Levittown CDP vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Levittown CDP	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$101,619	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$311,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$null	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,190	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	117.8	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	100.3	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	413.7	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	25.1%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	40

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Philadelphia and Levittown CDP.

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Philadelphia vs. Levittown: The Ultimate Philly Suburb Showdown

Trying to decide between the gritty, iconic energy of Center City and the quiet, manicured streets of the suburbs? You’re looking at two vastly different lifestyles that happen to be neighbors. On one side, you have Philadelphia, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., a cultural powerhouse with a history etched into every brick. On the other, Levittown, the quintessential post-war American suburb in Bucks County, offering a slice of the American Dream on a quiet cul-de-sac.

As a relocation expert, I’ve seen this dilemma play out a thousand times. Do you crave the walkability and nightlife of a major metro, or do you want the peace of mind that comes with a fenced-in backyard and a two-car garage? Let’s crunch the numbers and the vibes to find your perfect fit.

The Vibe Check: City Slicker vs. Suburban Sanctuary

Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods. It’s a place where you can grab a cheesesteak from a corner joint that’s been there for decades, then walk three blocks to a world-class museum. The vibe is unpretentious, gritty, and fiercely proud. It’s fast-paced, loud, and incredibly walkable. You don’t need a car here; in fact, owning one in certain neighborhoods can be a headache. This is a city for people who feed off energy, who want to be in the middle of the action, and who value history and culture at their doorstep.

Levittown CDP (Census Designated Place) is the definition of suburban comfort. Born in the 1950s as one of the first mass-produced suburbs, it offers a predictable, family-oriented lifestyle. Think tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and a strong sense of community. The vibe is quiet, safe, and convenient. You’re likely driving everywhere—grocery store, school, the local diner. It’s a place where you can decompress after a long day, with the noise of the city a distant hum in the background. This is for those who prioritize space, quiet, and a traditional family life.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia: Young professionals, creatives, foodies, history buffs, and anyone who wants to be in the heart of the action without a car payment.
• Levittown: Families with kids, empty-nesters looking for stability, and commuters who want a peaceful retreat after a day in the city.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

This is where things get interesting. While Levittown boasts a significantly higher median income ($101,619 vs. Philadelphia’s $60,302), the cost of living tells a more nuanced story. Let’s break it down.

First, a critical note: Both locations share the same Housing Index of 117.8. This means, relative to the national average, housing costs are elevated in both places. However, the type of housing and the associated costs differ.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Philadelphia	Levittown CDP	Winner
Median Income	$60,302	$101,619	Levittown
Median Home Price	$270,375	$311,000	Philadelphia
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,190	Levittown
Utilities (Monthly)	~$150	~$155	Tie
Groceries	~10% above nat'l avg	~8% above nat'l avg	Levittown

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s say you earn $100,000. In Levittown, you’re right at the median income, which means you’ll fit in comfortably, but you won’t feel "rich." In Philadelphia, earning $100,000 puts you in the top 25% of earners. Your purchasing power will feel significantly stronger in the city, especially for housing. You can find a spacious apartment in a desirable neighborhood for less than the cost of a modest single-family home in Levittown.

The Tax Twist:
Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%. There’s no major tax advantage here. However, Philadelphia has a notorious City Wage Tax of 3.75% for residents and 4.27% for non-residents who work in the city. This is a massive dealbreaker for many. If you live and work in Philly, you’re paying nearly 7% in combined state and city income tax. Levittown residents only pay the state rate. This tax burden can wipe out a significant chunk of Philadelphia’s salary advantage.

Verdict on Wallet: Levittown wins on raw income numbers and lower rent, but Philadelphia offers more bang for your buck if you earn a high salary and can avoid the city wage tax (e.g., by living in Philly but working in the suburbs). For most middle-income earners, Levittown’s higher median income provides a more comfortable financial cushion.

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The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying

Philadelphia:

• Buying: The median home price is $270,375, which is surprisingly accessible for a major city. You can find row homes, condos, and even some single-family houses in the outer neighborhoods. The market is competitive but offers variety.
• Renting: Rent is high at $1,451 for a 1BR, but the inventory is vast. You have everything from luxury high-rises to historic walk-ups.
• Market Status: A mix. Popular neighborhoods like Fishtown or Graduate Hospital are a seller’s market, while others are more balanced.

Levittown CDP:

• Buying: The median home price is $311,000. You’re almost exclusively buying a single-family home. These are often classic Levittown capes or ranches—small but functional, with private yards. The market is fiercely competitive for these starter homes.
• Renting: Surprisingly affordable at $1,190 for a 1BR. However, rental inventory is extremely limited. It’s a market dominated by homeowners, so finding a rental can be a challenge.
• Market Status: Firmly a seller’s market. Low inventory and high demand for family homes drive prices up and put buyers in a tough spot.

Verdict on Housing: Philadelphia wins for flexibility. Whether you want to rent or buy, the city provides more options across a wider price range. Levittown is a tough market for both buyers and renters due to limited inventory.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: If you work in the city, you can walk, bike, or take SEPTA. Commuting out of the city to the suburbs can be a nightmare on I-95 or I-76. Traffic is dense and unpredictable.
• Levittown: The commute is everything. You are likely driving to a train station (like the Levittown Line) to get into Philadelphia or NYC, or driving to work in the surrounding corporate parks. Commute times can easily hit 45-60 minutes each way. Local traffic is light.

Winner for Commute: Philadelphia (if you work in the city).

Weather

Both locations experience four distinct seasons. The data shows a slight difference in average temperature (52.0°F in Philly vs. 54.0°F in Levittown), but the experience is similar.

• Summers: Hot and humid, with average highs in the 80s and heat waves pushing into the 90s.
• Winters: Cold and snowy. Expect regular snowfall and temperatures dipping into the 20s.
• Spring/Fall: The sweet spot. Beautiful foliage and mild temperatures.

Winner for Weather: Tie. It’s the same Mid-Atlantic climate.

Crime & Safety

This is the most significant differentiator.

• Philadelphia: The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000 people. This is over double the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe, while others struggle with high crime rates. You must be street-smart and research specific blocks.
• Levittown: The violent crime rate is 413.7 per 100,000 people. This is roughly 30% lower than Philadelphia and much closer to the national average. The community is tight-knit, and crime is generally property-based (theft from cars) rather than violent.

Winner for Safety: Levittown, by a landslide. This is a major selling point for families.

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The Verdict: Who Should Choose Where?

After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the costs, here are the clear winners for different life stages.

Winner for Families: Levittown CDP

Why: Safety is the #1 priority for most families, and Levittown delivers. The lower crime rate, access to highly-rated suburban school districts (like Neshaminy), and the quintessential backyard-for-the-kids lifestyle are unbeatable. While the housing market is tight, you get more space for your money compared to a city row home. The higher median income means more financial stability for raising a family.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Philadelphia

Why: Your dollar goes further in the city if you earn a good salary. The cultural scene, nightlife, and networking opportunities are unparalleled. You can live without a car, saving thousands annually. The city wage tax is a hit, but the trade-off is access to everything. For a young professional, the energy and convenience of Philadelphia are a massive advantage over the quiet of Levittown.

Winner for Retirees: Levittown CDP

Why: Stability, safety, and a slower pace of life. While Philadelphia has great healthcare and cultural amenities, the noise, traffic, and higher crime can be draining for retirees. Levittown offers a peaceful environment, a strong sense of community, and lower crime rates. The cost of living, particularly for homeowners, can be more manageable on a fixed income (especially without a city wage tax). It’s a place to enjoy retirement in comfort.

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Final Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Walkable, car-optional lifestyle.
• Incredible cultural, food, and arts scene.
• More housing options (rent & buy) at a lower median price.
• Strong job market in healthcare, education, and tech.
• Rich history and vibrant neighborhoods.

Cons:

• High violent crime rate (varies by neighborhood).
• City wage tax (3.75%) is a significant financial burden.
• Traffic and commuting out of the city is brutal.
• Public schools are inconsistent; private school is an added expense.
• Older housing stock can have maintenance issues.

Levittown CDP

Pros:

• Much safer than Philadelphia.
• Excellent for families with strong school districts.
• Higher median income ($101,619) and lower rent.
• Quiet, suburban lifestyle with private yards.
• Close proximity to nature and parks.

Cons:

• Car-dependent. Walking or biking is not practical.
• Long, expensive commute if working in Philadelphia or NYC.
• Very limited rental and housing inventory (seller’s market).
• Less cultural diversity and fewer dining/nightlife options.
• Can feel isolating or boring for young singles.

The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you crave urban energy, walkability, and cultural immersion. Choose Levittown if safety, family life, and a quiet retreat are your top priorities. Your wallet, lifestyle, and life stage will point you to the right choice.