Largo vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Largo	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$66,220	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$345,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$246	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,515	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	116.7	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	99.5	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.60	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	380.1	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	27.1%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	43	40

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

So, you're trying to decide between the gritty, historic powerhouse of Philadelphia and the sunny, coastal-resort vibe of Largo. On the surface, they couldn't be more different. One is a major urban metropolis; the other is a mid-sized Florida city nestled between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. But the devil—and the details—are in the data.

As your relocation expert, I’m here to cut through the brochure hype. We’re going to look at the raw numbers, the hidden costs, and the lifestyle trade-offs. Whether you're a young professional chasing opportunity, a family looking for a safe haven, or a retiree seeking sunshine, this breakdown will tell you exactly where your best bet lies.

Let's get into it.

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The Vibe Check: Metro Grit vs. Coastal Chill

Philadelphia is a city of contrasts. It’s the "City of Brotherly Love" that also has a notoriously tough edge. This is a place where you can grab a legendary cheesesteak from a hole-in-the-wall joint, then walk to the Liberty Bell or the Barnes Foundation Museum. It’s dense, walkable (in many neighborhoods), and pulsates with energy. The culture is rooted in history, academia (home to UPenn and Drexel), and a blue-collar resilience. It’s a city that feels real—unpolished, authentic, and always moving.

Largo, on the other hand, is the definition of "laid-back." It’s part of the Tampa Bay area, with a population of just over 82,000. The lifestyle here revolves around the water: boating, fishing, beach days at nearby Clearwater Beach, and golf. It’s a city that feels more like a collection of suburbs with a distinct Florida charm. The pace is slower, the winters are warm, and the community is tight-knit. It’s less about climbing the corporate ladder and more about finding a work-life balance that includes plenty of sunshine.

Who is each city for?

• Philadelphia is for the urban professional, the history buff, the foodie, and anyone who thrives in a dense, diverse, and dynamic environment.
• Largo is for the retiree, the remote worker who loves the outdoors, the family seeking a safer, suburban feel with a resort-like climate, and anyone looking to escape the hustle of a major metro.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

Let’s talk money. The first thing to note is that Largo has a higher median income ($66,220) than Philadelphia ($60,302). However, that number alone doesn’t tell the whole story. We need to look at the cost of living to understand true purchasing power.

Here’s a breakdown of key expenses:

Category	Philadelphia	Largo	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$270,375	$345,000	Philly wins on entry-level homeownership.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,515	Surprisingly close, but Philly edges out slightly.
Housing Index	117.8	116.7	Both are above the national average, but Philly's index is slightly higher.
Utilities (Est.)	~$150-180/mo (higher heating costs in winter)	~$180-220/mo (higher AC costs in summer)	Seasonal extremes drive costs in both cities.
Groceries	~5-10% above national avg.	~3-8% above national avg.	Philly has a slight edge, but both are fairly comparable.

Salary Wars & The Tax Twist
Let’s run a scenario: You earn $100,000 a year. Where does it feel like more?

• In Philadelphia: You're subject to a 3.07% flat state income tax, plus a 3.8712% wage tax if you work in the city. Your take-home pay takes a noticeable hit. However, your housing costs are significantly lower. The median home price is about $75,000 less than in Largo. That’s a massive down payment advantage. Your $100k salary will go further in securing a mortgage or renting a nice apartment.
• In Largo: Florida has 0% state income tax. That’s a huge win. Your take-home pay on that $100k salary is immediately higher than in Philly. However, you'll likely pay more for housing. The median home price is $345,000, and while rents are similar, the home-buying barrier is higher. You also have to factor in higher insurance costs (hurricane risk) and property taxes.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: For buying a home, Philadelphia offers better bang for your buck. For pure take-home cash flow, Largo’s lack of state income tax is a major advantage, but that benefit can be eroded by higher housing and insurance costs.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia

The Philly market is competitive but accessible. The median home price of $270,375 is within reach for many first-time buyers. You’ll find a mix: historic rowhomes in neighborhoods like Fishtown or Graduate Hospital, single-family homes in the northwest, and condos in Center City. The market is a seller’s market, but with more inventory than you’d find in NYC or Boston. Renting is a viable long-term option with a wide variety of apartments.

Largo

Largo’s housing market is more suburban and single-family home focused. The median price of $345,000 reflects the Florida market’s post-pandemic surge. You get more space and a yard, but the entry price is steeper. It’s also a seller’s market, with high demand from both locals and out-of-state buyers seeking a sunny retirement or remote work haven. Renting is common, but the stock is more limited to apartment complexes and smaller complexes.

Dealbreaker Alert: If you’re a buyer on a tight budget, Philadelphia gives you more options for under $300,000.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Traffic can be brutal, especially on I-95, I-76, and the Schuylkill Expressway. However, the city is one of the most walkable in the US, and public transit (SEPTA) is extensive. Many residents opt to live car-free or car-light. Commutes within the city can be quick; commutes from the suburbs can be long.
• Largo: Traffic is generally lighter, but it’s a car-dependent city. The main arteries (like US 19) can get congested, especially with tourist traffic. Commutes to Tampa or Clearwater are manageable (15-30 mins), but you’ll need a car for almost everything.

Weather: The Ultimate Divider

• Philadelphia: Brace for four distinct seasons. Winters average 52°F but can dip into freezing with snow and ice. Summers are hot and humid (often 90°F+). You get beautiful autumns and springs, but you must endure the gray, cold winter.
• Largo: This is a game-changer. With an average temp of 64°F, Largo offers a subtropical climate. Winters are mild and sunny (think 60s-70s). Summers are hot and very humid, with afternoon thunderstorms and the ever-present hurricane season (June-Nov). If you hate the cold, Largo is your winner.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, honest comparison.

• Philadelphia: The violent crime rate is 726.5 incidents per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the national average. Like any major city, safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe for daily life, while others require caution. It’s a city where you must be aware of your surroundings.
• Largo: The violent crime rate is 380.1 incidents per 100,000 people. This is closer to the national average and is roughly half that of Philadelphia. Largo is generally considered a safe, family-friendly community.

Verdict on Safety: Largo is objectively safer based on the data. If low crime is a top priority, Largo has a clear advantage.

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The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for You?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the ultimate breakdown.

👑 Winner for Families: Largo

Why: The combination of lower violent crime (380.1 vs. 726.5), a suburban feel with yards, and access to outdoor activities (beaches, parks) makes it a safer and more relaxed environment for raising kids. The school systems in the area are generally well-regarded, and the community vibe is strong. The higher home price is a trade-off for the safety and space.

👑 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia

Why: The lower cost of entry for homeownership ($270k vs. $345k), the vibrant job market (especially in healthcare, education, and tech), and the sheer density of social and cultural opportunities make Philly the place to be in your 20s and 30s. You can build a career, network, and have an exciting social life without a car. The energy is unmatched.

👑 Winner for Retirees: Largo

Why: The climate is the single biggest factor. Winters in the 60s beat winters in the 30s any day. The 0% state income tax preserves retirement savings. The slower pace, golf courses, and waterfront activities are tailor-made for retirement. While Philly has great cultural amenities, the harsh winters and higher crime rate make it less ideal for this life stage.

Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Lower home prices and more affordable entry to the market.
• Incredible job market and economic opportunity.
• Walkable, dense urban core with top-tier culture, food, and history.
• Excellent public transit (for a US city).
• Four distinct seasons.

Cons:

• High violent crime rate (726.5/100k).
• City wage tax and state income tax reduce take-home pay.
• Harsh, cold winters.
• Traffic can be congested.

Largo

Pros:

• Significantly safer (violent crime 380.1/100k).
• No state income tax (0%).
• Fantastic weather with mild winters.
• Relaxed, suburban lifestyle with beach access.
• Strong community feel.

Cons:

• Higher median home price ($345,000).
• Car-dependent; limited walkability.
• Hurricane risk and high summer humidity.
• Fewer major corporate HQs; job market more limited (unless remote).

The Bottom Line

Choose Philadelphia if you value urban energy, career growth, and affordability more than safety and sunshine. It’s a city that rewards those who dive in and embrace its complexity.

Choose Largo if your priority is safety, a warmer climate, and a slower pace of life, and you’re willing to pay a premium for housing and accept the Florida weather risks.

Your move comes down to one question: Do you want to build a life in a dynamic, historic city, or settle into a sunny, safe, and relaxed community? The data points the way, but only you know which feels like home.