📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Lynn and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Lynn vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Lynn | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $73,723 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $575,000 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $393 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $2,064 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 148.2 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 104.7 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.83 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 456.0 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 25.3% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 29 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. Lynn: The Ultimate East Coast Showdown
So, you're stuck between two East Coast heavyweights: the gritty, historic giant of Philadelphia and the salty, scenic up-and-comer of Lynn, Massachusetts. One is a sprawling metropolis with a chip on its shoulder, the other a tight-knit coastal city with a chip on its shoulder (and some great views).
Picking between them isn't just about which city has a better cheesesteak vs. a better fried clams. It's about lifestyle, wallet weight, and what you're willing to trade for a seat at the table. Let's break it down.
The Vibe Check
Philadelphia is the definition of a big-city hustle. It’s a dense, walkable, and deeply historic urban core where you can walk from a colonial-era cobblestone street to a world-class art museum in minutes. The culture is unapologetically Philly—direct, loyal, and packed with neighborhood pride. It’s a city for people who want endless energy, cultural depth, and a gritty authenticity. You’re buying into a major metro scene with a smaller price tag than NYC or DC.
Lynn is a different beast entirely. It’s a dense, working-class community perched on the Atlantic Ocean, offering a mix of blue-collar grit and stunning coastal beauty. It’s not a tourist destination; it’s a real place with a strong identity. The vibe here is more "neighborhood" than "metropolis." It’s for those who crave the ocean breeze but don't want to be priced out of a coastal lifestyle entirely. Think of it as the underdog with a killer view.
Who is it for?
- Philadelphia: The culture vulture, the history buff, the young professional who wants big-city amenities without the NYC or Boston price tag. It’s for people who thrive on energy and density.
- Lynn: The coast-lover on a budget, the commuter into Boston who wants more house for their money, the family seeking a tight-knit community with beach access.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Stretch?
This is where the rubber meets the road. The data paints a clear picture of two very different economic landscapes.
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Philadelphia’s median income is $60,302, while Lynn’s is significantly higher at $73,723. That’s a 22% edge for the Lynn worker right off the bat. However, that higher salary gets absolutely hammered by the cost of living, especially housing.
If you earn $100,000 in Philly, your purchasing power is likely stronger. The housing market, while rising, is far more accessible. In Lynn, that same $100k feels tighter, especially when you see the sticker shock on home prices and rent. You get paid more in Lynn, but you pay a lot more to live there.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Philadelphia | Lynn | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $60,302 | $73,723 | Lynn |
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $575,000 | Philly |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $2,064 | Philly |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 148.2 | Philly |
| Violent Crime/100k | 726.5 | 456.0 | Lynn |
| Avg. Temp | 52.0°F | 48.0°F | Tie |
Insight on Taxes & The Overall Picture:
Both cities are in high-tax states (PA and MA). Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%, while Massachusetts has a flat 5% tax. That’s another point for Philly in the wallet department. Combine the lower cost of living with a lower tax rate, and Philadelphia is the undeniable champion for pure financial stretch. You get a bigger bang for your buck in Philly, even if Lynn's raw salary numbers look better.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
This is the biggest divide.
Philadelphia: The market is competitive but accessible. A median home price of $270,375 is rare for a major city. It puts homeownership within reach for many middle-class buyers. The market is a mix of historic rowhomes (the iconic Philly "twin") and modern condos. It’s a buyer’s market in many neighborhoods, though desirable areas like Fishtown or Rittenhouse are fiercely competitive.
Lynn: The median home price of $575,000 is a gut punch. You’re paying a 112% premium over Philly for a home. This is the classic "coastal premium." The market here is extremely tight. It’s a seller’s market with low inventory, driving prices sky-high. Renting isn’t much better, with a 1BR costing $413 more per month than in Philly. If buying a home is your #1 goal, Lynn is a serious financial hurdle unless you have a substantial down payment.
Verdict: For renters, Philly offers more options at a lower cost. For buyers, Philly is in a different league of affordability.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute:
- Philadelphia: Traffic can be congested, but the city is remarkably walkable and has a robust public transit system (SEPTA). Commuting to NYC or DC is feasible by train. The average commute time is about 28 minutes.
- Lynn: Traffic is a major issue. As part of the Greater Boston metro, getting into downtown Boston can be a nightmare. The commute is a significant daily grind for many residents. The average commute is longer, often pushing 35+ minutes in heavy traffic.
Weather:
Don’t let the numbers fool you—both are cold. Philadelphia’s 52°F average is misleading; summers are hot and humid, and winters are snowy and icy. Lynn’s 48°F average is a coastal climate: it’s often windy, damp, and feels colder than the number suggests, with Nor'easters bringing heavy snow and rain. Philly has more extreme heat in summer; Lynn has more brutal damp cold in winter. It’s a tie, but a miserable one for people who hate winter.
Crime & Safety:
This is the starkest difference. Lynn’s violent crime rate is 456.0 incidents per 100,000 people. Philadelphia’s is 726.5. That’s a 61% higher rate in Philadelphia. While both cities have safe and unsafe neighborhoods, the overall statistical reality is that Lynn is significantly safer. If safety is your top priority, the data favors Lynn unequivocally.
The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?
No city is perfect. Here’s the bottom line for different life stages.
Winner for Families: Philadelphia
Why? Space and value. You can find a three-bedroom rowhome with a yard for under $400,000 in many family-friendly neighborhoods (like Mount Airy or Manayunk). The city has excellent public and private school options, world-class museums (the Franklin Institute, the Aquarium), and vast park systems like Fairmount Park. The lower cost of living means more money for college funds and family activities. While safety is a concern, it’s highly neighborhood-dependent, and you can find safe, vibrant communities for your family.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Philadelphia
Why? Energy and affordability. Philly’s nightlife, arts scene, and endless social opportunities are unmatched between NYC and D.C. The lower rent means you can live alone or with a roommate without breaking the bank. The city is young, dynamic, and packed with people in their 20s and 30s. You get the big-city experience for a fraction of the cost, leaving more disposable income for travel and fun.
Winner for Retirees: Lynn
Why? Pace and proximity. Lynn offers a quieter, coastal lifestyle that’s still close to Boston’s world-class healthcare. The median home price is a hurdle, but for retirees selling a home in a high-cost area (like Boston suburbs or NYC), it might be feasible. The lower violent crime rate provides peace of mind, and the ocean is a serene backdrop for retirement. However, Philly’s walkability and cultural amenities are also a huge draw for active retirees, making it a very close second.
Pros & Cons: At a Glance
Philadelphia
PROS:
- Unbeatable Affordability: Median home price under $300k in a major city.
- Big-City Culture: World-class museums, dining, sports, and history.
- Walkability & Transit: Easy to live car-free.
- Diverse Neighborhoods: From historic to modern, there’s a fit for everyone.
- Lower Taxes: PA’s flat income tax beats MA’s.
CONS:
- High Violent Crime: Statistically much higher than Lynn.
- Strained Public Services: Schools and infrastructure can be underfunded.
- Gritty Reputation: Not for those seeking pristine, manicured suburbs.
- Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy, and icy.
Lynn
PROS:
- Coastal Living: Direct access to beaches and ocean views.
- Higher Median Income: More earning potential in the region.
- Lower Violent Crime: Statistically safer than Philadelphia.
- Tight-Knit Community: Strong neighborhood identity and pride.
- Proximity to Boston: Easy access to a top-tier metro area.
CONS:
- Extreme Housing Costs: Median home price of $575k is a massive barrier.
- Traffic & Commute: Brutal congestion into Boston.
- Limited Urban Amenities: Fewer major cultural institutions than Philly.
- Higher Taxes: MA state income tax is 5%.
- Weather: Damp, windy, and cold.
The Bottom Line
Choose Philadelphia if: Your priority is affordability, urban energy, and cultural depth. You want the most house and the most city for your dollar, and you can handle the grit and crime stats that come with a major metro. It’s the pragmatic, value-packed choice.
Choose Lynn if: Your priority is safety, coastal access, and proximity to Boston. You’re willing to pay a steep premium for a quieter, more community-focused lifestyle by the sea, and you have the income to support the high cost of living. It’s the scenic, peaceful choice—just be prepared for the price tag.
In the end, the data points to Philadelphia as the smarter financial move for most people. But for those with the means and a love for the ocean, Lynn offers a unique coastal charm that Philly can’t touch. It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the life you want to build. Choose wisely.