• Fewer cultural and entertainment options.
• Hot, humid summers.
• Less diversity compared to a major metro.

The Bottom Line

The choice boils down to what you value most.

Choose Philadelphia if you prioritize career growth, cultural immersion, and the energy of a major city, and you’re willing to pay a premium for it.

Choose Hattiesburg if you prioritize financial freedom, a slower pace of life, a strong sense of community, and the ability to own a home without breaking the bank.

There’s no wrong answer—just the right fit for your life chapter.