Category / Metric	Peoria	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$97,296	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4.3%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$516,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$256	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,424	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	124.3	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	98.4	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	189.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	34.4%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	42	40

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

So, you're trying to decide between the City of Brotherly Love and the River City. On paper, they're both Midwestern-ish cities, but they're worlds apart. One is a massive, gritty, historic East Coast powerhouse; the other is a smaller, quieter, surprisingly affluent Midwestern hub.

This isn't just about which city has better cheesesteaks (spoiler: Philly wins on that front, no contest). It's about where you can build a life, build wealth, and find your tribe. Let's crack open the data and the vibe to see which city deserves your next chapter.

The Vibe Check: Historic Grit vs. Quiet Affluence

Philadelphia is a city with a chip on its shoulder and a massive chip on its shoulder. It's the underdog of the Northeast, overshadowed by NYC and D.C., but it doesn't care. It's unpretentious, loud, and packed with layers of history you can literally touch. The vibe is a mix of world-class museums, gritty rowhomes, cutting-edge food scenes, and a fiercely proud, no-nonsense local culture. It’s a place for hustlers, history buffs, and people who want big-city amenities without the soul-crushing price tag of Manhattan.

Peoria is the definition of "Midwest nice." It’s the city that Fortune magazine famously used as a bellwether for the nation: "Will it play in Peoria?" It’s smaller, cleaner, and infinitely more relaxed. The vibe is family-oriented, community-focused, and built around the Illinois River. It’s a city of engineers, medical professionals, and families who prioritize space, safety, and a slower pace. You won't find the nightlife or cultural depth of Philly, but you'll find a strong sense of community and a much lower stress level.

Who is each city for?

Philadelphia: The urban explorer, the young professional, the history nerd, the foodie on a budget, the underdog who roots for the Eagles.
Peoria: The young family prioritizing safety and schools, the engineer looking for a stable job, the retiree seeking a quiet, affordable life, the person who values a short commute and a big backyard.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Get You?

This is where the story gets interesting. Peoria boasts a median income of $97,296—a staggering 61% higher than Philadelphia’s $60,302. On the surface, it looks like you’re winning the salary game in Illinois. But the devil is in the purchasing power. Let's break it down.

Cost of Living Face-Off

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Peoria, IL	The Winner?
Median Home Price	$270,375	$516,000	Philly (By a Mile)
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,424	Peoria (Slight Edge)
Housing Index	117.8	124.3	Philly
Overall Cost of Living	~12% above U.S. avg	~10% below U.S. avg	Peoria

The Sticker Shock: Peoria’s home prices are the real story here. The median home is nearly $250,000 more expensive than in Philadelphia. That’s a 92% premium. For a typical 20% down payment, you’re looking at $103,200 in Peoria vs. $54,075 in Philly. That’s a massive hurdle for first-time buyers.

Renters Get a Break: The rent difference is negligible—just $27 a month. But with Peoria’s higher median income, that rent is likely more manageable for locals.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power: Here’s the kicker. While Peoria’s median income is higher, housing costs eat up a huge chunk of that advantage. In Philadelphia, a $100,000 salary stretches much further, especially if you’re buying. You can afford a decent home in a good neighborhood without draining your savings. In Peoria, that same $100k goes less far in the housing market, despite the lower overall cost of living elsewhere.

Tax Talk: Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% income tax. Illinois also has a flat income tax, but it’s higher at 4.95%. However, Illinois property taxes can be steep. Philadelphia has a wage tax (about 3.8% for residents), which can sting. It’s a wash, but Philly’s lower home prices often win out.

The Verdict on Dollar Power: If you’re a high earner who can swing Peoria’s home prices, your salary goes far. But for the middle-class family or the young professional, Philadelphia offers more bang for your buck in the housing market, making it easier to build equity.

The Housing Market: To Buy or Rent?

Philadelphia:

Buyer's Market? It’s competitive, but not insane. With a median price of $270,375, it’s one of the most affordable big cities on the East Coast. You get historic rowhomes, newer condos, and everything in between. Inventory is tight in hot neighborhoods (Fishtown, Graduate Hospital), but more available in emerging areas.
Renting: A solid, long-term option. You can rent a nice 1BR for $1,451 with easy access to Center City. The rental market is active, but you have more leverage than in NYC.

Peoria:

Buyer's Market? This is a seller's market for single-family homes. The median price of $516,000 is steep, reflecting the demand from stable, well-paid professionals (think Caterpillar, healthcare). You’re competing for limited inventory in top school districts.
Renting: Surprisingly affordable given the income levels. You can find a nice place for $1,424, but the rental stock is smaller and less diverse than in Philly. It’s more about apartment complexes and single-family home rentals.

The Deal: If your goal is to get into homeownership without a massive down payment, Philadelphia is the clear winner. If you’re ready to buy and want a newer, larger home in a safe suburb, Peoria’s market is there—but you’ll pay a premium.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Philadelphia: Brutal. The Schuylkill Expressway and I-95 are legendary for gridlock. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but aging and often delayed. A 15-mile commute can easily take 45-60 minutes. If you don’t need to drive, you can live car-free.
Peoria: A dream by comparison. The average commute is under 20 minutes. Traffic is minimal. You’ll need a car to get around, but you’ll rarely be stuck in it. This is a massive quality-of-life win for Peoria.

Weather

Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons dramatically. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters are cold and snowy (averaging ~13 inches of snow). Spring and fall are gorgeous but brief. It’s a true East Coast climate.
Peoria: Also gets all four seasons, but it’s more extreme. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold with significant snowfall (averaging ~25 inches). The temperature swings can be harsher. Both cities are challenging if you hate winter, but Philly has the edge with slightly milder winters.

Crime & Safety

Philadelphia: Let’s be honest—this is a serious consideration. The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000 people. That’s high, and safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe, while others struggle. It requires street smarts and research.
Peoria: Significantly safer. The violent crime rate is 189.0 per 100,000 people. That’s a dramatic difference. While no city is crime-free, Peoria feels much safer, especially for families.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?

Winner for Families: PEORIA

Why: Safety, top-tier public schools (especially in the suburbs), a slower pace, and more space for your money. The higher median income supports a comfortable lifestyle. The dealbreaker is the high home price, but if you can swing it, the family-centric environment is hard to beat.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: PHILADELPHIA

Why: The energy, the culture, the dating scene, the food, and the affordability. You can rent a cool apartment, be minutes from world-class bars and museums, and build a career in a dynamic, dense city—without the financial suffocation of NYC. Peoria offers a quieter, more settled life, but Philly is where you go to live in your 20s and 30s.

Winner for Retirees: PEORIA (with a caveat)

Why: Lower crime, easier driving, and a more relaxed atmosphere. However, Philly’s walkability and robust public transit might be better for those who want to age in place without a car. Peoria wins on safety and quiet, but Philly wins on urban amenities for active seniors.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia: The Gritty Underdog

Pros:

Affordable big-city living (for the East Coast).
Incredible cultural depth (history, museums, food, arts).
Vibrant, diverse neighborhoods to explore.
Excellent public transit (when it works).
Walkable, urban core (you can live car-free).

Cons:

High violent crime rate (research neighborhoods meticulously).
Brutal traffic and commuting.
High city wage tax.
Aging infrastructure.
Challenging winters.

Peoria: The Quiet Powerhouse