đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Post Falls and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Post Falls vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Post Falls | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $73,313 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $538,950 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $276 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,114 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 117.1 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 93.9 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 242.6 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 23.4% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 68 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. Post Falls: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing between a city and a town is like choosing between a concert and a campfire. One is high-energy, loud, and packed with strangers; the other is intimate, quiet, and built on community. That’s the fundamental tension between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Post Falls, Idaho.
You’ve got two cities at opposite ends of the spectrum. Philly is the gritty, historic, heavyweight champ of the East Coast. Post Falls is the rising, scenic, suburban kid on the block in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re trying to decide where to plant your roots, you’re not just picking a zip code—you’re picking a lifestyle. Let’s cut through the noise and see which one actually wins for you.
The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Scenery
Philadelphia is a major city in every sense of the word. It’s walkable, loud, and dripping with history. This is the City of Brotherly Love, home to the Liberty Bell, Rocky Balboa, and a fiercely proud sports culture. The vibe is unapologetically East Coast: fast-paced, direct, and a little rough around the edges. You can grab a world-class cheesesteak at 2 a.m., catch a Phillies game, or explore one of the nation’s best museum districts. It’s dense, diverse, and constantly moving.
Post Falls is the definition of a scenic escape. Nestled between Coeur d’Alene and Spokane, it’s a gateway to the stunning Idaho Panhandle. The vibe here is all about access to the outdoors—hiking, boating, and skiing are part of the local fabric. It’s a smaller, quieter community where the pace is slower, the air is cleaner, and the crowds are minimal. This is a place where you trade skyscrapers for mountain views and historical landmarks for pristine lakes.
Who is each city for?
- Philadelphia is for the urbanite who craves energy, culture, and the amenities of a big city without the astronomical price tag of New York or Boston. It’s for foodies, history buffs, and those who thrive in a walkable, transit-rich environment.
- Post Falls is for the outdoor enthusiast, the remote worker seeking a better quality of life, or the family that prioritizes space, safety, and nature over nightlife. It’s for those who want a slower pace and are willing to trade urban grit for natural beauty.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Your paycheck’s purchasing power is the ultimate equalizer. Let’s break down the cold, hard numbers.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Philadelphia, PA | Post Falls, ID | Winner for Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $538,950 | Philadelphia |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $1,114 | Post Falls |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 117.1 | Post Falls |
| Median Income | $60,302 | $73,313 | Post Falls |
The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power Analysis
At first glance, Post Falls looks more expensive for housing, especially when you look at home prices. But let’s do the math. If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, your take-home pay after taxes (assuming a standard filing) would be roughly $75,000. In Idaho, with no state income tax, that $100,000 salary puts about $82,000 in your pocket. That’s an $7,000 difference right off the bat.
Now, consider the $270k house in Philly vs. the $539k house in Post Falls. That’s a massive $269,000 difference. Even with the higher take-home pay in Idaho, the home price gap is a dealbreaker for many. However, the $1,114 rent in Post Falls is surprisingly lower than Philly’s $1,451, which gives renters a better bang for their buck in Idaho.
The Verdict on Taxes & Overall Cost:
Philadelphia’s brutal 8% city wage tax is a major buzzkill, eating directly into your paycheck. Idaho’s 0% income tax is a massive perk, especially for high earners. But the housing market in Post Falls is white-hot, driven by an influx of remote workers and a limited supply. You’ll get more square footage and land in Idaho, but you’ll pay a steep premium for it. Philadelphia offers a lower entry point to homeownership, but you’ll deal with older housing stock and higher property taxes (around 1.5% on average).
Winner for Purchasing Power: Philadelphia (for buyers). The entry price for a home is significantly lower, making the dream of ownership more accessible.
Winner for Renters: Post Falls (by a slim margin). Lower rent combined with no state income tax gives you more cash in your pocket.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Philadelphia:
The market here is a tale of two cities. You can find a row home in a up-and-coming neighborhood for under $300k, but it might need work. In desirable areas like Fishtown or Rittenhouse Square, prices skyrocket. It’s a Seller’s Market in hot neighborhoods, with homes moving fast. Renting is competitive, but the sheer volume of apartments keeps options available. The big pro? You can actually buy something without needing a trust fund.
Post Falls:
This is a hyper-competitive Seller’s Market. The median home price has been pushed up dramatically by remote workers fleeing California and Washington. Finding a home under $400k is a challenge. New construction is happening, but it’s pricey. The rental market is tight, with limited inventory. The big con here is the sticker shock on home prices, especially when compared to local incomes. The median home price is over 7x the median income—a classic affordability crisis.
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
| Factor | Philadelphia | Post Falls | The Real Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic/Commute | Brutal. I-95 & I-76 are notorious. Public transit (SEPTA) is decent but aging. Avg commute: 27 min. | Minimal. Easy access to I-90. No traffic jams. Avg commute: 22 min. | Post Falls wins for sanity. Philly wins for car-free options. |
| Weather | 4 distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers (90°F+). Cold, snowy winters (30°F). | Colder, drier. Long, snowy winters (34°F avg). Milder summers. | If you hate snow, Philly is better. If you hate humidity, Post Falls wins. |
| Crime/Safety | High violent crime: 726.5/100k. Varies wildly by neighborhood. | Low violent crime: 242.6/100k. Much safer than national average. | Post Falls is the clear winner. Philly requires neighborhood research. |
Traffic: Philly’s traffic is a soul-crushing experience. Post Falls is a breeze. If your commute is a daily stressor, Post Falls wins hands down.
Weather: Philly summers are swampy and uncomfortable. Post Falls winters are long and dark. It’s a trade-off. Philly offers more sun in winter but more humidity in summer. Post Falls has stunning summers but requires a love of snow and winter sports.
Crime: This isn’t even close. Philadelphia’s violent crime rate is 3x higher than Post Falls’. While Philly’s crime is concentrated in specific areas, it’s a constant concern for many residents. Post Falls is one of the safer cities in America. For families and those prioritizing peace of mind, this is a massive point in Post Falls’ favor.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Where?
After crunching the numbers and living the lifestyles, here’s the definitive breakdown.
Winner for Families: Post Falls
Why: The trifecta of safety (crime rate is 1/3 of Philly’s), space (you get a yard), and schools (Idaho’s public system is highly rated, especially in suburbs like Post Falls). The outdoor-centric lifestyle is a huge bonus for kids. The major con is the high home price, but for families prioritizing safety and community, it’s worth the premium.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia
Why: The energy, the walkability, the dating scene, and the cost of entry. You can rent a room in a shared apartment for $800 in Philly, whereas in Post Falls, you’re looking at a whole $1,100+ 1BR. The cultural amenities, bars, restaurants, and networking opportunities in Philly are unmatched. You trade space and safety for a vibrant, stimulating environment.
Winner for Retirees: It’s a Tie (Based on Priorities)
- Choose Post Falls if: Your priority is safety, low taxes, and outdoor recreation. The slower pace and stunning scenery are perfect for an active retirement. The lack of state income tax is a huge financial benefit.
- Choose Philadelphia if: Your priority is walkability, cultural access, and healthcare. You can live without a car, have museums and restaurants at your doorstep, and have access to top-tier hospitals (like Penn and Jefferson). The trade-off is higher crime and city noise.
Pros & Cons: The Bottom Line
Philadelphia: The Urban Workhorse
PROS:
- Lower Home Prices: Median of $270,375 makes ownership feasible.
- World-Class Culture: Food, art, history, and sports are elite.
- Walkability & Transit: You can live car-free in many neighborhoods.
- Diverse Job Market: Strong in healthcare, finance, and education.
- No State Income Tax on retirement income (PA does tax employment income).
CONS:
- High Crime: Violent crime rate of 726.5/100k is a serious concern.
- Heavy Taxes: 8% city wage tax is a major hit to your paycheck.
- Traffic & Commute: Brutal and time-consuming.
- Humid Summers: Discomfort is a real factor for 3-4 months.
Post Falls: The Scenic Escape
PROS:
- Excellent Safety: Violent crime of 242.6/100k is very low.
- Outdoor Access: Unbeatable for hiking, boating, and skiing.
- No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your money.
- Slower Pace & Clean Air: A genuine break from city chaos.
- Good Schools & Community: Family-friendly atmosphere.
CONS:
- Sky-High Housing: Median home price of $538,950 is daunting.
- Limited Urban Amenities: Fewer restaurants, museums, and nightlife options.
- Long, Dark Winters: Can be isolating if you don’t love winter sports.
- Remote Location: Far from major airports and other big cities.
The Final Word:
If you’re chasing culture, energy, and affordable entry into homeownership, Philadelphia is your gritty champion. But if your heart beats for safety, space, and the great outdoors—and you have the budget for it—Post Falls offers a pristine, peaceful life that feels worlds away from the East Coast grind. Choose the city that matches your soul, not just your spreadsheet.