đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Portsmouth and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Portsmouth vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Portsmouth | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $105,756 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $560 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,582 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 148.2 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 104.7 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 146.4 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 63.4% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 37 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Let's settle this once and for all. You're trying to choose between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two completely different worlds, budgets, and lifestyles.
I'm here to cut through the noise, look at the hard numbers, and give it to you straight. Grab your coffee, and let's dive into the ultimate head-to-head showdown.
The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Coastal Charm
First, let's talk about the soul of these places.
Philadelphia is a major metro area with the energy to match. We're talking about the 6th largest city in the U.S. by population. It's a hustle-and-bustle city of 1.5 million people, dripping with American history (hello, Liberty Bell), world-class museums, and a legendary food scene. The vibe is unapologetically urban—you're dealing with subways, dense neighborhoods, and a 24/7 pace. It’s for the person who wants access to everything: major sports, endless nightlife, and the anonymity of a big city.
Portsmouth, on the other hand, is the definition of a picturesque New England seaport. With a tiny population of just 22,000, it feels like a charming, walkable town. The vibe is historic, maritime, and decidedly upscale. Think cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, fantastic seafood, and a tight-knit community. It's for the person who prioritizes quality of life, safety, and scenic beauty over sheer size and chaos.
Who is each city for?
- Philadelphia: The ambitious young professional, the history buff, the foodie on a budget, and anyone who thrives in a fast-paced, diverse environment.
- Portsmouth: The remote worker with a high salary, the retiree seeking safety and charm, the coastal lover, and the family that prioritizes a small-town feel with big-city amenities nearby (Boston is just an hour away).
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk cold, hard cash.
Purchasing Power Showdown:
If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, your money stretches significantly further. The median income here is $60,302, meaning a six-figure salary puts you in a very comfortable position. In Portsmouth, where the median income is a lofty $105,756, that same $100k feels more average. You're not "rich" in Portsmouth; you're just keeping up.
Cost of Living Deep Dive:
| Expense Category | Philadelphia | Portsmouth | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $875,000 | Sticker shock in Portsmouth. Philly is 3.2x more affordable for homebuyers. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $1,582 | Surprisingly close, but Philly offers more rental inventory and variety. |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 148.2 | A clear win for Philly. Portsmouth's housing is 25% more expensive than the national average. |
| Overall Cost of Living | Slightly above national avg. | Significantly above avg. | Everyday costs (groceries, utilities) are higher in NH, especially without sales tax to offset it. |
The Tax Twist: This is a massive factor. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%, plus local city wages (Philly has a ~3.9% wage tax for residents). New Hampshire has 0% state income tax on wages. However, NH has high property taxes (often over 2% of home value) and a 8.5% meals & rooms tax. Verdict: For middle-to-high earners, NH's no income tax is a huge perk, but it's often offset by sky-high property taxes and home prices.
Salary Wars Verdict: Philadelphia wins on pure affordability. Your $100k goes a lot further here, especially if you're looking to buy a home. Portsmouth is for those with higher incomes who can absorb the premium for location and lifestyle.
The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?
Buying a Home:
- Philadelphia: This is a relatively accessible market for a major city. With a median price of $270,375, homeownership is a realistic goal for many. The market is competitive but has a range of options from rowhomes to condos. It's a solid long-term investment.
- Portsmouth: The market is brutally expensive and competitive. The median price of $875,000 is out of reach for most without significant capital. You're competing with wealthy retirees, Boston commuters, and investors. It's a seller's market, and you'll likely need to pay over asking.
Renting:
- Philadelphia: A renter's paradise by comparison. You have endless neighborhoods to choose from, with prices varying wildly. From trendy Fishtown to quiet Mount Airy, you can find your fit. The $1,451 median is manageable for a dual-income household.
- Portsmouth: The rental market is tight. With a tiny population, inventory is scarce. The median rent of $1,582 might get you a basic apartment, but competition is fierce. Many rentals are seasonal or short-term, making it hard to find a year-round lease.
Housing Verdict: Philadelphia is the clear winner for buyers and renters alike. It offers far more options at a fraction of the cost. Portsmouth's housing market is a luxury item, reserved for those with very high net worth.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute:
- Philadelphia: As a major metro, traffic is real. The Schuylkill and I-95 are notorious bottlenecks. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but aging. A commute can be 30-60+ minutes depending on your route.
- Portsmouth: Traffic is minimal. You can walk downtown. However, its location means you're dependent on I-95, which gets congested during summer tourism and peak hours to Boston. A commute to Boston (~1 hour) is common but manageable.
Weather:
- Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ common), winters can be snowy and blustery, and spring/fall are beautiful. The humidity is a real factor.
- Portsmouth: Classic New England. Winters are cold and snowy, but the coastal influence can moderate temperatures slightly. Summers are milder and less humid (avg 75-80°F). It's beautiful but requires you to love winter.
Crime & Safety:
- Philadelphia: Like any major city, it has safe and less-safe neighborhoods. The violent crime rate of 726.5 per 100k is significantly higher than the national average. Research is crucial—neighborhood choice is everything.
- Portsmouth: One of the safest cities in America. The violent crime rate of 146.4 per 100k is incredibly low. It's the kind of place where people feel safe walking alone at night. A huge selling point for families and retirees.
Quality of Life Verdict: It's a tie, depending on your priorities. Portsmouth wins on safety and mild summers. Philadelphia wins on urban amenities and avoiding brutal winters (though it has its own cold).
The Final Verdict: Who Wins?
This isn't about which city is "better," but which city is better for you. Here’s the breakdown.
🏆 Winner for Families: Portsmouth
If you have a high household income and prioritize safety, excellent schools, and a tight-knit community above all else, Portsmouth is the dream. The trade-off is a much higher cost of living and a smaller-town feel. For most families, Philadelphia offers more space and affordability, but Portsmouth is the premium choice.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia
The data doesn't lie. For someone starting their career or building savings, Philadelphia is the undeniable winner. The lower cost of living, vibrant social scene, and abundance of job opportunities (especially in healthcare, education, and tech) are unbeatable. You can build a life here without being house-poor.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Portsmouth
For retirees seeking safety, beauty, and a slower pace, Portsmouth is the clear choice. The low crime rate, walkable downtown, and access to coastal activities are ideal. The financial hurdle is high, but if you're selling a home in a high-cost area (like Boston or NYC), it might be feasible. Philadelphia offers more cultural amenities but at the cost of urban hustle and higher crime.
Pros & Cons: At a Glance
Philadelphia: Pros & Cons
âś… PROS:
- Affordable for a major city. You can own a home here.
- World-class culture, food, and history. Endless things to do.
- Strong job market in diverse sectors.
- Excellent public transit (for the US).
- Diverse neighborhoods with distinct personalities.
❌ CONS:
- High violent crime rate. Research is essential.
- Traffic and congestion. Yes, it's real.
- City wage tax. An extra hit on your paycheck.
- Summers can be oppressively humid.
Portsmouth: Pros & Cons
âś… PROS:
- Extremely safe. One of the lowest crime rates in the nation.
- Stunning coastal beauty and walkable downtown.
- No state income tax on wages.
- High quality of life and excellent schools.
- Proximity to Boston and other New England gems.
❌ CONS:
- Extremely expensive housing. Median home price is $875k.
- Very small population. Limited diversity and things can feel insular.
- Long, snowy winters.
- Competitive rental market.
- High property taxes to offset no income tax.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Philadelphia if you want big-city excitement on a manageable budget and are willing to navigate urban challenges.
Choose Portmouth if you have the income to afford the premium, prioritize safety and scenic charm, and want a slower, more picturesque lifestyle.
Now, the real question is: what's your priority—bang for your buck or paying for paradise?