Irving vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Irving	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$79,335	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$375,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$202	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,291	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	117.8	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.0	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.35	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	289.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	42.3%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	40

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

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—a gritty, historic beast of a city with a chip on its shoulder and soul in its bones. On the other, Irving, Texas—a sprawling, sun-drenched suburban hub that’s all business, all the time.

Choosing between them isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you looking for the electric buzz of a major metro, or the polished, efficient calm of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex?

Let’s cut through the noise. I've crunched the numbers, weighed the intangibles, and I'm here to give you the straight talk you need to make this call.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Polish

Philadelphia is the East Coast in microcosm. It’s loud, proud, and unapologetically real. This is a city where you walk everywhere—past 18th-century row homes, through bustling neighborhoods like Fishtown, and into the shadow of the Liberty Bell. The culture is steeped in history but feels thoroughly modern, with a thriving arts scene, killer food (cheesesteaks are just the start), and a sports fanaticism that borders on religious. It’s a city for people who want to feel the pulse of a place.

Irving, meanwhile, is the definition of Texas efficiency. Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, it’s a corporate powerhouse home to major players like ExxonMobil and Kimberly-Clark. The vibe is less about historic charm and more about modern convenience—sprawling office parks, master-planned communities, and endless shopping centers. Life here is car-centric, spacious, and geared toward professionals and families who value accessibility to DFW's amenities without the downtown price tag.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia is for the urbanist, the history buff, the foodie, and the sports nut. It’s for those who thrive on density, walkability, and a sense of place.
• Irving is for the suburban professional, the family prioritizing space and schools, and the commuter who wants a strategic home base near a major airport (DFW is right there).

The Dollar Power: Where Your Salary Feels Bigger

This is where the math gets interesting. While the cost of living is a major factor, don't forget the Texas tax advantage. Texas has 0% state income tax, whereas Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% income tax. Over a year, that's a significant chunk of change back in your pocket.

Let's break down the monthly expenses.

Cost of Living Comparison (Monthly)

Category	Philadelphia	Irving	Winner
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,291	Irving
Utilities	~$150	~$150	Tie
Groceries	~$350	~$330	Irving
Transportation	~$150 (Public)	~$300 (Car)	Philadelphia

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's say you earn a median salary in each city. In Philadelphia, the median income is $60,302. After that 3.07% state tax, your take-home is roughly $58,456. In Irving, the median is $79,335. With 0% state tax, your take-home is the full $79,335.

But the real test is purchasing power. If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, after taxes and living costs, your money goes further in Irving. The rent is lower, groceries are cheaper, and the lack of state income tax is a huge boost. However, in Philadelphia, you can live without a car, saving on insurance, gas, and maintenance—often a $5,000+ annual savings. In Irving, a car is non-negotiable, which adds a hidden cost to your "cheaper" lifestyle.

Verdict: For raw dollar power, Irving wins. Your salary stretches further, and the lack of state tax is a game-changer. But Philadelphia offers a different kind of value: the ability to live a car-free life, which is a massive financial and lifestyle perk.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Buying a Home:

• Philadelphia: Median home price is $270,375. The market is competitive but relatively accessible. You get historic row homes and city living for a price that’s still within reach for middle-income earners. It's a buyer's market with more inventory than Irving.
• Irving: Median home price is $375,000. You're paying a premium for space and newer construction. The market is fiercely competitive (a seller's market), with high demand pushing prices up. Your money buys you a modern suburban house, often with a yard, but you're far from the city center.

Renting:
As the table shows, Irving is cheaper for renters. However, Philadelphia offers more rental variety—from luxury high-rises to classic apartments in historic buildings. In Irving, rentals are often in newer complexes.

The Bottom Line on Housing: If you want to buy and prioritize affordability and city life, Philadelphia is your winner. If you want to buy a modern suburban home and are willing to pay more, Irving is the choice. For renters, Irving offers better bang for your buck.

The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: A mixed bag. The city's grid layout is walkable, and public transit (SEPTA) is extensive. However, driving in and out of the city can be a nightmare, and bridge/tunnel congestion is notorious.
• Irving: Pure car culture. Commutes are long and highway-dependent (I-635, I-35E). Traffic is heavy, but the infrastructure is built for it. Proximity to DFW Airport is a huge plus for business travelers.

Weather

• Philadelphia: Be prepared for the full spectrum. Winters average in the low 30s with snow (average 12 inches). Summers are hot and humid (90°F+). Spring and fall are glorious but brief.
• Irving: Much milder winters (average low 39°F) and scorching, humid summers (95°F+ is common). You get more sunshine year-round, but the heat can be intense for months.

Crime & Safety

Here’s the stark reality, based on violent crime rates per 100,000 people:

• Philadelphia: 726.5 (significantly higher than the national average)
• Irving: 289.0 (close to the national average)

Philadelphia is a major city with urban crime challenges. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood—some areas are perfectly safe, while others struggle. Irving is a suburbs-within-a-city model, generally much safer, especially in its residential areas. If safety is your top priority, the data doesn't lie: Irving is the clear winner.

Factor	Philadelphia	Irving	Verdict
Traffic	Public transit exists, but driving is tough.	Car-dependent, long commutes.	Tie (Depends on preference)
Weather	Four distinct, sometimes harsh seasons.	Mild winters, brutal summer heat.	Subjective
Safety	High violent crime rate, neighborhood-dependent.	Much lower crime rate, generally safer.	Irving

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart (and Wallet)?

After breaking it all down, here’s the ultimate head-to-head verdict.

Winner for Families: Irving

Why: Safety is the biggest factor for families, and Irving’s lower crime rate is a major advantage. The public schools in Irving ISD are generally well-regarded, and the suburban setup offers more space, yards, and community pools. The cost of living is manageable, and the 0% state income tax helps with college savings. You trade walkability for safety and space.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia

Why: If you’re young, social, and career-focused, Philadelphia’s energy is unmatched. The nightlife in neighborhoods like Rittenhouse and Northern Liberties is vibrant and diverse. The cost of living is lower than other major East Coast hubs (NYC, Boston), and you can build a social life without a car. The job market is solid, especially in healthcare, higher ed, and tech. You’re buying into a community, not just a house.

Winner for Retirees: Irving

Why: For retirees, financial stability and health are paramount. Irving wins on cost: no state income tax on retirement income, lower property taxes (though not as low as other Texas cities), and a warmer climate that’s easier on the joints. The healthcare system in the DFW area is world-class. Philadelphia’s harsh winters and higher taxes can be a burden on a fixed income.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Incredible Culture & History: Walkable, rich in landmarks, world-class museums.
• Walkability & Transit: Ditch your car and save money.
• Affordable Housing (for a city): Median home price of $270k is rare for a major metro.
• Food Scene: From high-end to iconic street eats.
• Pro Sports: Passionate fan bases for every team.

Cons:

• High Crime Rate: You must choose your neighborhood wisely.
• Harsh Winters: Snow, ice, and gray skies for months.
• State Income Tax: Eats into your purchasing power.
• Traffic & Congestion: Driving is often a headache.

Irving

Pros:

• The Tax Advantage: 0% state income tax is a huge financial win.
• Safety & Schools: Lower crime and good public schools.
• Job Market: Proximity to Dallas and major corporate HQs.
• Modern Amenities: New housing, shopping, and dining options.
• Mild Winters: Snow is a rare event.

Cons:

• Car-Dependent: Life revolves around the car and highways.
• Lack of Urban Vibe: Feels more like a suburb than a cultural hub.
• Hot Summers: Heat and humidity can be oppressive.
• Higher Housing Costs: You pay a premium for newer homes.

The Bottom Line

This isn't about which city is objectively "better." It's about which city is better for you.

Choose Philadelphia if you crave an urban, walkable lifestyle, value history and culture over square footage, and want a major city experience without the insane price tags of NYC or Boston. You must be willing to navigate its challenges—crime, weather, and taxes—but the reward is a deeply engaging, community-focused life.

Choose Irving if you prioritize safety, financial efficiency (thanks to no state tax), and a modern, suburban lifestyle. You're buying into the DFW metroplex's economic engine, trading walkability for space and a lower-stress, car-centric routine. It's pragmatic, practical, and perfect for raising a family or building a retirement nest egg.

So, what's it going to be? The historic heartbeat of the Northeast, or the sun-soaked, tax-friendly plains of Texas? The choice is yours.