Category / Metric	Nashua	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$97,667	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$487,500	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$291	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,489	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	127.8	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	97.4	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	146.4	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	41%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	44	40

Philadelphia vs. Nashua: The Ultimate East Coast Showdown

So, you're staring down the barrel of a major move. On one side, you’ve got the gritty, legendary, and oh-so-historical Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love, home of cheesesteaks, the Liberty Bell, and a skyline that’s been shaping America since 1776.

On the other side, you’ve got Nashua. The "Gate City" of New Hampshire, a smaller, quieter contender that’s part of the Boston metro sprawl, offering a slice of New England charm without the Boston price tag (well, almost).

Choosing between them isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about picking a lifestyle. Are you a city soul who craves the buzz of street life and world-class museums? Or are you a homebody craving safety, good schools, and a backyard that doesn't require a mortgage the size of a small country?

Let’s break it down, head-to-head.

1. The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Suburban Calm

This is the easiest category to call, and it sets the stage for everything else.

Philadelphia is a major metropolitan beast. With a population of 1.55 million, it’s the beating heart of the Delaware Valley. The vibe is intense, diverse, and unapologetically itself. You’ll find incredible food (beyond just cheesesteaks), legendary sports fandoms (Go Birds!), and a history that’s literally etched into the cobblestones. It’s fast-paced, walkable in many neighborhoods, and offers a level of cultural access you simply can’t get in a smaller city. It’s for the person who wants to feel connected to something bigger, who thrives on energy, and who doesn’t mind a little urban grit.

Nashua, with a population of 91,000, is the definition of a large town or small city. The vibe is quintessential New England: clean, orderly, and quiet. It’s a commuter city, heavily influenced by its proximity to Boston and Southern New Hampshire’s tech corridor. The lifestyle here is more suburban—think strip malls, chain restaurants, and a strong focus on family and community. It’s for the person who wants a low-key life, values safety above all else, and prefers a short drive to a mountain hike over a subway ride to a museum.

Who is each city for?

Philadelphia: Young professionals, culture vultures, history buffs, foodies, and anyone who needs the energy of a major city to feel alive.
Nashua: Families, commuters who work in the Boston area, retirees seeking a peaceful New England setting, and those who prioritize a quieter, suburban lifestyle.

2. The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power.

At first glance, the rent prices look deceptively similar. A one-bedroom in Philly rents for $1,451, while Nashua is slightly higher at $1,489. Don’t let that fool you. The real story is told in the cost of living index and the median income.

Philadelphia has a lower median income ($60,302) but a slightly lower housing index (117.8). The key here is that while housing is expensive, other costs like groceries, transportation, and utilities might be more manageable. The "bang for your buck" in Philly comes from the sheer volume of deals, cheap eats, and free cultural events. You can live like a king on a modest budget if you know the right spots.

Nashua tells a different story. The median income is significantly higher ($97,667), but so is the cost of living, especially for housing. The housing index is 127.8, which is notably higher than Philly’s. This is the "Boston effect"—you’re paying a premium to be within commuting distance of a major economic hub. While your salary looks bigger on paper, a huge chunk of it will go directly into your mortgage or rent, and New Hampshire’s property taxes are notoriously high (though there’s no state income or sales tax to offset it).

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Verdict
If you earn $100,000, where does it feel like more?

In Philadelphia, your $100k gives you significant purchasing power. You can afford a nice apartment in a desirable neighborhood, eat out regularly, and still save. The lack of state income tax on wages (Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% rate) helps. Your dollar stretches further in daily life.

In Nashua, your $100k feels tighter. The higher housing costs and property taxes will eat into your budget. While you save on state income tax (NH has none), the overall cost of living is higher. You’ll have a comfortable life, but you’ll likely be more budget-conscious, especially if you’re a homeowner.

The Insight: Philly offers better overall purchasing power for the average earner. Nashua’s higher median income is a reflection of its connection to the Boston job market, but it comes with a steeper cost of living, particularly in housing.

Cost of Living Breakdown (Philadelphia vs. Nashua)

Category	Philadelphia	Nashua	Winner
Median Home Price	$270,375	$487,500	Philadelphia (by a mile)
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,489	Philadelphia (slightly)
Housing Index	117.8	127.8	Philadelphia
Median Income	$60,302	$97,667	Nashua (on paper)
State Income Tax	3.07% (flat)	0%	Nashua
Sales Tax	8%	0% (NH has none)	Nashua
Property Tax	~1.4% of assessed value	~1.9% of assessed value	Philadelphia (lower rate)

3. The Housing Market: Buyers vs. Sellers

Philadelphia’s Market: It’s a buyer’s market with a twist. The median home price of $270,375 is remarkably affordable for a major coastal city. You get more square footage and historic charm for your money. However, the market is competitive in desirable neighborhoods (like Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, or Queen Village). You’ll face bidding wars, but the entry point is much lower. Renting is a viable long-term option with a decent supply of apartments.

Nashua’s Market: This is a seller’s market, and it’s fierce. The median home price of $487,500 reflects the intense demand from Boston commuters and families fleeing Massachusetts taxes. Inventory is low, competition is high, and homes sell fast. If you’re looking to buy, you need to be prepared to move quickly and potentially offer over asking price. Renting is also expensive and competitive.

Verdict: If you’re a first-time homebuyer on a budget, Philadelphia is far more accessible. If you have a larger budget and value the New England lifestyle, Nashua is an option, but be ready for a competitive and pricey market.

4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Philadelphia: A commuter’s nightmare and dream. The SEPTA system (subway, regional rail) is extensive and can get you around the city and to the suburbs. However, traffic on I-95, I-76, and the Schuylkill Expressway is legendary for its congestion. Parking in the city is a scarce and expensive resource.
Nashua: A car is non-negotiable. Public transit is minimal. The big advantage is proximity to I-93, making the commute to Boston (about 45 minutes without traffic) or Manchester feasible. However, traffic can bottleneck at rush hour, and winter weather can make driving treacherous.

Weather

Philadelphia: You get four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common), but winters are milder than New England, with average snowfall around 13 inches. Spring and fall are beautiful. It’s a classic Mid-Atlantic climate.
Nashua: True New England weather. Winters are cold and snowy (average snowfall ~50 inches), with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Summers are warm but less humid than Philly. If you hate snow and long, gray winters, Nashua will be a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast.

Philadelphia: The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000. This is significantly above the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood; some areas are perfectly safe and family-friendly, while others face serious challenges. You must do your homework on specific neighborhoods.
Nashua: The violent crime rate is 146.4 per 100,000. This is well below the national average and one of the lowest in the region. Nashua is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in New Hampshire. This is a massive point in its favor for families and retirees.

The Safety Verdict: Nashua is the clear winner for safety. It’s not even close. Philadelphia requires a more nuanced approach to neighborhood selection.

5. The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?

After breaking down the data, the culture, and the day-to-day realities, here’s the final showdown.

Winner for Families: Nashua

Why: The safety stats are unbeatable. The schools in the Nashua area are generally well-regarded, and the community is geared toward family life. The trade-off is the higher cost of living and a less diverse cultural landscape, but for many families, safety and community are the top priorities.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia

Why: The energy, the career opportunities (especially in healthcare, education, and tech), the nightlife, and the lower cost of living make Philly the obvious choice. You can build a social life, network, and enjoy a city lifestyle without the financial strain of Boston or NYC.

Winner for Retirees: Nashua

Why: Safety, a quieter pace of life, and the beautiful New England scenery are perfect for retirement. The lack of a state income tax is a huge financial benefit for those on a fixed income. Philadelphia’s intensity and higher crime rates can be less appealing in later years.

Final Pros & Cons

Philadelphia: The Gritty Contender

Pros:

Affordable for a major East Coast city.
Incredible culture – museums, history, food, sports.
Walkable and has decent public transit.
Lower taxes on income and property than Nashua.
Diverse neighborhoods with unique characters.

Cons:

High crime rate in many areas; research is mandatory.
Traffic and parking are notoriously difficult.
Summers are hot and humid.
Urban grit isn’t for everyone.

Nashua: The Safe Bet